Although the log home has been around for a few decades, it wasn’t until the early 1900’s that the Scandinavian technique for log homes was developed. Although log homes were already very solid, this technique has allowed for a great improvement in the quality of the structures. The houses built in that era using this technique were stronger, better insulated, and built to withstand the test of time.
Harkins has used the Scandinavian technique since its inception in 2000. While this technique was already a proven benchmark technique by that time, our experts have continued to improve upon its foundations, notably the joining techniques, in order to offer our clients the highest quality product.
THE ORIGIN OF OUR LOGS
First of all, you should know that we use white pine sourced primarily from forests in the Laurentian region. We do our best to cut trees within a 200-kilometer radius of our facilities in Saint-Faustin-Lac-Carré, near Mont-Tremblant, and make it a point to choose trees cut in an environmentally friendly manner.
PROCEDURE FOR BUILDING A LOG HOME
Here are the steps we take to ensure we offer our clients superior-quality log homes and cottages.
1. The first step is to receive the logs, which are delivered directly to our facility in Saint-Faustin-Lac-Carré.
2. We examine each and every log to ensure that it is completely healthy. We are very rigorous in our selection process and aim for logs with a diameter between 12 and 20 inches to ensure uniformity.
3. Then, our loggers move on to the debarking and planning stage. All this is done by hand to avoid damaging the logs.
4. Once debarked and planned, the logs are meticulously leveled with a compass. We make sure to recreate the same relief with the next log to ensure maximum water tightness.
5. Once we have completed the adjustment of the logs one on top of the other, which creates a nearly perfect fit, we then seek to ensure a perfect seal by inserting a double layer of “P-Gasket” insulation directly into the lateral groove. This allows us to obtain the best possible seal.
Once we have completed the adjustment of the logs one on top of the other, which creates a nearly perfect fit, we then seek to ensure a perfect seal by inserting a double layer of “P-Gasket” insulation directly into the lateral groove. This allows us to obtain the best possible seal.
Following these steps, each log is numbered and the house is disassembled to be put on a trailer for delivery. Our team will take care of reassembling the log structure on your foundation in order to ensure its quality. The reassembly of the structure can take anywhere from one to three days, depending on the size of the house.
Over the course of the first five years of the home’s life, the logs will dry out and settle into place. For a standard 9′-6″ log home, this will cause the walls to drop about three inches. The construction technique prescribed by Harkins takes this movement into consideration. Everything is taken into account during the construction process to anticipate this movement, preserving the home’s watertight seal and energy efficiency.
When you entrust a home or cottage project to the Harkins team, there are no shortcuts taken at any point of the construction process! You will benefit from an authentic home, built by experts using true Scandinavian techniques.
Are you looking for an authentic and unique log home? Trust Harkins, and finally build your peaceful haven for years to come.