Cordwood construction uses wood and masonry mortar to create walls that are 12-36 inches thick. The technique is sustainable, cost-effective, and provides high thermal resistance. Insulation can be added through-the-wall or with the MIM technique.
Cordwood construction is a home construction technique that uses a combination of wood and masonry mortar. It is often known as stackwall or stockwood construction and has been practiced for centuries, particularly in colder climates. Rather than using full beams or steel framing, cordwood homes are made with shorter sections of wood, similar to firewood. This technique is associated with a number of environmental benefits which have helped to increase its popularity over time, even with the introduction of new building materials.
The walls used in cordwood construction generally range from 12 to 36 inches (30.5 to 91.4 cm) thick. Layers of debarked wooden logs are stacked to form the walls, with the ends of each log facing the outside surface of the wall. They are held together with a traditional mortar mix of Portland cement, lime, sand and water. Some larger cordwood homes may feature a post-and-beam frame, while others use only cordwood and mortar. The logs are often arranged so that they protrude from the face of the mortar by a few inches, providing a rustic, traditional log cabin look.
There are two basic techniques used to insulate cordwood homes. The most common is a through-the-wall method, where insulation is added directly to the mortar in the form of shredded sawdust or newspaper. Some builders may also use mortar/insulation/mortar curb (MIM) construction. Using the MIM technique, the logs are stacked normally, but the mortar is only placed at the two ends of the log. When the wall is built, loose-fill insulation is placed between the logs and layers of mortar.
Cordwood construction offers many different benefits to homeowners. It is quick and easy to install and is much more cost-effective than traditional wood or steel structures. Cordwood walls are flexible and can be molded into any desired shape or design. The thickness of these walls provides a high level of thermal resistance, especially when adequate insulation is added. This can help keep your home comfortable by keeping your heating and cooling bills in check.
One of the main benefits of cordwood construction is its level of sustainability. The wood used to build these houses can come from virtually any source. It can consist of scrap lumber, fire-damaged wood, or leftover materials from other projects. The superior insulation offered by this construction technique helps reduce the energy used for heating and cooling, which can lead to reduced emissions and levels of greenhouse gases.
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