Thermal Mass Effect of Logs
Thermal mass effect is often defined as thermal capacitance or time lag. It is the high heat retention factor of a solid wall to limit heat transfer through itself. A solid log wall in summer will delay the heat trying to get through to the cooler inside of the cabin. National Bureau of Standards StudyIn 1980 – 1982 the National Bureau of Standards (NBS) did a study for the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Department of Energy (DOE) in an effort to determine the effects of mass on thermal retention.The NBS compared a log building to an insulated conventionally-framed building. The log building was constructed with 7” solid logs rated at a nominal R-10 and the framed building was insulated with 3 ½” of fiberglass and rated at a nominal R-12. The NBS found that over the winter heating period the two buildings used basically the same energy for heat. But here's where it gets interesting. The NBS study also found that:
R-Values Not RepresentativeOne problem with using R-values alone to compare the thermal performance of materials is that R-values are only a good representation under conditions of constant interior and exterior temperatures. This is just not the case in the real world. The R-value has a inverse correlation to the temperature differential.Remember there are three types of heat transfer: convection, conduction and radiation and fiberglass insulation basically addresses only convection. A solid log wall also resists the conduction of heat and produces a more eco-friendly home. Further Resources: Are Log Homes Energy Efficient? Green Building Tips for your Log Cabin Design Tips for Your Log Home See our Recommended Reading at the Virtual Library Log Home Decorating Ideas Return from Thermal Mass Effect page to Energy Efficient Log Home page Return from Thermal Mass Effect page to Log Cabin Connection home
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