4 Mistakes to Avoid When Building Log Homes

Log cabin homes are increasingly becoming popular due to their durability & longevity, energy efficiency, aesthetic appeal, and natural beauty. This is a fantastic move if you are considering building a log cabin home.

However, if you are constructing a log home for the first time, you may end up making certain mistakes. These mistakes can cost you a lot in the long run. That’s why it is important to avoid them when you want to build an Arizona log cabin kit. But what are these mistakes? Let’s delve into them.

1. Placing the logs inappropriately

Logs are natural materials, so they must be taken care of to last a long time. Although logs are durable, they still require proper maintenance. They will be exposed to excessive moisture if they are too close to the ground. Even sprinkler systems and inevitable rain can cause damage to logs that are too close to the ground.

Ensure the lowest rows of logs are at least 1.5 feet off the ground. Apply an ice and water shield product to the two bottommost layers of logs to offer more protection—a little additional protection goes a long way.

2. Ignoring overhangs and gutters

The goal is to keep logs as dry as possible. Using inadequate overhangs to save money will cost more in the long term. There’s a solid reason why log homes often have big roof overhangs all around them—to reduce moisture contact. If a log home’s sides have an overhang of 24 to 30 inches and its ends have an overhang of 4 to 6 feet, the logs will stay dryer. Don’t forget about the gutters and downspouts. They are a requirement, not an option, and will play a significant role in keeping unwelcome moisture out of the house.

3. Using unclean logs

It is crucial to make sure your logs are well-cleaned. The unwelcome surface condition known as “mill glaze,” manifesting as a shiny covering, will arise on logs. The mill glaze will form when specific resins rise from the interior of the logs. There are solutions you can use to remove it because if not, finishing products won’t adhere properly. Additionally, if logs are not treated with an insecticide, insects, and arachnids will be invited to settle in; particularly, burrowing insects must be controlled. Additionally, logs should be water-proofed to prevent the growth of mold, mildew, and decay.

4. Not paying attention to log moisture levels.

It is unavoidable that moisture is the number one enemy of logs because of its capacity to penetrate wood fibers, allowing for contamination and destruction. Knowing your logs’ moisture content is crucial since it affects how they move; the more moisture they contain, the more they will twist, shrink, and move. Long-term log movement might cause gaps between the logs, leading to issues you don’t want to deal with. Before being used for building, dried logs should be stored safely in a dry location for at least six months. The moisture content of the logs should be below 15% when it comes time to stain them.