Considering the R-factor traditionally assigned to a solid log wall is generally a low rating - an 8" log, for instance, is given a normal R-10 value - why, then, does a log home perform so well? The answer lies in the properties inherent in solid log construction. Unlike insulating materials with much higher assigned R-values, the log combines its natural insulating ability with the "thermal capacitance" of the log material. Simply put, the billions of air cells within the structure of the wood slow down the transfer of heat trying to escape in the winter. In summer, these cells reverse the protection by not permitting easy transfer of heat from outside to the inside of your log home.

At the same time the mass of your log wall provides a reservoir to store energy. This "thermal capacitance" of a solid log wall means less fluctuation in the temperature while still insulating the indoors from the outdoors. It also means lower energy costs for and less disruptions to the environment as less fuel is consumed to maintain comfortable temperatures.