Building a log home is a dream come true for many people. However, it’s important to enter into the venture with your eyes wide open. Some major concerns with log homes are: settling, water damage and rotting and pest infestation. Luckily, most of these issues are easy to catch and address early by professionals at https://richardsonloghomes.com/.
Eco-Friendly
Log homes offer an eco-friendly option because they use natural materials. Many are also energy efficient, helping to lower the owner’s utility bills and reducing their carbon footprint. In addition, fewer paint chemicals are used to finish the home, which is better for your health and the environment.
Many of the other building materials that go into a log home are eco-friendly as well. They are often made of recycled wood, for example. They may also be made of other renewable materials, such as fiberglass and cork. Many are also pre-fabricated in kits that can be shipped to a construction site and assembled in a fraction of the time it takes to build a traditional framed house.
When it comes to the logs that make up a log home, modern builders make sure they are harvested from sustainable forests. They also make sure the logs are treated for moisture resistance, which helps to prevent rot and insect infestation. This moisture control system includes using waterproofed, fungicide-treated wood, as well as generous roof overhangs and drainage systems. Proper staining, reapplied every few years, can further protect the wood from damage and prevent moisture problems in a log home.
A log home can be finished in a variety of ways, from the traditional rustic look to a more modern style with drywall or other sidings. Some even include windows and doors that are hand-carved with animals or scenery to create a unique look. While the choice of finishing touches is a personal one, most people who live in log homes agree that it adds to their appeal.
As more and more people become environmentally-conscious, log homes have grown in popularity. In addition to using green building techniques, log home owners can make small changes in their daily routine that can help save energy and money. For example, they can collect rain water to use in the home for washing and bathing. This water is cleaner than tap water and it doesn’t contain any toxins, pesticides or other chemicals.
Some of the most important things that a homeowner can do to make their log home eco-friendly is to have it regularly inspected by professionals who have experience with this type of building. A good home inspector can identify and recommend solutions to a wide range of issues. Oftentimes, these are minor and inexpensive to fix but they can contribute significantly to the overall energy efficiency of a log home. They can also help to protect the value of the home, and avoid expensive repairs down the road.
Long-Lasting
Log homes last much longer than traditional homes made with stick-built construction. The wood is a natural insulator, keeping interiors cool in summer and warm in winter. Logs are also very strong and resist damage from severe weather, such as high winds and snowstorms.
As home buyers become more environmentally-conscious, many are opting for log homes made with sustainable fir or spruce. This allows builders to provide the aesthetics and functionality of a log cabin without cutting down large numbers of trees. This means that the remaining forests can be protected and the earth will stay healthy for the future.
However, the longevity of a log home will depend on its care and maintenance. Regular inspections are key to maintaining the integrity of a log home, and the inspection should be done by a certified professional. This person should have experience in examining and assessing log structures, as well as the unique properties of different types of timber.
For example, it is important to check that the chinking (the sealant between logs) is in good condition. If the chinking is cracked, missing chunks or leaking, it will need to be re-applied. The caulking around windows and doors should also be inspected to make sure that it is not worn or torn.
It is also a good idea to inspect the foundation of the log home. If the logs are not properly anchored to the concrete or steel, they will eventually shift and settle. This will transfer the weight of the log walls to the partition walls, which are usually framed conventionally and are not designed to bear this load. This can cause expensive repairs.
A new log home will receive a certificate of occupancy from local building inspectors, but these inspectors are not trained in evaluating the unique properties of a log structure. A certified professional who is experienced in examining log homes can help to identify potential problems that may not have been apparent when the house was built. These can include settling, leaks and insect infestations. In addition, a qualified home inspector can offer tips and recommendations for dealing with these issues.
Easy to See Damage
Many log home maintenance tasks are identical to those homeowners should perform on conventional homes, such as ensuring that gutters are clean and that the roof is sound. However, there are some specific tasks that should be performed on a regular basis that are unique to log homes. These include cleaning the exterior of the home twice a year and inspecting the condition of the logs. This includes checking for mildew, white powder and signs of insect infestation (carpenter bees, ants or termites).
Logs are vulnerable to wood-eating insects such as carpenter bees and ants, and pest damage is not covered by homeowner’s insurance. In addition, the logs themselves are susceptible to water damage and mold. This can be very costly to repair and may require a full restoration. Therefore, a home inspection by a certified log home inspector is a great idea before buying a log home.
Major rot problems are common in log homes, especially older ones. This is because the logs are constantly exposed to moisture. This can lead to the deterioration of the logs, and it is often caused by leaky gutters, poorly installed base flashing or splashing water from sidewalks or gardens located too close to the log walls.
While rot is not a problem in newer log homes, it is an issue in older ones that have been neglected. If not treated and corrected promptly, it can cause serious structural problems and damage to the home. This is because the rot can cause gaps between the logs, which will allow moisture to enter and damage the interior.
Many people who purchase log homes are not aware of the extra maintenance required for them. This is because most do-it-yourselfers use a power washer to clean their logs and do not know that this can actually cause the wood to dry out and shrink. Using a power washer can also erode the protective sealant that keeps moisture out. Instead, log home owners should choose a high quality oil stain that is applied according to the manufacturer’s directions and maintain a regular maintenance schedule to prevent rot and water damage.
Pest-Resistant
Log homes have a distinct advantage over stick-built homes when it comes to bug infestation. Because logs are harder to penetrate than drywall or other materials, they tend to repel insects. However, this does not mean that a bug-free home is guaranteed. In fact, if the logs are not prepared and treated appropriately prior to construction and throughout the time of ownership, bugs will eventually find their way into your cabin.
Pests such as carpenter ants, wood-boring bees and termites are more likely to invade log cabins than other types of houses. The problem is that the insects are searching for food and are attracted to soft wood, which provides a buffet for them. Infestations can be prevented by maintaining the proper moisture levels in your cabin. Using borate treatments before and during construction will help keep the logs from being attacked by pests. Additionally, a fungicide treatment will help to prevent fungal decay that could lead to rot and mold in the logs.
In addition to preventing moisture problems, avoiding ground contact between the logs and soil is also key to protecting your logs from bug infestation. The best way to do this is to install a foundation that is at least 8” from the ground and is made out of concrete. Spreading a barrier of termite sand around the outside of your log home will also deter these pests as they cannot dig through concrete.
Another key step is to maintain your log cabin’s chinking and staining. A good chinking should form a seal between the logs, and the stain will protect from sun damage. This is a must since UV Rays break down the outer surface of the wood and can cause rot, mold, fungus, and insect infestation.
Finally, it is important to regularly check your cabin for bugs and other problems. Make sure to look in the crevices and cracks for signs of bugs or critters such as a white powder or droppings. Also, be sure to check for sagging rooflines and the foundation for signs of bugs or water leakage. Preventing bugs from invading your home is much less expensive and invasive than dealing with the problem after it becomes an issue.