Eco-friendly and Green -- Affordable Log Homes by Barna Log Homes of Pennsylvania

Barna Log Homes of Pennsylvania anchors its building services to green products and processes that use renewable materials, maximize energy efficiency, and minimize the use of toxic materials. Building green encompasses all of the steps from initial design to the complete build, and includes selection of products used to construct, furnish and finish a home. Some of the key topics of the building process are design, materials, energy and interiors.

Design. Building green affordable log homes begins with the land and the plans - the size and layout of a house, and its on-site placement that will influence product choices and energy consumption. The larger the home, the more energy and materials are used, so step one is to decide on size and orientation.

Materials. Creating a green structure depends on the choice of products to use in construction and finishing the home. Building materials are available in a wide spectrum from the natural to the man-made. Barna affordable log homes use renewable woods like white pine, yellow pine or hemlock, when possible, which in turn avoids depleting endangered woods.

Energy. Ways of reducing energy use and loss in your home start with size, orientation, and location on site. Depending on the site and the climate, for example, a southern exposure may provide solar warmth in the winter while reducing solar heat in the summer, reducing fuel consumption. Sufficient insulation and Low-E glass for doors and windows improve temperature control and lower long-term cost.

Wind power, solar power, and geo-thermal systems that create a heat exchange with the earth offer clean non-fossil based energy options for heating and cooling. In addition, today's standard heating and cooling systems are rated on their efficiency and should be considered when choosing your heating and cooling solution.

Interiors. Finishing and furnishing materials and products can be used that contain minimal or no Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC). VOCs are a prime source of toxic interiors and can be found in various solvents and glues used in the manufacture of pressed woods, paints, carpets, vinyl, cabinets, and furniture. When released into the atmosphere, they may cause the ‘sick building syndrome.’ Other products, such as carpeting, may also contain formaldehyde, which can also be released into the air on an ongoing basis.

Resources. Information and ideas for the green homebuilder are easily accessible on the internet. Among them are: The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) that keeps lists of which woods are best for safe green construction www.fscus.org, “Energy Star” stickers and labels can be found on those appliances that conform to the energy usage standards set by the Government.

Barna Log Homes of Pennsylvania works with customers in Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey to support and help them learn about, plan for, design and build eco-friendly green affordable log homes