A log home is an eco-friendly, durable and beautiful dwelling. In addition to the environmental benefits, this type of home has long demonstrated its longevity, and a number of our clients have shared the feeling of wellness they experience in their new home. By living in a home that surrounds you with nature, you’re sure to see some major benefits.
THE FIRST YEARS IN YOUR LOG HOME
This type of home requires particular care, especially in the five years that follow its construction. Like any new build, a log home has a higher humidity level in its first years. In addition to the moisture caused through the drying of the cement, the wood itself will continue to dry. It’s recommended you maintain an interior humidity level around 50% during this period.
The reason is simple: this ensures uniform drying inside and outside, preventing the appearance of large cracks in the logs. An interior humidity level that’s too low puts a lot of stress on the inner side of the wood, causing it to dry more quickly and resulting in major cracks.
THE IMPACT ON THE STRUCTURE OF THE WOOD
As the wood in your home dries over this period, the diameter of each log will shrink, affecting the height of the walls.
Your qualified contractor and their architecture team predicts this during the planning and conception of the building, which will shift as the humidity lowers. This foresight will ensure energy efficient construction and a tight seal thanks to unique and proven construction techniques.
The adjustment of the logs and addition of the conventional carpentry elements must be taken into account when preparing your plans. This movement will affect the interior walls and the installation of doors and windows. That’s why we recommend those looking for a quality log home only entrust their project to a company who specializes in these homes. If you’re wondering how to find a contractor for your log home, we have a few tips for you!
UNDERSTANDING HOW LOGS DRY
The logs begin drying the second the tree is cut and the bark is removed. It takes about 5 years for a log to reach a more stable internal humidity. The ambient humidity both inside and outside the home fluctuate over the course of the seasons, so the movement continues, as the home is made of a living material that is always changing. It’s true that eventually, the movement will be minimal and the internal humidity more stable, but failing to apply the necessary measures to account for this phenomenon will without a doubt cause problems with the seal.
ROUND WOOD: THE BEST CHOICE FOR YOUR HOME
Don’t be intimidated by these shifts, which will require adjustment over time only for the vérins if the structure includes log columns. In working with an experienced contractor, they’ll know how to integrate, from the very start, everything needed to ensure your structure remains solid and with a tight seal.
Your job will be to use an air exchange system or humidifier, when needed, during colder months when the humidity naturally drops.
If you’re a big fan of fireplaces or heating with wood, you’ll have to pay close attention to the ambient humidity and keep it between 35 and 50%.
By maintaining your humidity level, you’ll also ensure added comfort during the winter months. Check out our blog for tips on how to stay warm in your log home, if that interests you.
Round wood is and remains the best material to fight climate change and depression. Its environmental and health benefits are well documented.