Question about building a Log home???
March 6, 2010
I am a bit confused as to what is generally the best breed of wood to use for building a log home. I want a wood that is durable low maint, and looks beautiful. What is the best method of building and placing logs to ensure energy efficiency, and cost effective building. I am planning to build in central California south of San Francisco about 100 miles. Any other log home information, Ideas, or insight would be most helpful, thanks.
In Fla. it’s popular to use cypress & cedar for their natural bug resistance. Dont let anyone talk you into pine it’s like termite candy.
http://www.cumberlandvalleyloghomes.com/
This short cut is to find a log home dealer in Cal.
http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A0geu9AP1hxH0lYAcEVXNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTExN3BqYWMwBHNlYwNzcgRwb3MDMgRjb2xvA2FjMgR2dGlkAwRsA1dTMQ–/SIG=125pmid3j/EXP=1193158543/**http%3a//www.bkcypress.com/build/dealers/California
In Fla. it’s popular to use cypress & cedar for their natural bug resistance. Dont let anyone talk you into pine it’s like termite candy.
http://www.cumberlandvalleyloghomes.com/
This short cut is to find a log home dealer in Cal.
http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A0geu9AP1hxH0lYAcEVXNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTExN3BqYWMwBHNlYwNzcgRwb3MDMgRjb2xvA2FjMgR2dGlkAwRsA1dTMQ–/SIG=125pmid3j/EXP=1193158543/**http%3a//www.bkcypress.com/build/dealers/California
References :
In addition to the choice of timbers, there are other things to be aware of.
The logs used for log homes are not fully cured and as a result will shrink over time. This requires the resealing of the space between the logs. Likewise the windows and doors must be installed in a manner that allows for the shrinkage or settling of the logs over time.
The logs will need to be protected on the outside just as a cedar shake sided house is.
The insulation factor for wood is not anywhere are good as most modern insulation materials. This means you will not necessarily have an energy efficient home.
You might want to check out a series of TV shows shown on Hometime at PBS. They built a log home and you can get some ideas about how they can go together.
References :