Log homes have been around for centuries. Being sturdy, rustic, and a natural insulator have made them an extremely popular choice. There are log home that are well over 100 years old. So how long can you expect your log home to last? Let’s go over the factors that will influence your log home’s lifespan.
Factors that will determine how long your log home / cabin will last:
- Regular Maintenance:
Log homes require regular maintenance to keep moisture out and prevent rot. Staining and sealing the logs every few years helps protect them from the elements and prevent moisture. It is important to consistently check chinking, water marks, and caulk for damage. Keeping regular maintenance will help ensure that your log homes outlasts you! Check How To Clean Chinking. - Wood type and treatment:
Different log home companies use different types of logs. Some log home companies like Katahdin use Cedar logs, which have a naturally strong resistance. Most log home companies however, use Pine. Pine is also very resistant and very abundant. The treatment of the logs is just as important. For example Lok N Logs log homes kiln dries and pressure treats their logs with borate. If you want to see our list of The Top Log Home Manufacturers & Their Products Click Here! - Pest Prevention:
Insects, particularly wood-boring beetles and termites, pose a threat to the structural integrity of log homes. Regular pest inspections and the appropriate treatment can help prevent the damage that these pests can cause. It is important to remember to keep brush and shrubs off of your log home as well. Check: Why are there flies in my log Home? - Environmental Factors:
Where your log home is located will greatly affect the wear and tear that will occur. If there is constant sun or super high humidity levels it can wear on your log home. Is certain climates maintenance may be required more often. Your landscaping can also affect the health of your log home. Shrubs or trees that are too close to your log home may attract pests and cause water to run/hold on your logs. Before building your log home or if you are buying one… check it’s surroundings. Check: How Log Homes Holdup To Hurricanes, Earthquakes, & Tornadoes - Weatherproofing and Time Empty:
Log homes that are not properly sealed or that sit empty for long periods of time are going to be more susceptible to damage. If the temperature/moisture on the inside is not maintained, it can cause the logs to expand and contract causing leaks. If your log home is seasonal it is very important to do proper winterization for your log home. It is very common for people to leave the heat on low in order to keep the log from freezing. Check: How to strip a log home… all methods. - The Construction:
If you are buying a log home it is important to know who built it. Often people will buy a kit and not follow the proper instructions. Once the chainsaw is broken out… odds are there is a mistake. If you are building a log home yourself, be sure to check with the manufacture when you encounter a question or problem. A simple mistake could lead to large problems years later. Check: How to build a log home Guide!
Log homes are incredibly sturdy and great natural insulators. As long as you take proper care of your log home, it should easily outlast you. There are many family log homes that have already been handed down. A log home set in the proper location, using the proper treated logs, and well-maintained should be something that you can keep in the family for generations!
Check: How To Remove Mold From Log Homes and Cabins.
