How is the Bondu dovetail log wall insulated

How is the Bondu dovetail log wall insulated

The Bondu Logs are air dried for a minimum of two years before they are milled.  This creates two huge benefits.  First any bad checks, pitch or other defects can be graded out of the logs before final milling.  Secondly and the key to our whole wall system is dry logs don't shrink or settle like normal green logs.  The most settling we ever see is approx. 1/4" over a 9 foot high wall.  With virtually no shrinkage we can add an insulation layer to the inside of the wall without needing the typical complicated and labour intensive systems that normal log walls are "famous" for.

The Bondu Log Wall Assembly (from left to right)

• 5” x 10” white pine logs (bearing wall) with dovetail corners
• 1.5” T&G Recycled Wood Fiberboard Panelling (air barrier & complete thermal break)
• 2”x4” stud framed wall filled with batt insulation (non-load bearing = minimal framing materials)
• Vapor membrane
• 1”x12” white pine interior finishing or drywall

R-value 34
with 2”x6” interior wall (12.5” total wall width)

R-value 26
with 2'x4" interior wall (10.5" total wall width) 

The spaces between the logs are filled with batt insulation. We generally supply mineral wool batts as we like it's fire resistant qualities and natural raw materials.  We do not recommend to spray foam as we like to keep the wall assembly breathable which will avoid any chance of condensation and mildew. If you live in a very wet area and are concerned about rain water penetrating from the outside, we can supply a rain-guard membrane which gets applied to the inside of the log wall. It is important to keep the wall breathable to allow any moisture within the wall (for what ever reason) to be able to dry out and not get trapped.  After many years of experience and thoughtful research and with the backup from our engineering reports we highly recommend this insulation regime however if you prefer a different system we are open to discussing other options available to you.