3 Log Home Myths You Shouldn’t Believe

Have you always dreamed of living in a cozy log home? What's stopping you? For many people, it's the stubborn idea that log homes are impractical or even unsafe that prevents them from considering logs as a home-building option. The problem with that assumption is that log homes are neither impractical nor unsafe – in fact, the truth is quite the opposite. While log homes are certainly less common than they once were, there are certainly enough historical examples still standing to attest to the fact that a well-built log cabin is a stable dwelling that holds up well over time. If you've always wanted to live in a log home, it's time that you took a look behind the myths that have been holding you back.

Myth: Log Homes Burn More Easily

It's easy to see how someone who hasn't spent a lot of time in a log home could come to the conclusion that they're quick to catch fire. Everyone knows that wood is flammable, and what is a log home? Wood, as far as the eye can see.

However, when you really look into it, you'll find that log homes are actually less likely to catch fire than conventional stick-frame homes. The combustibility of structures can be rated on a scale of one to five, with one being the most fire-resistant (for example, steel buildings) and five being the most flammable. Conventionally built stick-frame homes are rated a type five. Log homes, on the other hand, are rated four – less flammable than stick-frames. How can that be?

When you think about it, it makes sense. Because of the low surface area to volume ratio of large logs, they're difficult to light on fire. The 2X4s that are used to build a conventional home are much smaller and much more exposed when near a flame, making them easier to light. Logs also burn very slowly, which means that if a log home does catch fire, there's an excellent chance that it can be put out before the most serious damage is done.

Myth: Log Homes Are Termite Magnets

Termites are a homeowner's nightmare, so it's no surprise that this is a concern for anyone considering a log home. On the surface, this seems logical. It's wood. Termites eat wood. Why wouldn't they be more attracted to log homes?

Once again, though, this surface logic doesn't hold up under any serious scrutiny. Experts agree that log homes are no more susceptible to termites than stick-frame homes. Part of this is because the logs are typically cured and treated before building. But even if that weren't true, termites prefer moisture. Dried out logs don't interest them. Log homes are carefully designed to stay as dry as possible, because of the risk of rot. As long as you maintain your gutters so that they don't leak on the logs, and prevent other leaks as needed, your log home shouldn't be tempting to termites.

One more thing to keep in mind is that with a log home, there's nowhere for termites, or any other infesting bug, to hide. Termites can do severe damage to a stick-frame home before they're discovered, because they tend to hide behind the drywall. In a log home, you will be able to see and put a stop to any infestation before it becomes serious.

Myth: Log Homes Take Too Long To Build

It's perplexing that many people believe that log homes are more time consuming to construct than stick-frame homes. This misconception may stem from the fact that it's somewhat popular for log home owners to build their own homes – or at least participate in their construction – and inexperienced builders do tend to move more slowly.

If anything, log homes should go up much more quickly than stick-frame homes. In a conventional home, you need to build the exterior, build the interior, and add insulation. Log homes are much simpler – a log is interior, exterior, and insulation all rolled into one. Should you decide to build your log home yourself, you may need to plan for delays due to your inexperience and your other time commitments, but with an experienced builder, your log home should actually be finished fairly quickly.

Of course, log homes aren't for everyone. However, you shouldn't let myths and misconceptions prevent you from looking into the possibility of owning a log home yourself. If you look into it, you may find that a log home is the perfect home for you. Visit http://www.pioneerloghomesofbc.com/ to learn more. 


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