These two general properties of the logs that give basic insulation seem to be quite interesting, but for present day situation one would need to go for additional insulation of various types discussed below.
Chinking:
Though people might not be looking for fine grade insulation, still the minimal insulation between the logs would be required while we can ignore rest of the areas in these log cabins. Though the types of logs used could be different like the round fitted, three sided and the flattened models or the simple round, all of them would definitely need chinking applied on them. Here a thin layered insulation is gently applied between the logs and to the top and bottoms parts of the logs. With this type of insulation all the gaps that are caused with the irregularities in the size of the logs would be easily covered thus reducing the chances for future cracks and addressing any cracks that are already found in the logs. Following this, the caulking or chinking should be applied on both sides of the insulation for giving better strength to the cabin.
Let us also discuss about the other things that would decide on the insulation requirements.
Size of the logs:
In general 8 inches diameter logs are used for constructing modern log houses. In few use cases we notice that two or three sided logs with thickness of 6 inches is used when placed in an order to make the wall would provide 3 to 4 inches contact surface with cabin logs. One should pay considerable attention in providing proper insulation and filling these gaps.
Machine made logs:
There are two ways that the logs are made, one way by using free hand and the other way is with machines. Though machines do a nice job in cutting the logs into equal measurements, there are several requirements of insulation for each of the log types that are cut by the machine. Though the logs are turned inside the lathe up to a specific diameter and are then grooved by machine to provide tight fitting, they still need insulation along with an additional caulking. Thus depending on the type of logs used different level of insulation is to be done.
Peeled logs:
The hand peeled logs that are used for insulated log cabins would definitely provide less cracks and gaps in between the logs thus reducing the overall cost to be incurred on insulation. These peeled logs would be found in measurements of 8 inches at the top and nearly 14 inches at the bottom which are fixed in the manner of attaching the top with the bottom. This arrangement would result in very minimal gaps between the logs thus requiring very less insulation for filling the gaps. For such small gaps it is recommended to use fiberglass insulation followed by coating with vinyl material. As vinyl will not shrink away from the logs they provide better sealing for the cracks if any found in the cabins. The type of filling material use should always have low R value than the R value of the logs which would help provide insulated log cabins of superior quality. Providing roof insulation would further enhance the life time of cabins thus enabling long living experience in them. spray foam installer