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