DIY Log Home

[beenthere]

Red
Not arguing with your statement...
Just pointing out that logs (solid wood) do not have a higher insulation R value per inch compared to conventional wall construction. That is a myth.

Would like to see pictures of your log cabin. That would be helpful to the thread and to others considering building from logs.

 

[KentT]

Red
Not arguing with your statement...
Just pointing out that logs (solid wood) do not have a higher insulation R value per inch compared to conventional wall construction. That is a myth.

Would like to see pictures of your log cabin. That would be helpful to the thread and to others considering building from logs.

The difference is in the thermal mass, not the "R value."

Calculations of R value do not measure nor even consider thermal mass. Log homes are slow to heat up and slow to cool down, in comparison to most other types of construction. Yet, they don't act like a "heat sink" that must additionally insulated, like concrete does....

This thermal mass results in less change between night and daytime temps inside the house, as shown in one example below. For example, in spring and fall seasons on sunny days, the log walls soak up heat during the day while it stays cooler inside, reducing the need for additional cooling. At night, they slowly release that heat to the inside air, reducing the need for additional heating.

 

[Redgoatea]

This is one side of my house. I love the way the corners were done. 7

 

[rjkobbeman]

Log homes are beautiful, and yours is no exception. Thanks for the pix.

How do you deal with rotting and termites and the sort? I would be nervous about my house crumbling over time!

 

[Redgoatea]

How do you deal with rotting and termites and the sort? I would be nervous about my house crumbling over time!

Most houses are made of wood. Wood is wood to termites as far as I'm aware. I don't think they care if you cut it into sticks and sheets or leave it whole.

You are supposed to seal the logs inside the house and out every few years to help preserve them but it's no more work than repainting a house would be. I also do a perimeter spray for the pests once a year but I've always done that in every house so no difference there either.

 

[scesnick]

I also have a log home and absolutely love it. I also always get the termite question and the high maint. question. As redgoatea said, wood is wood. I re stain my house once every 5 yrs or so. No big deal. it takes me about two days doing it by myself.
One of the things I like the best about our home is how quiet it is. it is very relaxing with and I can't hear what is goingon in the other rooms at all.
I also find that my house is very easy to heat also. Noit sure about the whole 'R" value and themal mass debate but I do know it is nice and toasty in my house in the winter and it doesn't cost all that much to heat compared to my friends houses.

 

[crazyal]

I've always loved the look of a real log cabin. In the end the cost was a little more than I wanted to spend so I ended up with a post and beam with foam panels. I may have opted to spend the money for log but the few places that sold them just didn't give the information I was looking for.

I'm a DIY type of person. The locals all wanted to sell me the logs and the installation too. So when I would ask about things like chinking and the best products to seal and how often they just gave vague answers. I think finding information now is easier. If I ever build a house again it will be a log and if possible I'll buy a portable sawmill to make my own lumber and because I like the look of the D shaped logs.

 

[Egon]

So when I would ask about things like chinking and the best products to seal and how often they just gave vague answers.

Probably because they were still looking for the solution!:thumbsup:

We built and lived in a log house for about 25 years. Lovely ambiance. Lots of thermal mass. No problem hanging pictures. Lots of potential leaks when the wind blew.

 

[crusty 1]

Josh,you could build like I did.Stud walls,insulated and sheeted with half log siding.Gives the [look] and well sealed and very easy to heatDave

 

[Redgoatea]

. Lots of potential leaks when the wind blew.

????? We get 70-90 mph winds here in the winter. Guess the original homebuilder planned for that. Not a draft anywhere. 7