Log cabins are known to be very durable when their foundation is correctly laid and the logs are built, designed and stacked in a skillful manner. Some of the oldest houses all over America are made of logs. Although mainly constructed out of stacked logs, you can actually select any home design and can build a log home of extraordinary beauty and quality. All you need to do is to find the right builders that can construct your log home in accordance with your taste and specifications.
Although old logs are preferred in building log homes as they contain lower moisture levels and are harder and sturdier, logs that are usually available and typically harvested are younger logs that have higher moisture content. This high moisture level causes the logs to shrink and develop cracks and gaps when installed after a period of time. As a solution to this, young logs are kiln-dried. This is a process of heating the logs and taking out the moisture in them. The heat evaporates the moisture causing the logs to shrink.
One advantage of using kiln-dried logs in the construction of a log home is that at the time of the actual stacking of the logs, the logs have fully dried and have reduced in size. Thus, the logs can be properly laid and stacked without them having to shrink and develop cracks and gaps after a lapse of time. Log fasteners are used to lock the logs tightly in place preventing it from bulging or shifting after a period of time.
Recent technology has developed ways in making our favorite log homes, not only durable, but energy-efficient too. To make the log cabin energy-efficient, a long roof overhang is used to give room for the installation of solar panels. Solar panels are devices used to capture energy from the sun. These panels would then provide the energy needed for the operation of your home appliances, water heaters, and can also give off enough heat to warm the cold nights.
It is also important to keep water away from the logs as much as possible as the logs’ energy efficiency reduces because of high moisture levels. One way to keep rain away from your wooden roofing is to use long roof overhangs as this would allow easier water flow to the gutter. The long overhang also doubles to provide you wider plain surface for your solar panels. Proper installation of gutters is also very crucial in managing the flow of rain water, keeping it from splashing back on to the lower logs.
In choosing your appliances, get one with the energy star label as this will enable you to save up to 30% on your energy bills.
A log cabin’s rustic approach is one of its most enticing qualities. This, combined with energy-efficiency, would give you even more reasons to live in your log cabin permanently and not just use it as a summer vacation getaway.
