Log Cabin Buy
Living in a log cabin?
My husband and I are considering buying a log cabin with some land. It is a fairly sizeable home (over 2000 sq ft). Neither of us have lived in this type of home before. Any drawbacks? Any specific positives? Any cost difference (i.e., maintenance) compared to another style of home? What about insulation? Do they get very cold or very warm (we live in upstate NY). Any other opinions would be nice to hear. Thanks in advance for your assistance!
I built and lived in a log home (at 2000 sq feet is it really a cabin?). It wasn’t bad but I’d never do it again. Much more maintenance than a conventional house.
Factors to consider.
1- Shape of logs.
The cross-section of the log makes a difference. If they are Swedish cope (bottom of the log carved to fit the to of the next log) then the larger diameter log the better. More surface area with less opportunity for wind and water to come through. That shape needs a bit of dusting of the interior logs. It’s better it the interior of the log is sanded and sealed. D-shape is better in my opinion. It gives the exterior the look of natural log, has an interlocking mating surface, and the interior is flat, yet natural wood.
2-Age of the house
When the house is built it will settle and the logs will dry and twist. Older houses will have already settled and have the problems exposed – and hopefully repaired.
3-Maintenance
How has the house been maintained, with particular attention to the exterior sealing. Was it just sealed or was it coated also? Was the sealant used UV reflective? Was it chinked (sealant in between the courses of the logs)? When it was built was the courses of logs fitted to the windows and doors or were the windows and doors cut out? Fitted would be better.
I was in the high desert of southwestern Utah and had central heat and the house stayed warm.
Half Log Cabin Quilts
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Log Home Care and Maintenance: Everything You Need to Know to Buy, Maintain, and Enjoy Your Log Home £7.30 … |
