Timeless Tips
INTELLIGENT LOG HOME MAINTENANCE
Building Design and Location
There are important preventive steps that can be taken in
order to greatly reduce the costs of exterior maintenance.
The first major consideration is the selection of the building
site. Locate the log home on a site where rain water will
drain away from the structure on all four sides. If this is
not possible, crown the area where the house is built, and
alter natural drainage by using swales, retaining walls, or
ditches of subsurface drain tiles before you begin construction.
If water is allowed to accumulate under a log home, decay
could develop quite rapidly.
Earth/wood contact greatly enhances chances of colonization
by termites and decay fungi. As a consequence, it is recommended
that the foundation wall be constructed in such a manner that
there be ample distance between the logs and earth. It should
also be high enough to prevent rain water from splashing on
the logs.
One of the most effective features to be built into a log
home are a wide roof overhang and gutters because they help
combat decay in walls and foundations, and around doors and
windows.
Wider overhangs are particularly desirable in areas of high
rainfall. Minimum projections of not less than 18 inches (preferably
24) for one story and 24 inches (preferably 36) for two stories
are recommended. Roof-supporting members of logs or of sawn
lumber should not project beyond the eaves. If they do, they
will become easily wetted and susceptible to decay.
As your home is being constructed, make certain that the attic
and crawl space areas are adequately vented to prevent the
accumulation of moisture within the living space. The soil
in crawl spaces should be covered with polyethylene to reduce
the relative humidity of the air in sub-floor spaces.
Lastly, when landscaping the home, keep shrubs and plants
proper distance from the house. They're an ideal source for
moisture and insects.
The Best Protection Against Fungi and Insects Is To Keep the
Log Walls Dry!
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