While log homes possess a timeless charm and rustic appeal, they do come with their fair share of disadvantages. One notable drawback is the maintenance required to keep them in optimal condition. Over time, logs can warp and rot, necessitating regular repairs and sealing to prevent moisture infiltration. Additionally, log homes often lack insulation compared to traditional construction, which can result in higher heating and cooling costs. Moreover, the initial construction cost of a log home can be notably higher than conventional homes. Despite these challenges, many homeowners find the unique character and aesthetic of log homes to be well worth the investment. GGNC Construction Company, with its expertise in log home construction, can help mitigate some of these disadvantages through proper design and construction techniques.
Cons of Living in a Log House The most important thing to note is that logs deteriorate over time without care or maintenance. Therefore, you will need to clean, re-stain and re-putty your log house 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. According to an article in Blue Ridge Country magazine, log homes often require a lot more maintenance than people think.
This is because, over time, records are likely to change, expand, and contract with changes. Pests can be another nuisance, since the damage they cause is usually not covered by homeowners insurance. Carpenter Bees and Termites Most Common Pests, According to Blue Ridge Country. When buying a log house, learn about the best way to prevent and treat the damage caused by these pests.
Log houses generally require more maintenance than people initially take a long time to consider. Over time, records can change and expand. However, some issues caused by this can be addressed during the construction process, so be sure to hire an experienced and reputable builder. Other concerns to consider when working with logs are pests (most commonly carpenter bees and termites) and cavities, since insurance does not cover the damage caused to your home by these.
Log house maintenance guides can be useful in identifying problems and learning ways to treat logs to prevent future damage. Log and wooden houses have different insurance than houses. Most reputable insurance companies, such as State Farm, Met Life, USAA, and others, do offer coverage. Choose an Agent Familiar With Log Home Insurance.
There are three common methods for building a log house. Many consider that the easiest thing is to work with a manufacturer to cut the logs and a builder to build the house, which is what people who work with the Log Homes Council do. Another method is to act as your own general contractor and hire individuals individually to do the work. This gives you more independence, but it can also be difficult if you're not familiar with the construction business.
A third option is to be your own builder, doing most of the work yourself. Your own building skills and budget will be the primary factors in determining how your home is built. It's also helpful to talk to someone who has been through the process of building a log house. Most insects are attracted to wet wood or.
Keep dead or rotting wood away from your log house. This means using stone instead of mulch near your cabin, don't pile firewood near your cabin, keep dead trees away from your cabin, and keep shrubs and other plants at least 6 feet away from your log house. Carpenter bees are a big problem and can cause a lot of damage. To kill carpenter bees and prevent them from causing further damage, we recommend using this.
Blondies Bee Kit for Carpenter Bees. For ants and other insects, use NBS 30. Choosing a material such as steel for your log lining will help counteract the disadvantages of using real wood. Most current log homes feature cathedral ceilings for an open and spacious feel, as well as large stone fireplaces and modern kitchens.
Whether for pest control, maintenance, or fire hazard, steel log siding can overcome these obstacles while giving you the log house look you want. Homes built with solid log walls are generally 2.5% to 15% more energy efficient than standard stick-frame constructions, according to a NAHB study. You'll also save money on your reduced maintenance needs, which means more money for the activities you enjoy in your log cabin. With a custom built log house, you have the option of having your framing logs visible on the exterior or interior walls of your home.
Working with a professional log and timber builder will help ensure that builders are aware that logs can shrink, twist, or move and can ensure that proper precautions are taken to ensure that it does not affect the structure of your home. One of my father's close friends and uncle of my family talked endlessly about building a log cabin on some piece of land in North Carolina once he retired. Cracks and logs should also be checked frequently for repairs and for mold and mildew that may have invaded the wood. You can customize your kitchen or other parts of the log house with contemporary appliances or interchangeable technology.
Today's environmentally conscious builders would use logs and other materials from sustainable forests, where trees are grown specifically for the purpose of cutting them down. Finally, one concern about log homes that may not have crossed your mind is the difficulty of finding home insurance that covers your investment in the event of an emergency. This is due to the massiveness of the logs and their ability to absorb heat during the day and radiate it at night.
