1) Low Foundations
The
foundation of your log home, like any other building, is fundamental to its
construction. Check to make sure that the logs along the bottom exterior wall
of the home aren't too close to the ground. Logs in contact with the ground are
often subject to extra environmental wear from moisture rot and insect damage.
2) Sloping Floors
Over
time, log homes settle as moisture evaporates from their timbers. This moisture
loss results in a cycle of shrinking and settling that can sometimes lead to
uneven, sloping floor surfaces. Uneven floors are an indication that the
timbers were not adequately seasoned and dried prior to construction. Be on the
look out and bear in mind that sloping floors might also signal other issues in
the foundation.
3) Roof Overhangs
Many log homes feature roofs with large, overhangs and
deep, broad eaves. This type of roof design doesn't just serve an aesthetic
purpose. It also helps to protect the exterior walls of the home from the
effects of weathering. This will help to keep your log home looking newer,
longer. In general, the bigger the overhang the better.
4) Porches
Porches
can work in conjunction with those long roof overhangs to keep moisture well
away from the exterior walls of a home. Likewise, many log homes are
constructed with porch space in mind. Consider these porches an added bonus
when looking for a log home, both in terms of comfort and utility.
5) Gutters and Drainage
Your
log home will likely need more than a few large roof overhangs to effectively
divert moisture. A well designed gutter and drainage system is of vital
importance to the longevity of your home. Make sure downspouts are directed
away from the foundation, and always consider the influence that the grade of
your land will have on drainage.
6) Carpenter Bees
Insects are some of the foremost enemies of log homes,
and carpenter bees are perhaps the worst offenders. Carpenter bees burrow into
the exterior of log homes in order to incubate larvae. Wood peckers, in turn,
are drawn to the larvae and will soon proceed to peck their little brains out
all over your home. Keep an eye out, both for the cavities drilled by the bees,
and for damage from wood peckers. Both are tell-tale indicators of carpenter
bee activity.
7) Do-It-Yourself Work
Back
in the second half of the 20th century, when log homes were
especially “in vogue,” a number of manufacturers produced do-it-yourself kits
for ambitious folks who wanted to build their own log homes. Unfortunately,
many of these enterprising souls were unfamiliar with the finer points of home
building, and so they wound up with finished products of rather questionable
quality. Watch out for haphazard utility installation and substandard finishing
work that might suggest unprofessional construction.
8) Flame Retardants
Sometimes,
log homes are treated with flame retardant products that help to reduce the
risk of fire. Be sure to ask about these products when shopping around for a
log home. Not only will they keep you safe, they can also help to lower your
homeowner's insurance premiums.
These are just a few things to look out for when
buying a log home. For more information about log homes, please feel free to
call our toll free number, visit our website, or come in to Schroeder Log Home
Supply today!
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