Log Homes Info.

Wall Construction

The walls are made of logs, placed either vertically or horizontally, depending on the style and size of the cabin. The logs are notched at the corners to allow them to fit together. Corner notching is a notable characteristic of log cabin construction because it provides stability by locking the log ends in place, enabling the logs to fit together in a secure manner. Many different methods of corner notching exist, ranging from simple "saddle" notching to the common "V" notching or "steeple" notching, which get their name from the shape of the notch cut into the wood. These notching methods are marked by a cut into the wood that allows another cut piece of wood to fit together like a puzzle piece. Another commonly used technique, "square" notching, differs in that the logs are secured with the addition of pegs or spikes.

The number of logs used per wall varies with the size of the cabin. The spaces between logs are usually filled with a combination of materials in a process known as "chinking" and "daubing." This process seals the exterior walls, protecting them from weather and animal damage.

Definitions:

Handcrafted log home
A home that is constructed of logs that are individually fit together.

Milled log home
Constructed of machine-lathed logs, and is also used to describe a log home built from a kit.

Insulated log home
Constructed with half-logs attached to a standard 2x6 frame structure.

Chinking
The mixture used to fill the gaps between logs - can be natural materials or synthetic.

Shrinking
The normal loss of diameter in logs as they lose moisture.

Settlement
The downward movement of log courses as the logs shrink.

Checking
The natural cracking of logs as they shrink.

Butt joints
Occur when two logs are placed end-to-end.

Log course
One layer of logs placed atop the entire foundation of the home.

Log wall exterior

The inspector shall inspect exterior surfaces of log walls, when such surfaces are visible, looking for:

presence of mold, mildew or fungus
cracks located at tops of logs and facing up
discoloration, graying, bleaching or staining of logs
loose or missing caulking
separation of joints

condition of chinking, to include cracking, tears, holes, or separation of log courses
condition of log ends

Log wall interior

The inspector shall inspect interior surfaces of log walls, when such surfaces are visible, looking for:

separation between logs, including light or air penetration from outdoors
separation between exterior log wall and interior partition walls
separation between log walls and interior ceilings

The information and recommendations contained here in are, to the best of A thru Z Home Inspection, Inc. knowledge and belief, are accurate and reliable. This document is offered in good faith. A thru Z Home Inspection, Inc. does not warrantee or guarantee accuracy, reliability, or completeness. It is the user's responsibility to satisfy himself as to the suitability and completeness of such information for his own particular use. We do not accept liability for any loss or damage that may occur from this information.