| There are a number of common myths regarding log | | | | information. Modern logs are thoroughly dried before |
| homes that unfairly affect perceptions of people who | | | | used for construction, making them virtually free of |
| might otherwise enjoy the log home life. Many of | | | | the problems of the past. However, some settling is |
| these myths have gotten an honest start sometime | | | | still possible, and most log home builders use special |
| in the past but are no longer true.Myth #1: Log | | | | techniques to compensate.Myth #7: Log homes are |
| homes are dark and gloomy. The truth: In Abraham | | | | fireproof. The truth: This is not quite true but solid log |
| Lincoln's day, yes. Today, no. Log homes today tend | | | | walls do withstand fire much better than conventional |
| to have large expansive windows, skylights, | | | | framed walls. This fact probably doesn't matter |
| well-designed lighting systems, and optional | | | | much, however, if the only thing standing after a |
| light-colored interior walls.Myth #2: Log homes are | | | | major fire are the charred walls.Myth #8: Log homes |
| cold and drafty. The truth: This is another perception | | | | are stronger than conventional homes. The truth: This |
| that comes from many years ago. Today's log | | | | is almost completely true, because it's actually the |
| homes are professionally engineered and built to be | | | | massive log walls that provide strength. Even though |
| energy efficient and draft-free.Myth #3: Log homes | | | | other parts of a log home may not be as strong as |
| require a lot of maintenance. The truth: This is | | | | the walls, the walls tend to hold everything together |
| partially true but log homes typically require no more | | | | in times of storms or earthquakes.Myth #9: It's |
| maintenace than any other type of wood-sided and | | | | difficult to find log home builders. The truth: Not true |
| wood-framed home. Maintenance usually means | | | | at all, especially in areas where log homes are |
| periodic cleaning and application of protectant | | | | common. Many builders specialize in log homes or |
| stains.Myth #4: Log homes cost more to build. The | | | | have log home experience. When a log home builder |
| truth: Log homes are typically custom-built homes, | | | | is not available, conventional builders can learn from |
| not mass produced conventional spec homes -- and | | | | seminars and construction manuals provided by log |
| therefore cost more, but generally no more than | | | | home companies.Myth #10: Log homes are only for |
| other type of custom home. Handcrafted homes can | | | | eccentrics/retirees/vacation lovers/empty-nesters. |
| cost more.Myth #5: Log homes are hard to finance. | | | | The truth: Modern log homes have grown up and are |
| The truth: Some banks don't like to finance log | | | | no more simply small vacation cabins. They are |
| homes because they are unfamiliar with log home | | | | full-time residences for families with children, often in |
| construction. However, there is no shortage of other | | | | conventional neighborhoods, with all the conveniences |
| local banks and national lending companies who are | | | | and luxuries of any other type of home.Al Hearn is |
| comfortable with log homes and are eager to loan | | | | owner and operator of Log Home Advisor ( where |
| money, especially in areas where log homes are | | | | log home enthusiasts can find helpful log home |
| common.Myth #6: Log home walls settle and cause | | | | articles, information, expert advice, planning tools, |
| problems. The truth: Again, this is mostly old | | | | cost estimators, and affordability calculators. |