Members ofAre log homes warm?
If these measures are taken, then yes, your log home will be warm. Any home, whether log or another construction style, has many places where heat can be lost due to air leakage resulting in a home that is hard to heat.
CLICK to show/hide more of the answer
Some of the most important areas in this regard include the ceilings, doors and windows, the heating systems, and, to a lesser degree, the walls. Although the walls are not the main potential source of heat loss in a home, people are often curious about how log walls compare with frame walls. Based on R-value alone, log walls (built from large, dry logs) rate close to R-20, just slightly less than well built 2 x 6 frame walls. There is also the property of thermal mass, unique to massive materials such as logs, that has an impact on the warmth of log walls. Thermal mass is the ability of the logs to absorb heat during the day and release it at night when the air is cooler. Unlike a log home, a conventional frame home does not benefit from the thermal mass principle. Heat ratings aside, the biggest impact on the warmth of the log home lies in how it is finished. The roof and ceiling need to be properly constructed, particularly in homes with high ceilings. It is also critical to thoroughly seal where the log wall meets the floor, where it meets the ceiling, and around the doors and windows. The logs also need to be insulated in the lateral groove and the notches to continue to seal in the event of movement in any of the logs.
Will my log home shrink or settle?
Yes, initially it will do both. As the logs dry to the final moisture content of your home the wood will shrink in size and some cracks or checks will appear. This shows that the moisture is coming out of the logs.
CLICK to show/hide more of the answer
The logs will also settle due to the weight of the other logs and the roof system above them. This movement will mostly occur in the first year or two after construction and after four or five years shrinkage and settling will be complete. This process of shrinkage is expedited using dead and dry logs since much of the shrinkage has occurred prior to construction. Shrinkage and settling is part of the nature of building with logs, a natural building material. It is not a problem if this movement is planned for during design and construction.
What is involved in maintaining a log home?
Maintenance is a necessary part of owning any home; however, there are a couple of items specific to log homes. The first is adjusting the screw jacks on upright posts to account for settling. The screw jacks will need to be adjusted until settling is complete.
CLICK to show/hide more of the answer
It is a straight forward job and we will show you when and how it should be done. The second maintenance issue is keeping a good finish on your exterior logs to protect them from the weather. Log homes are often designed with large overhangs and covered decks not only for appearance and outdoor living space, but also to help to protect your log walls and finish. Where log walls are exposed to the weather, refinishing may be necessary after 4 to 5 years. This re-finishing period can be extended considerably with a timber-log home built with rough-sawn timbers.
Will our house need chinking?
If you select a timber-log home, yes, they are designed to use chinking for warmth and style. If you select a scribe-fit round log home, no, your home will not need chinking.
CLICK to show/hide more of the answer
The basic principle with scribe fit log homes is that the logs fit each other exactly and so chinking is not necessary. As an extra precaution the groove between logs and the notches are insulated with foam backer rod to prevent air movement.
Whats new in log building?
Modern log homes comprise some of the most beautiful, custom homes available. In the past, people sometimes described log homes as low and dark. Modern log builders have perfected the building techniques so that homes will shrink and settle in the first few years and then remain stable.
CLICK to show/hide more of the answer
Modern log homes are often designed with open plans and many windows resulting in bright and beautiful homes. Any conventional plan can be adapted to log, and any amenities and features available today can be part of a modern log home. The materials used to insulate the lateral grooves has also improved. Fiberglass insulation used to be commonly used between the logs, now a closed cell foam is preferred as it can be placed accurately and it forms a barrier for air movement. Those dedicated to the craft of log building continually work to find the best methods and materials to build top quality homes.
Can log homes be insured?
There seems to be many misconceptions regarding insuring log homes. At one time, log homes were difficult to insure due to a lack of knowledge about them and how they react in the event of a fire.
CLICK to show/hide more of the answer
People are now more familiar with log homes and there is great deal of information available about log home construction, burn properties, repair costs, etc. These days, insurance rates are quite comparable to conventional homes. We can provide you with contact information for insurance brokers knowledgeable on log homes.
How does a hand-crafted round log home compare with a machined/milled round log home?
Hand-crafted round log homes are built by hand by craftsmen using a simple array of tools. The logs are usually peeled by hand using a draw knife. Hand-peeling is a very physical process that gives a beautiful carved appearance to the peeled logs and maintains the natural shape of the log.
