Energy Code Threat to Log Home Industry

In a letter to its members, the Log Homes Council (LHC) within the National Association of Home Builders is calling attention to changes to International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) that could have far reaching consequences to the industry. Normally, states accept, reject, adopt or modify energy codes, as they see fit. However, the Obama Administration is tying adoption of the new code to states receiving federal dollars in the stimulus package. A letter from the LHC Steering Committee follows:

Recently, the LHC Steering Committee was alerted to an impending threat to the log home industry. The 2009 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) that was just published includes significant changes to the minimum insulation requirements and efficiencies of HVAC systems.

While the U-factor of mass walls used in calculating energy efficiency of log walls did not change from the 2006 IECC to the 2009 edition, the energy requirements on many of the components we rely on for trade-offs for the energy envelope were raised 12-16%. By increasing the minimum energy efficiency requirements on windows, foundations, roof insulation, and HVAC systems, the trade-offs we have typically relied on have effectively been eliminated or, at best, severely restricted under the new 2009 IECC. This could have a detrimental effect on our industry, particularly for small log sizes in the Northern climate zones.

While it would normally take years to implement a new energy code -- and, in fact, many states and jurisdictions do not have an energy code -- the Obama Administration is now requiring that states pass the 2009 IECC in order to be eligible for certain stimulus money. As a result, it is likely that states will be more aggressive in implementing the code then they have in the past.

So what does this mean to you? If, for example, the IECC code is adopted -- and most likely it will be since it is tied to stimulus money -- it will mean that all logs sold above the Mason Dixon line will have to be a minimum of 8" thick.

This information was brought to our attention by the LHC Technical Committee. Based on the potential risk to our industry, the Steering Committee felt it was prudent and necessary to engage industry consultant Rob Pickett to research the threat further and recommend a course of action. We committed $15,200 in fees and up to an additional $2,000 in travel expenses to complete this work. We were fortunate that Rob raised this issue as quickly as he did and was able to engage Ken Sagan of NAHB on our behalf. Ken is the leading energy codes expert within the NAHB and has been instrumental in working with us to develop counter measures and an action plan for moving forward.

Another advantage we have that may greatly help our situation is the publication and adoption of the ICC 400-2007 IS LOG – Standard on the Design and Construction of Log Structures. Thanks to the hard work and many hours by staff, volunteer members, and Rob Pickett in getting the ICC 400 adopted, we already have a published and recognized code that specifically addresses our industry. Ken and Rob have recommended that we attempt to incorporate the ICC 400 into current and future IECC codes. As such, we are now developing a three-pronged action plan:

1. Develop IECC code amendments recognizing ICC 400-2007 IS LOG as the governing code for log home construction. These code amendments must be submitted to the ICC by June 1, 2009 to be considered in the next IECC code publication - 2012 IECC. Ken Sagan and the NAHB Energy Subcommittee of the Construction, Codes & Standards Committee will assist us with these submissions.

2. Develop standard code amendments to the IECC 2009 that can be adopted at the state level recognizing the ICC 400-2007 IS LOG. This approach will take member involvement from all levels in our industry, including the manufacturers, suppliers, builders, dealers, and others in proposing and promoting the adoption of amendments as the 2009 IECC is considered by state legislators.

3. Develop amendments and/or updates to the ICC 400-2007 IS LOG that strengthens the language recognizing it as the primary standard for log construction, without subrogation to other codes.

While I don't think this issue is cause for panic, we do need to be concerned and take steps to protect our industry. As mentioned above, the LHC Steering Committee committed about $17,000 immediately to assess the threat and develop an action plan. It is likely that more funds will needed to fully address this issue. Rob Pickett and Ken Sagan have said they will draft the first version of the above-mentioned amendments for the LHC Steering Committee by next week. Upon review, we will send those amendments to the LHC membership for feedback; we will also be reporting to you as more information becomes available. If you have any questions about this importnat issue, however, please feel free to contact any member of the LHC Steering committee. We look forward to working with you all on this issue over the next several months.

Sincerely,
Your LHC Steering Committee

Jim Young, PrecisionCraft Log & Timber Homes - President
Jim Murphy, Meadow Valley Log Homes - Vice President
Jan Koepsell, Expedition Log Homes - Treasurer
Gregg Caldwell, BK Cypress Log Homes - Secretary
Rob Cantrell, Stonemill Log Homes - Immediate Past President