What Is Cordwood Construction?
What Is Cordwood Construction?
Cordwood construction, also known as stackwall or stackwood, is a type of wall construction in which logs or short pieces of wood are laid horizontally over vertical posts and secured together with mortar or cement.
The result is an attractive and durable wall that can provide insulation benefits and unmatched rustic charm.
Cordwood construction finds its root in centuries-old building techniques used by Native Americans, who used easily available materials to create walls to shelter them from the elements.
With the right amount of preparation, cordwood construction today can provide you with the same longevity and protection it has provided for generations.
What Kind Of Wood Is Best For Cordwood Construction?
Cedar is the best type of wood for cordwood construction due to its natural resistance to rot and ability to expand and contract less than other species. Cordwood walls are typically 8-16 inches thick, depending on the insulation requirements of the building.
The wood should be well-seasoned before use, as using green or wet logs can lead to problems down the road, such as cracking and buckling due to uneven drying.
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How Long Will A Cordwood House Last?
A cordwood house is known for its longevity, provided the right conditions are maintained. With sound footings and adequate roof overhang to keep rainwater from running down the walls, a cordwood house can easily last up to 150 years or longer.
Regular maintenance and some minor repairs may be necessary every few years, but overall you’ll find that cordwood houses are extremely durable and great investments.
How Thick Are Cordwood Walls?
The thickness of these walls will vary depending on the insulation required, as well as environmental factors; typically they range from 8 to 24 inches thick but in colder climates like northern Canada, some cordwood walls can be up to 36 inches thick.
The thicker the wall, the more heat it will retain and insulate your home from the cold winter air. Additionally, you may want to consider additional insulation such as straw bales or foam board for better protection against cold weather.
Cordwood walls, also known as stackwall, are a type of construction that uses logs or wood cut into short sections and stacked on top of one another in mortar.
Are Cordwood Houses Warm?
Yes. Cordwood houses are highly efficient at insulating and trapping heat, making them surprisingly warm even in cold climates.
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They provide a high capacity for thermal mass due to the use of dense wood logs that absorb and store heat from inside the home, slowly releasing it back out into the home as needed.
Additionally, when the cordwood walls are filled with insulating material such as sawdust or other cellulose materials, they form an additional layer of insulation from outside temperature swings.
The wood also adds another natural air filtration system by letting fresh air pass through while trapping dust particles and other allergens within, thus providing healthy air quality inside your home.
All this combines to create a comfortable living environment all year round and demonstrate why cordwood homes can be successful in colder climates – just make sure to build it properly with an eye towards thermal performance!
Do Cordwood Homes Rot?
Yes. Cordwood homes are typically built with logs laid with their end grain exposed, meaning there is the potential for rot if incoming moisture is not managed properly.
To avoid this, it’s important to use wood that has been appropriately treated and dried, as well as sealants to make sure no moisture gets trapped within your walls.
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Additionally, steps must be taken to prevent water from collecting around the walls of cordwood homes. If these measures are adhered to and maintained regularly, cordwood homes should not rot over time.