Attic? and cooling in warm climates

[tn_loggeek]

Listers,

As I've studied the site it appears many homes do not have an attic. Log home builders seem to forgo the buffer an attic provides for the astetic value of being able to see the beauty of the logs and other exposed wood. We are planning a retirement log home and ongoing energy consumption for cooling is a concern, (we have about 7mth cooling season here).
Possible solutions I've seen have been roofing material that helps ventlate the roof, or perhaps a live roof. But these solutions seem to me to be inadequate comparied to a well ventilated attic.
Could those of you in warm climates like me comment on this? Are there other options? Are my concerns reasonable or overblown..

Thanks in advance
Troy

[Cruiser]

Troy,

Let me go ahead and say it first. Take the class :) With that said, the LHBA method of building is very energy efficient. I will be building in MS, and I have no concern at all regarding the energy efficiency. There are several different methods/types of roofs you can go with that will accomplish what you want. Use the search function and I'm sure you will find quite a bit more information. I'm sure as you explore the site you will find out that the LHBA is a great organization full of great people. I hope this style home is what you are looking for...I don't think you will be disappointed.

[loghousenut]

Troy, More than one LHBA log home has an attic. Cathedral ceiling or not, the log home you build after going to class will be extremely energy efficient. Cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Very cheap to heat. I've seen it a hundred times. It works.

We are currently building the log home that we will die in. It is here in the hottest part of Oregon and will need no air conditioner. Take the class.

[Shark]

We built an attic over 1/2 the house, nice to have the extra storage space, and you can tell the difference, the part with low ceilings cool and heat much quicker.

Next time around I would consider no cathedral ceiling at all, but still make it with the big beams and T&G since it looks so good.

[ets80]

Cathedral ceilings are nice to look at but if not insulated outside on the roof deck with the proper rigid insulation and ventilation you will encounter extreme cold and hot extremes in the interior. If at all possible utilize an attic that can be more easier insulated and vented

[loghousenut]

I have only one argument...

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t55/loghousenut/Xmastree12-2012028_zps176df746.jpg

[Log Al]

In my HVAC experience the advantages of open circulation can be as big a benefit as the increased sg. ft. is liability. With normal ceilings and room sizes circulation is often an issue and with an average LHBA style you get a lot more bang for the buck @IMHO. In many well insulated and equipped homes in Texas with open 2 story designs compared to low ceiling conventional structure, the electric or BTU uses are very minimal in difference. The cubed building shape as taught in class is about as perfect design for circulation as can be designed. Your logs do not just have an R value like stick home but also contains thermal mass which is often ignored in the thinking of conventional buildings.IMHO.:) With 12 " average logs Insulate the roof and your good. Many r value quote by Eng. types are minimal and it pays to exceed that when building. :)

[ivanshayka]

LOL LHN, your argument is always good, a pic worth 1000 ... love it. Love your home.