A WELL-BUILT LOG HOME

Tips to ensuring a quality, long-lasting log home!

1.

The overhang at the gable ends should be five feet to protect the logs from rain, sun, and the elements in general.

2.

The slope of a roof is very important. Make sure the roof slope meets the building code for your area. A poorly sloped roof can allow snow and water to accumulate. Having an adequately sloped roof will extend the life of your roof.

3.

The roof should be made of quality materials. In forested areas, a metal or fire-resistant material should be used. This kind of high-quality roof can also prevent hail damage.

4.

Insulated-glass windows with low-E glass and exterior cladding are best. In high-wind or very cold areas, casements are recommended. Triple glazing should also be considered.

5.

Porch posts should be installed up off the floor surface to prevent rotting from the end grain. Tie the porch floor to the piers and tie the porch posts to the porch floor and the porch roof to prevent failure during high winds.

6.

Use metal flashing—not caulk—over windows and doors to keep rain from seeping in over the top of the windows.

7.

Keep shrubs away from the house. They can deflect rain to the logs and the lower wood structure. They can also act as shade and keep the logs wet longer after a rain.

8.

Remove old or large trees growing close to the house before construction ensues. If they are close to the house, basement excavation can cut the roots and hasten their demise.

9.

As a minimum, put a termite shield on top of your foundation and use a pressure-treated sill plate. The top of the foundation should be 18” above the soil surface.

A termite shield is a barrier installed in the foundation of a house which is designed to prevent termites from crossing into the foundation and flooring. It will minimize rain splash hitting the logs as well.

10.

The log corners should not protrude too far. Eight inches is recommended for logs less than or equal to 8 x 8. On larger logs, more overhang is permitted, but extend the roof overhang if the logs stick out beyond 18 inches.

11.

If your log home is going to have a dormer, a two-foot minimum overhang should be installed. This will prevent rain splash from hitting the sides of the dormer and causing damage. Flashing should be installed where the dormer materials attach to the main roof.

12.

Make sure to install rain gutters and downspouts on your log home. Without rain gutters rain can was down the side of the home staining the wood and finally settling around the foundation causing deterioration.

13.

Plant a shelter belt on the north/northwest side of the home to cut down on cold winds and enhance the energy efficiency of the home. Do not plant right next to the home.

14.

Slope the driveway away from the garage door to prevent seepage into the garage during heavy rains. Build a solid driveway before the job begins, not after.

15.

Use pressure-treated wood for posts exposed to the elements. Use metal end caps at the top to prevent rain from soaking into the end grain. Mount posts off of the concrete.

16.

Use water-repellent wood finish on the exterior after construction and periodically as it begins to fade. Regular and eco-friendly products are available, such as from Sashco.

17.

Use rot-resistant material for the decks and exposed stairs. Do not use raw pine poles for deck railings if they will be exposed to the elements. They will require a great deal of maintenance and will eventually succumb to the elements.

18.

Keep large glass windows 12 inches off the deck surface so that snow will not drift over the windows and cause leakage problems both around the windows and between the double panes of glass.

19.

Never place logs or log siding down to the soil surface on a walk-out basement. Use stone to provide an 18” clearance between the concrete and the first wood.

20.

Slope the soil surface away from the home and provide for adequate drainage so that water will not settle in low spots.

From The Complete Guide to Log Homes by Clyde and Jeff Cremer