Do log homes require a lot of maintenance?
All homes require some exterior care and maintenance, but log homes require a bit more than usual. Once a year, the home's exterior should be washed to remove pollen, insect debris and other dirt. At that time, the home should be checked for mildew and mold, which should be removed if present.
What are the problems with log homes?
The most common log home problems are:Moisture problems in log homes. Rain, snow, humidity, and damp places all cause moisture damage. ... Insects and critter problems in log homes. Insects and critters tend to love our log homes just as much as we do. ... UV Ray damage in log homes. ... 0 comments.
What are the disadvantages of a log home?
Cons of Living in a Log Home The most important thing to keep in mind is that logs deteriorate over time without care and maintenance. Therefore, you will have to clean, re-stain and re-caulk your log home from time to time. If you don't, the wood will start to rot or break down from the sun's UV rays and water damage.
How long will a log home last?
Log cabins have a long and illustrious history of longevity. They usually last twenty, thirty to even fifty years, if they are kept in good condition. They are even seen to stand for a century if they are located in a place that does not face extreme weather conditions and is properly maintained.
Are log homes warm in winter?
We've written an article breaking down how log homes are insulated. Even though logs have their own form of insulation and are considered to be four times warmer than concrete blocks, six times warmer than brick and fifteen times warmer than stone, there is still need for a secondary heat source.
What are the pros and cons of a log home?
Owning A Log Cabin: 3 Pros And ConsPro #1: Energy-Efficient. ... Pro #2: Environmentally-Friendly. ... Pro #3: Much Needed Comfort And Relaxation. ... Con #1: Maintenance-Prone. ... Con #2: Little To No Insurance Coverage. ... Con #3: Prone To Pests. ... Conclusion.
Are log homes more expensive to insure?
Log homes are generally more expensive to insure because they're constructed with expensive lumber or timber, and insurers consider them to be higher risk since they are often located in remote, hard-to-reach locations.
Do log homes lose value?
In other words, they put a great deal of time and effort into their investment and are willing to pay for what they want! All of this means that most log homes are high in quality and value and are well-cared for, so they generally don't depreciate and have a good resale value.
Are log homes stronger than regular homes?
The Walls of Log Homes Are Stronger Than Traditionally Constructed Homes. Think of the wall of a traditionally made home – it's nothing but supporting beams, insulation, and a thin layer of drywall on the inside, with shingles or other siding on the outside to protect the whole structure from the elements.
How often does a log home need to be sealed?
every 3-5 yearsHow often should I reseal my log home? The short answer is usually every 3-5 years but this can vary due to many factors.
Are log cabin homes a good investment?
So, Are Log Cabins a Good Investment? Log homes and cabins certainly have a timeless attraction to them, and they are usually a safe housing style to invest in, seeing as they're often sought after in the real estate vacation market.
What are the advantages of a log home?
The Advantages of a Log Home Over a Conventional HomeLog Homes Are More Sustainable. Log homes are more sustainable–meaning that they don't deplete as many natural resources and are better for the environment. ... Log Homes Are Safer During a Storm. ... Log Homes Are Easy to Build.
Material Matters
It may surprise you to know your low-maintenance log home starts long before you ever begin construction on your home or even customize your floor plan.
Design Defense
Strategic design is the next piece of our fail-proof plan for minimal maintenance. While surface protectants, like stain, eventually need to be refreshed, good design lasts forever.
Got a question about maintenance? (Or anything else?)
Go ahead and record your question here and we’ll answer it on our YouTube Channel.
Why do we fall trees to use in log homes?
So when we fell trees to use in log homes, we’re going against the grain, so to speak, because we seek to stop this cycle in its tracks.
Why do deck posts rot?
Each time the deck or masonry becomes wet, water will soak into the ends of the posts. Capillary attraction then draws the moisture into and up the posts, which causes rot and results in expensive repairs. The simple use of a plinth made of a material that won’t rot will prevent this problem forever.
Can you build a log home with no maintenance?
Well, you can build a wonderful log home with all the charm, character and warmth, but little or no maintenance. Ok, let’s begin with the truth. There is no such thing as a maintenance-free anything when it comes to housing. Any house, no matter if it’s log, timber, concrete or stick frame, requires some level of maintenance to keep it looking ...
Can you build a log home with zero upkeep?
Wood that’s exposed to the elements will eventually need maintenance and should not be used if you wish to build a home with zero — or close to zero — upkeep. I hope these tips will help to relax your fears about log home maintenance.
How much more efficient are log homes?
Log homes that are properly designed and built can be made 15 percent to 20 percent more efficient than homes made of more modern construction materials. Log homes also tend to be quieter than other homes, since the same log properties that contribute to energy efficiency also possess sound-deadening properties. Advertisement.
What is a log home?
Log homes create warmth and are often full of small details overlooked in stick and frame construction. Log home builders are craftsmen, and their work is highly visible throughout the home in stairs, ceilings, banisters and other features. Log homes are often built as someone's dream home, and as such no detail is overlooked.
Why are log homes considered green?
Log homes are considered a green building option because trees are a renewable resource. It is even possible to build a log home using standing dead timber harvested from trees which were already dead due to insects, and some builders purchase materials only from forests that are certified in following sustainability practices.
Why are log homes so expensive to insure?
One reason is because log homes are often located in remote locations, far from fire departments that could respond more quickly to the fire if the home were closer. Log homes are also expensive to rebuild if they are lost to a fire or other disaster, causing some insurance companies to raise their rates or shy away from log homes altogether. To reduce the insurance rate, shop around with several insurers, opt for a fire-resistant roo f when building rather than wood shingles and avoid cabins with freestanding wood stoves, or replace them with a safer heating choice.
What are the insects that live in wood?
Pests and Critters. There are many insects that feed on, live in or otherwise make use of wood, including carpenter ants, carpenter bees and termites. You'll need to be aware of these pests and others, such as woodpeckers, and look for signs of them frequently so you can stop small problems before they become large ones.
Do log homes fit zoning?
Log homes don't always fit local zoning ordinances and aren't a good fit for the look and feel of some neighborhoods. As a result, you won't find them everywhere, and the log homes you do find will tend to be built in more rural areas. This makes the available inventory somewhat limited when it's time to go house hunting.
Do log houses have insulation?
Full log homes have no insula tion – It is really hot in the summer and really cold in the winter without conventional systems in place. A log wall is a solid mass and since there is no insulated space, R-Value does not apply correctly. When the logs shrink, you have to keep caulking between them.
Is 1/2 log home insulated?
1/2 log home is extremely insulated. 1/2 logs are anchored to regular studs, thus shrinkage is not a problem. Easier to get financing for a 1/2 log home. Log walls are natural sound insulators. The inside walls can be finished with wall board to enable surfaces to be be papered or painted. “Greener”.
