| More than a million 19th century log homes | | | | |
| built in the United States are still standing | | | | As mentioned earlier, wind is not a concern |
| today. Many of these older log homes are | | | | in terms of penetrating into the interior of |
| still being used as primary residences. So | | | | your log home. But, it can accelerate the |
| long as you take the appropriate measures to | | | | drying and cracking of wood, chinking and |
| protect your log home from weather and | | | | caulk. The wind has an abrasive effect on the |
| moisture, you'll ensure its longevity- its | | | | wood when dirt and sand particles are |
| beauty and charm. | | | | pounding against the surface throughout the |
| | | | year. If you are building a log home, |
| Log homes are generally designed to keep the | | | | consider positioning the home on the lot in |
| rain and wind from entering, as the log | | | | such a way, so as to avoid windy conditions. |
| themselves are shaped and fitted to minimize | | | | Another consideration is to again, plant |
| air and water filtration. They feature | | | | trees on the south and west side of your log |
| different horizontal interfaces, where the | | | | home. |
| bottom of one log is curved to fit the curve | | | | |
| of the top of the log below it. This is the | | | | Dealing With Humidity |
| intricate tongue-and-groove profile in most | | | | |
| log homes. Today's manufacturers may also | | | | Damp, dark corners, under decks, and |
| prescribe the use of flexible sealing | | | | naturally humid parts of the country have an |
| materials, such as foam compression gaskets, | | | | accumulating effect on log walls. Fungus |
| adhesives and splines. These serve to | | | | thrives in these damp and dark places, and |
| reinforce the seal between the logs. Caulk is | | | | will feed off the wood's cellulose, causing a |
| also a mainstay these days, and preferably | | | | break down in the wood. To deal with |
| one that will adhere to both log surfaces as | | | | humidity, creating a buffer zone between the |
| the logs move while settling. All these | | | | humid air and your home is recommended. |
| building components resist the infiltration | | | | Consider stone or brick for part of your wall |
| of outdoor elements. | | | | system. When placing bushes and plants, |
| | | | ensure they are 3-5 feet away from walls. You |
| Of course, over years of outdoor exposure, | | | | don't want anything that will trap moisture |
| the logs of any log home can weaken and | | | | in. |
| therefore need to be protected to ensure | | | | |
| their longevity. The objective isn't to keep | | | | Be Equipped For Rain and Snow |
| logs looking like new. That's impossible, and | | | | |
| not to mention undesirable. Aging wood, | | | | Precipitation is the worst enemy of the log |
| brings out the distinctive, rustic character | | | | home. Cleaning, staining and sealing are a |
| of the logs. The aim is to keep the wood dry. | | | | must and need to be done on a regular basis, |
| Fortunately there are proven ways to treat | | | | but there are also some preventative measures |
| and protect wood and you can even color your | | | | that can help beat the battle. Properly |
| abode with stains made especially for log | | | | working gutters and, again, deep overhangs |
| homes. | | | | will help decks and sidewalks drain away from |
| | | | the home. Search for other places where |
| Protect Your Log Cabin From UV Rays | | | | moisture can be trapped (windows, gas tanks, |
| | | | window boxes) and then create an airspace for |
| The sun's ultraviolet radiation can cause | | | | circulation. |
| cellular damage on the surface of wood. If | | | | |
| these damaged wood cells are not removed, | | | | Log homes that are designed for protection |
| they become a food source for micro fungi. As | | | | from the weather, actually require less care |
| the fungal growth progresses, the wood | | | | than homes that do not take advantage of this |
| becomes darker and eventually begins to rot. | | | | protection. Nevertheless, as mentioned, all |
| To diminish exposure to the sun, deep | | | | exterior wood surfaces should be treated with |
| overhangs and porches can help shade the bulk | | | | a finish or coating that include water and |
| of your home. Also planting trees on south | | | | ultraviolet protection. |
| and west side of home can offer needed | | | | |
| coverage. | | | | Consider these extra measures of protection, |
| | | | and you'll enjoy your cozy log home |
| Extra Protection From Wind | | | | throughout many moons. |