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