Whether you’re considering building a log home, or you’re already living in one, there are some things you should know about them. There are also some problems that you’ll need to be aware of, so you can avoid them.
Experience
Whether you want to build a log home yourself or work with a contractor, there are several factors to consider. In addition to choosing the right material and construction, you’ll need to find a qualified contractor. You may even want to take the time to check out your local builder to see if they’ve got experience building log homes.
For example, the National Association of Home Builders has produced a white paper on the benefits of building a log home. The white paper notes that log homes are a good choice for homeowners looking to save money on energy costs. They are also highly fire resistant and offer excellent insulation.
Aside from their energy efficiency, log homes have low conductivity, making them cool in summer. They also absorb heat slowly, so you’ll need less energy to heat them up in the winter.
The cost of building a log home can be a bit high. That’s because it takes time to build a custom home from scratch. There’s also the additional costs of custom cut logs, raw materials, and design.
A log home kit may be the simplest option if you want a quick and easy project. It may take just a few days to assemble. You can choose from several pre-designed rooms, or you can design your own.
A custom home will require more time for the design team, the building crew, and the construction crew. The cost of labour is much higher than a log home kit.
Choosing the right log home builder can make all the difference to your experience. You’ll want to choose a contractor who understands your vision.
The Log Homes Council is a trade association representing more than 400 log-home companies throughout the U.S. The council is a member of the National Association of Home Builders. They can help you find a good log home builder, calculate the cost of shipping your home, and choose the right species of log for your property.
A log home builder can also help you decide on the best size and shape for your property. The size and shape of a log will affect the amount of heat you can keep in your home. Whether you want a rustic look or a more contemporary look, you’ll find a wide variety of log home designs to choose from.
Unique properties
Compared to other forms of construction, log homes have many unique properties. These include their all-natural materials and their ability to absorb heat, release it gradually and provide a more comfortable indoor environment.
A log home may be one of the most recognizable structures on the block. In addition to its natural charm, log homes can also help improve the energy efficiency of your home. They are also fire resistant, and help keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer. They also provide a sense of connection to American heritage.
The construction process for a log home can be quite complicated, though. It begins with two or three truckloads of logs, which are then shipped to the building site. Once at the site, the logs are milled to match the home’s design. In addition, the logs must be treated properly, or they can rot prematurely.
Some log homes feature features such as cathedral ceilings, solid wood siding, and floor-to-ceiling windows. These features help create a remarkably open and airy feeling. They also provide unlimited access to the views and outdoor surroundings.
The log and timber home industry is a thriving multi-state operation, with about 400 companies based in the US. They are largely made up of environmentally-conscious builders, who opt for materials from sustainable forests.
In addition to its many health benefits, a log home can also serve as a solid investment. This is because it can increase in value over time. This is especially true in mild climates, where the sun is able to shine on the wood for much of the day.
The best log homes are also energy efficient. They can reduce energy consumption by as much as 30%. The right builder can help increase the comfort of your home, and reduce your energy costs.
Some people don’t like the look of a log home. These homes often have a hand-hewn look, and larger logs on the corners of the home. They also may have features such as custom wood cabinets, cathedral ceilings, and other modern innovations.
Whether you’re looking for a cozy cabin or a modern mountain abode, log homes are the ideal choice.
Manufactured or milled log and timber homes account for 90% of the market
Almost 90% of all log and timber homes sold are manufactured or milled. This means they have been pre-cut to fit a specific shape. The logs are then stacked together, and erected with spacers. The vertical surfaces are then sheathed with veneer.
Most manufactured log and timber homes are sold through a network of sales representatives. These dealers may be full-time or part-time.
These dealers also offer design services. They may have a model home at their location. They are usually available during the day. They have a vast knowledge of the construction industry and costs. They can also work from home. Depending on the builder/dealer, a customer may be able to purchase all the material necessary to complete the home from their showroom.
Most manufactured log homes feature a uniform bottom and top horizontal surface. They also have a uniform diameter on the corner profiles. Most manufacturers use a precision milling machine to cut the logs to the shape needed for the home.
Some manufacturers peel the visible vertical surfaces of the logs by hand. This process helps ensure the logs will be able to be easily erected. Some companies also provide “shell construction” by combining the logs with other building materials.
The log home industry is a multi-state operation. Some companies have expanded into the broader market. Some sell directly to consumers, while others sell their products through a network of builders and distributors.
Most log home manufacturers are located in areas with plenty of timber. They typically have a production capacity of about 500 homes per day. They ship their materials with blueprints and construction manuals. This can take a week or two. During busy seasons, they cut dozens of homes at a time.
Architects are becoming more involved in log home construction. These homes are sometimes designed with high-vaulted ceilings and dormers. They can also be designed with glass walls. These houses are becoming more popular for families and as primary residences.
Today, there are more families in modern log homes than at any other time in history. These houses are becoming more popular because they offer solid wood, comfort and warmth. They are also more affordable than traditional built homes.
Problems with log homes
Buying a log home is an investment, but it’s important to plan ahead and prevent problems from arising. There are several problems that can occur with log homes, but most can be addressed during the construction process.
First, logs must be treated and graded correctly. The best way to prevent problems is to have your home built by an experienced contractor. In addition, you should have the logs kiln dried before being assembled. This allows the logs to shrink naturally without harming other structural components of your home.
Another problem that can occur is moisture. This can lead to rot and mold. It’s important to ensure your home is kept dry, and you should inspect your logs every year. Also, you should regularly reseal your home’s exterior. This can help to prevent air leaks, which can cause energy inefficiency.
If your log home has a sprinkler system, be sure to keep it away from the logs. Using a sprinkler too close to your logs can cause rot and damage.
Pests can also cause problems, and there are many types of insects that can infest a log home. Carpenter bees and termites are two of the most common pests. You can prevent these pests from entering your log home by using a dust formulation that includes insecticides.
Lastly, mice can cause problems, and you should seal up your log home to prevent them from entering. They prefer to make their home in the fall, when it’s warm. You should also ensure your windows have enough headspace to keep them open and free of sticks.
If you’re not sure how to prevent problems with your log home, you can contact your manufacturer. They should be able to provide you with a maintenance plan and advice on how to keep your logs looking their best. You may also want to hire a service to maintain your home.
A log home can last for decades if you take the proper steps to keep it clean and free of problems. It’s important to keep in mind that even the best-built log homes are susceptible to damage.
