If you are old enough to remember homes that had little to no insulation, you will appreciate today’s well-insulated houses. Your parents or grandparents can tell you what it was like if you never experienced these homes. They could get hot in the summer and cold in the winter depending on the climate.

Today, we have a wide selection of types of insulation to meet home and business needs. Log siding homes need adequate insulation in the walls between the exterior and interior siding. If you are contemplating building a log siding home, consult with both your contractor and a local insulation expert. Determine the type, amount, and placement of this wonderful material.

Log Siding Home Insulation Principles

As you know, insulation helps keep cool air inside your home in the summer and warm air inside in the winter months. What many people don’t know is this material must be present in all six areas of a log home. It must be behind the four walls, above the ceiling, and under the floors to efficiently do its job. Some basic things to know about insulation include:

  • It’s rated by R-value where the higher the number the better it insulates
  • Place foam insulation around water pipes
  • Seal around rim-joists with caulking
  • Use foam or caulk for small gaps
  • Use a leak detector to find gaps that need insulation
  • Do not cover the attic vents with insulation

Your home will be more comfortable year-round and energy-efficient with the right insulation no matter where you live.

Types Of Log Siding Home Insulation

There are many types of efficient insulating materials for your log home. Your building contractor and local insulation experts can help you choose which of the following to use:

  • Batt and Roll typically consist of fiberglass fibers with or without a facing material.
  • Concrete Block is material placed inside concrete block foundations
  • Foam Board or Rigid Foam are rigid panels made of polystyrene
  • Loose Fill and Blown In consists of particles of fiber, foam, or other materials
  • Radiant Barriers and Reflective insulation reflect heat away from living areas
  • Sprayed Foam is a liquid foam that expands to fill spaces
  • Structural Panels have higher R-values than regular foam board

Take the time to research which is the best type for your situation and building budget.

“Today, we have a wide selection of types of insulation to meet home and business needs.”

Log Siding Home Insulation By Climate 

Your climate can make a difference in selecting the best type and amount of insulation for a log home. The types of heating and cooling system and the part of the house you plan to insulate also determine the insulation needs.  Here are some things you need to be aware of:

  • The recommended R-value for homes in warm climates should be R-25 or higher
  • The R-value for homes in colder climates should be up to R-49 or higher
  • High levels of attic insulation are needed in hot climates
  • Well-insulated homes save energy, reduce utility costs, and dampen noises
  • Inefficient heating and cooling systems need more insulation than high-grade ones
  • R-values vary for attic, wall, floor, basement, foundations, and garage areas.

Overall, fiberglass insulation is good for hot climates, and loose-fill fiberglass is good for cold climates.

Where To Put Log Siding Home Insulation

Do not try to scrimp on insulating your log siding home. The little extra you spend on doing a thorough job will be returned many times with energy bill savings. Insulating a log siding home consists of placing your choice of materials between the wall framing of exterior walls. The siding and OSB board provide additional R-value. Insulate in these places:

  • Attics
  • Floors
  • Ceilings
  • Windows
  • Doors
  • Ductwork
  • Basements
  • Foundations
  • Crawl Spaces

You should also insulate around any holes through which wires or pipes come into the house. If you want to dampen second-floor noise, you can insulate above the first-floor ceilings. Your home can be even more comfortable by building the walls with 2”x 6” studs instead of 2x4s.

Caring For Your Log Home Insulation

Most of us give little thought to caring for and maintaining our home’s insulation. The following tips will help preserve your insulation’s integrity and help it do its job:

  • Conduct an annual home insulation inspection
  • Prevent moisture from ruining the insulation
  • Check for air leaks and insulation settling and correct them
  • Maintain proper ventilation throughout your house
  • Regularly inspect and clean air ducts
  • Install or upgrade weather stripping
  • Be aware that insulation can deteriorate

Insulate your log siding home well and maintain it to keep comfortable, maintain energy efficiency, and reduce costs.

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