How much energy is in a log?

A standard cord of well-seasoned hardwood (stack of wood 4’X 4’X 8′ or 128 cubic feet) contains the heat equivalent of about 20 million BTU’s. By way of comparison this is more or less equivalent to the heat value in 145 gallons of #2 fuel oil or 215 gallons of LP gas.

What is the R-value of logs?

1.41 per inch

Is oil a source of energy?

Electricity from Oil. Oil is the largest source of energy in the United States, providing close to 40 percent of all of the nation’s entire power needs. Though most oil is used for transportation or home heating purposes, a small percentage is still used as a fuel for electricity generating plants.

Are log homes a good investment?

So there’s no debate: log homes are a good investment. But if you’re looking to take your investment a step further, you can do so by being attentive to particular building and design choices, such as the materials used in construction.

What are the problems with log homes?

They include:

Problem: UV Rays. The sun’s ultraviolet radiation (UV) causes cellular damage on the surface of wood.
Problem: Wind.
Problem: Humidity.
Problem: Squirrels.
Problem: Woodpeckers.
Problem: Insects.
Problem: Moisture from the Ground.
Problem: Rain & Snow.

What are the disadvantages of a log home?

CON: Higher Maintenance Level According to an article from Blue Ridge Country magazine, log homes often require a lot more maintenance than people think. This is because over time, the logs will likely shift, expand and contract with the changes in environment.

Do log homes hold value?

Log homes comprise a specialized segment of the housing market, making valuation and comparisons with other types of housing difficult. Because many appraisers and lenders have limited experience with log construction, they turn to comparable value properties to establish value.

Does a log cabin need insulation?

Do log cabins even have insulation? Log cabins can be really warm year-round if they’re built well. But a traditional log cabin doesn’t have insulation—the logs are the insulation. A 6-inch pine log has an R-value of about 8.4 which insulates less than stud-framed walls that have an r-value of about 14.

How many years do log cabins last for?

One of the most important things to know about log cabin is its capacity to last for decades. With proper maintenance and treatment, a log house could last for over a hundred years given the evidence of century-old log houses and wooden structures all over Europe, where the first log homes originated.

Do all log homes need chinking?

All log homes need some amount of caulking — you should caulk between log courses, at corners and around windows and doors. Whether a home needs chinking depends on the log profile or building system you choose. It is required between log courses on homes that are designed with a horizontal gap between the logs.

Why is chinking called chinking?

They used a blend of available materials to do so, packing the space between logs with substances flexible enough to allow the wood to breathe, yet strong enough to give protection. This substance came to be known as chinking.

How often should you seal a log home?

every 3-5 years

Do log cabins decay?

The bottom line is this – logs rot because of WATER! Moisture is what triggers the microscopic organism that is known as “rot” to start eating away at the wood. We need to use this fact to guild us when we consider what it means to properly maintain log homes.

How do you treat log cabin logs?

Here are the most common techniques:

Air- and Kiln-Drying the Logs.
Borate Treatments.
Cleaning the Logs.
Applying a Wood Preservative.
Biocides.
Pigmented Stains to Combat Damage from UV Rays.
Topcoats and Finish Coatings.

What stops a log cabin from rotting?

One method to prevent rot is large eaves which extend beyond the outer walls of your cabin. The eaves need to be long enough to stop rainwater from touching or dripping down the sides of the cabin.

How do I keep my log cabin from rotting?

How do we keep a log home dry and stop rot?

Maintain a good finish on the exterior logs.
Have adequate overhangs wherever possible.
Have gutters in place and keep them in working condition, again –preventing water from ever getting to the logs.
Free board – in other words: keep the house up off the ground.
Protect the lower logs around your decks.

Do log cabins get damp?

Basically a log cabin is the same as any other building. It’s an enclosed space and as such heat and moisture can build up, especially if there is not a damp proof membrane within the base. What normally happens is either damp from the base or damp we introduce in the form of damp furniture, damp tools, etc builds up.

Do log cabins get mold?

Mold on logs is not only unsightly – it can be the sign of rot in the log. This has been a particularly tough year for log homes due to lots of snow and now a rainy spring. When logs can’t dry out, mold (and eventually rot) can take hold. Mold is the precursor to decay and rot.

What is the best treatment for log cabins?

For a clear finish, Barrettine Log Cabin Treatment is the perfect choice for new or bare wood log cabins. It’s made from a blend of oils, waxes and resins that provide a durable and extremely weather resistant finish.

How do you waterproof a log cabin?

paintable sikaflex/tigerseal is the way to go. If it’s leaking there must be a design or build issue. Most wooden buildings, if designed and built with overlaps anywhere there is moisture, will be waterproof by design. Sealant just helps it stay dry if water ever does get in (driving rain etc).

How long will an untreated log cabin last?

20-50 years

Do log cabins need maintenance?

Large overhangs, porches, proper landscaping and tall foundations will prevent maintenance nightmares. A log home is not a conventional home and will require non-conventional maintenance, but as long as you are aware of this up front, you can design and plan for this.

Are log homes warm in winter?

No, it’s not your imagination— log homes are warmer than traditional “stick-built” homes and there’s some science behind this concept. Insulation is a substance that slows or limits the transfer of heat over time. These fiberglass bats or other insulation materials are good at keeping the heat in.

Are log homes a lot of upkeep?

Cost of Log Cabin Maintenance Maintaining a log home should be a bi-annual activity, specifically during spring and fall. Regular maintenance of your log cabin reduces the damage from UV, water, insects and air infiltration.

How much does it cost to replace a log on a log cabin?

The costs attached to restoring a log home vary depending on the extent of work necessary, the size of the home, and other circumstances. Based on national estimates, the cost of renovating a log home may range from about $15,000 to upward of $100,000.