Insulating a window header in a scribed log home
We are building a log home in SE BC climate zone 5-6.
I know that the GBA staff are NOT keen on log homes as they see these as being an energy sink.
We have taken great pains to maximize insulation – using EPS Foam, Dense Packing, Roxul, Energy Seal, Chinking, Smoke Tests , Pressure Doors Tests, LED Lighting , no pot lights in the cathedral ceilings , insulating all rim joists and basement slabs, etc We have try to seal and insulate and make the conditioned interior space as tight as possible.
My Question: Given the fact that log homes shrink and settle – can you please recommend the BEST method to insulate the shrinkage gap about the window and door headers. Foam is out as it will crack upon setting. Fibreglass insulation is useless – how about a Roxul Bag Sandwich with The Roxul Insulation placed in an airtight bag to mimimize air infiltration? Until the house fully settles – I can’t see foaming this space?
Thanks for your advice,
Mark Kozlowski
Vancouver, BC
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Replies
Mark,
Your idea could work. If you purchased your logs from a log home company, you could ask the log supplier for ideas.
In the 1970s, a friend of mine built a log home, cutting the cedar logs on his own land and skidding them with oxen. He used many different chinking materials over the years, including oakum -- a traditional material for this purpose. Oakum is still available if you want to experiment with old-fashioned materials.
Mark,
I agree with Martin that your idea could work, with or without caulk to seal the bag to the wood and to the window.
Wide tape could probably also work, leaving slack in case the gap gets bigger. You could combine this with your idea.
Charlie,
Trust me: the gap will only get smaller, not bigger. That's what happens when you leave a gap between the top of a window and the course of logs above the window.
Thank you for your help and ideas - Merry Christmas to all of you!
Mark