Insulated logs: How it works.

We use a high density EPS core in our insulated logs.  The EPS provides a very high R-value as compared to wood. 

EPS insulation is R 4.7 per inch of thickness

Softwood is R 1.4 per inch of thickness

Link to reference:

http://www.energysavers.gov/your_home/designing_remodeling/index.cfm/mytopic=10170

Our engineered insulated log is designed and built as a Box Beam.  The log has a high density EPS core.  This makes our insulated log a much higher R-value than timber logs.

An example we like to use is:

If you buy a cup of coffee at a drive through.  The coffee is typically 140 degree F.  You can hold that coffee cup in your hand and not be burnt.  You can set the cup down for 20 minutes and still have a hot cup of coffee.  The cup is 1/8" thick and made from EPS.  Similar to the material we use in our insulated logs.  In our standard 8" logs, the EPS we use is 38 times as thick as that coffee cup.  You can see now how the EPS insulation slows the transfer of heat in your log walls. 

You only need to invest in insulation one time.  If you choose not to insulate, you will pay the increased energy costs each and every year.  Energy costs are continuing to increase and I do not know anyone that believes they will ever come back down.

A typical full timber 8 inch D-log has a cross section of 7 1/2 inch at its center and will be 6 1/2 inch at its narow points top and bottom.  An average thickness of 7 inch.

This would give you a calculated R-value of:

7 inches {average log thickness} x 1.41 {R-value of dry softwood} = R-9.9

The R-value calculation for wood assumes no checks or splits and that the timber is dry.  How many whole timber logs have you seen without checks and splits.  Not many.

Our insulated 8 inch D-log nets a calculated R-value of R-21.  More than twice the R-value provided by the best natural wood log. This example nets a 112% higher R-value.