CLICK to show/hide more of the answer
The full length logs are then assembled using the scribe-fit method where each log is precisely cut to fit exactly on the log below it using scribers (a marking tool), a chainsaw and other hand tools. Hand-crafted log building is a labour intensive craft and each resulting log home is a unique work of art unlike any other. Machined round log homes are built from logs processed through a mill, lathe or other machine to produce logs of all the same shape and size with no taper. The homes are then assembled like a kit using these uniform logs. Due to the mechanized process and the uniform logs, these homes are much quicker to build. With either method of round log construction you will find both well-built log homes and poorly-built substandard log homes. Provided you are dealing with a reliable log builder, neither hand-crafted or machined/milled methods are considered the wrong way to build a log home, rather, it comes down to a matter of personal preference. If you appreciate the uniqueness of hand-crafted work, and the inherent beauty provided by nature, a hand-crafted round log home is for you.
Why would I choose Nithi Mountain Log Homes as my log builder?
We are a new company and we want to build your home. We love creating with wood, we love building, and we take pride in each home we build. We are excited with each new plan and the challenge of building it.
CLICK to show/hide more of the answer
We build a quality product, paying attention to detail and without taking shortcuts. We make every effort to minimize the time and cost for your finishing work. We sell our log homes at a competitive price and do our best to complete each project within your timeframe. We stay current with the latest ideas and log building information to make your home as warm and efficient as possible. We are a small company of honest, conscientious individuals attentive to what you want for your home. Give us a call or drop by, wed love to hear what you have in mind for your log home.
Do you build homes on-site?
In general, log homes are built in our building yard, disassembled and then reassembled on your site.
CLICK to show/hide more of the answer
This is the most effective method as we are set up with all our tools to work as accurately and efficiently as possible at our building yard. In unusual circumstances it is possible to build on your site.
Do you build turn-key homes?
We do not build turn-key homes, rather we specialize in the log work for your home. A description of what we include in our log package can be found on the Our Services page.
CLICK to show/hide more of the answer
Once the log shell is complete and assembled on your site, most experienced general contractors can complete your home. It is best to have a contractor who has worked with log buildings. Our log shells are built to simplify the finishing work, and we are always willing to discuss with your contractor any issues relating to the log work.
Are your log homes green?
A hand-crafted log home, by its very nature, is one of the most green, environmentally conscious homes you could own. Log homes are built from logs, a renewable resource. Many of our homes are constructed from trees killed by the natural occurrence of the Mountain Pine Beetle. Log homes are durable and if well looked after they will last generations avoiding the need for repair or replacement.
CLICK to show/hide more of the answer
At Nithi Mountain Log Homes, we have very little waste. Short chunks of logs are sawn into lumber that is used in the log homes. The smaller scraps are used for heating and cooking rather than relying on a non-renewable source of power. There are very few manufacturing impacts from building the log shell as compared with other types of building (such as steel, brick or even wood frame). There is only minimal processing as the logs are altered as little as possible from what nature provides. Toxic emissions produced during log building are very minimal. Log homes are well suited to finishing with green products. The materials used to finish log homes are often less processed materials (such as using wood rather than dry wall for interior walls). From high performance windows to low VOC emitting exterior finishes to heating with renewable energy, there are many possible choices for log home owners. Last but not least, log homes are healthy buildings to live in. The solid walls eliminate the spread of indoor contaminants such as mould; the commonly abundant windows improve light quality which is beneficial for health and productivity; and the surrounding wood is an unaltered and healthy product of nature.
What will a log home cost?
There are two costs that are important to consider. The first is the overall budget for your finished home. A ball park figure that is used is $120 to $150 (and up) per square foot for a finished home. This figure can vary greatly depending on the complexity of your finished home. It is important to consider the total cost to avoid disappointment.
CLICK to show/hide more of the answer
With regard to the log shell only, the price can be difficult to estimate based on square footage since two similar sized homes can be very different from the perspective of building the log shell. A simple figure that can be used to estimate the cost of the log shell is 1/3 of the finished cost of your log home. Once you have an idea of your plan layout, and the features you are interested in we can give you a more precise price.
How long will it take to complete my log home?
The timeframe to have a finished log home can depend on various factors. The log shell can be built in 1 to 4 months depending on the complexity of the design.
CLICK to show/hide more of the answer
The other factors you should consider that can have a significant impact on the timeframe include: purchasing your land and any development that needs to be done, finalizing your design, having your financing in order, and the availability of the contractor for the foundation and completion of your home. Some people complete their log home in less than a year, and others spend years finishing their log home.