Coldwell Banker's, High Country Realty specializes in Blue Ridge real estate. Explore Union real estate listings to view beautiful log and mountain homes in Blairsville, Union County, and other incredible properties in the North Georgia areas.
More than a million 19th century log homes built in the United States are still standing today. Many of these older log homes are still being used as primary residences. So long as you take the appropriate measures to protect your log home from weather and moisture, you'll ensure its longevity- its beauty and charm.
Log homes are generally designed to keep the rain and wind from entering, as the log themselves are shaped and fitted to minimize air and water filtration. They feature different horizontal interfaces, where the bottom of one log is curved to fit the curve of the top of the log below it. This is the intricate tongue-and-groove profile in most log homes. Today's manufacturers may also prescribe the use of flexible sealing materials, such as foam compression gaskets, adhesives and splines. These serve to reinforce the seal between the logs. Caulk is also a mainstay these days, and preferably one that will adhere to both log surfaces as the logs move while settling. All these building components resist the infiltration of outdoor elements.
Of course, over years of outdoor exposure, the logs of any log home can weaken and therefore need to be protected to ensure their longevity. The objective isn't to keep logs looking like new. That's impossible, and not to mention undesirable. Aging wood, brings out the distinctive, rustic character of the logs. The aim is to keep the wood dry. Fortunately there are proven ways to treat and protect wood and you can even color your abode with stains made especially for log homes.
Protect Your Log Cabin From UV Rays
The sun's ultraviolet radiation can cause cellular damage on the surface of wood. If these damaged wood cells are not removed, they become a food source for micro fungi. As the fungal growth progresses, the wood becomes darker and eventually begins to rot. To diminish exposure to the sun, deep overhangs and porches can help shade the bulk of your home. Also planting trees on south and west side of home can offer needed coverage.
Extra Protection From Wind
As mentioned earlier, wind is not a concern in terms of penetrating into the interior of your log home. But, it can accelerate the drying and cracking of wood, chinking and caulk. The wind has an abrasive effect on the wood when dirt and sand particles are pounding against the surface throughout the year. If you are building a log home, consider positioning the home on the lot in such a way, so as to avoid windy conditions. Another consideration is to again, plant trees on the south and west side of your log home.
Dealing With Humidity
Damp, dark corners, under decks, and naturally humid parts of the country have an accumulating effect on log walls. Fungus thrives in these damp and dark places, and will feed off the wood's cellulose, causing a break down in the wood. To deal with humidity, creating a buffer zone between the humid air and your home is recommended. Consider stone or brick for part of your wall system. When placing bushes and plants, ensure they are 3-5 feet away from walls. You don't want anything that will trap moisture in.
Be Equipped For Rain and Snow
Precipitation is the worst enemy of the log home. Cleaning, staining and sealing are a must and need to be done on a regular basis, but there are also some preventative measures that can help beat the battle. Properly working gutters and, again, deep overhangs will help decks and sidewalks drain away from the home. Search for other places where moisture can be trapped (windows, gas tanks, window boxes) and then create an airspace for circulation.
Log homes that are designed for protection from the weather, actually require less care than homes that do not take advantage of this protection. Nevertheless, as mentioned, all exterior wood surfaces should be treated with a finish or coating that include water and ultraviolet protection.
Consider these extra measures of protection, and you'll enjoy your cozy log home throughout many moons.
- Related Videos
- Related Articles
- Ask / Related Q&A
- Benefits Of Hire A Modular Cabins For Use
- How Cabin Style Decorating Can Give Your Home A Relaxing Rustic Look
- Did You Know That Log Cabins Can Extend Your Home?
- Log Cabin Kits for the Garden
- Log Cabin Kit Homes - How To Find Log Cabin Building Kits
- To Refer to Log Cabins as Sheds, Would be Like Calling Gordon Ramsay a Cook
- Log Cabins for Christmas and Extra Income
- Log Cabins as a Second Home




Apartment Size Furniture. Buying Guide
By: Adam Ellis | 12/11/2009Apartment Size Furniture
Make Your Own Solar Panels And Save Money
By: Diane Stroup | 12/11/2009By using solar energy as a type of energy, the average person will feel good about what they are doing for our planet. Another great benefit is that you will be saving money each month on power bills.
First Apartment Furniture. Buying Guide
By: Adam Ellis | 12/11/2009First Apartment Furniture
What Do I Need For My First Apartment. Buying Guide
By: Adam Ellis | 12/11/2009What Do I Need For My First Apartment
Hardwood Floor Vs Laminate
By: Eugene R. Makeev | 12/11/2009The flooring is among the most essential features of your home making just any room fit for its purposes. Thus, choosing the best flooring for your New York home is among the most major decisions homeowners have to make whether for a new construction or floor replacement project. This article compares two of the most popular choices when it comes to flooring- hardwood floor and laminate.
How Hunter Does Low Profile – The Best Low Profile Offers from Hunter
By: Mark van Tuel | 12/11/2009Need a low profile fan for your low-ceilinged rooms? Get the best possible choices in the market: go for the top three low profile ceiling fans offered by no other than Hunter. Here are Hunter’s answers to your needs.
Kiln dried logs: a home heating guide
By: Paul Wilkinson | 12/11/2009Using kiln dried logs can be cheaper, cleaner and more efficient than using regular seasoned hardwood logs. Read this article to find out all the advantages of kiln dried wood and how to get the most out of your wood burning stove.
Making Your Book Inventory as Efficient as Possible
By: Maxim Smirnov | 12/11/2009Whether you're interested in keeping a large book inventory for yourself or for others, you need to make things efficient or else you may not be able to keep up with your stacks of tomes. Thankfully there are many different ways to help create a smooth and efficient book inventory...
Region-specific House Maintenance Tips
By: Austin Lansing | 26/03/2008 | Home ImprovementMidwest homes may have problems with their plumbing, due to the tradition of water heaters frequently serving as a furnace as well as a water heater.
Make Your Neighbors Green With Envy!
By: Austin Lansing | 26/03/2008 | Real EstateBamboo is widely used in homes by people who prefer to use sustainable resources. Bamboo wood flooring looks like oak hard wood floors and is equally as hard wearing.
Low Maintenance Salt Water Pools
By: Austin Lansing | 26/03/2008 | LandscapingThe initial cost of installing a salt water pool will be more expensive than installing a chlorine pool. However, the amount of money saved on all those chlorine pucks and chemicals soon adds up. (Also you can factor in the amount of wear and tear on mum during those 'down' days when the pool is not usable.)
Remodeling for Retirement and Beyond
By: Austin Lansing | 05/02/2008 | RemodelingStatistics show that more and more seniors are wanting to remain in their own homes in the later stages of life, as opposed to being admitted to a seniors home or facility. What this has created, is a demand for a niche market that remodels homes for seniors.
The Good Guide to Great Renters
By: Austin Lansing | 05/02/2008 | Real EstateGiven the way things are going with the US housing market, renting is going to be the most viable housing option for many. If you own an investment property that you want to hold onto to, you may be looking for tenants. And, of course, you're not looking for just any tenants. Any and every landlord wants to find the best tenants possible.
Bright Ideas: the Role of Lighting in Successful Home Staging
By: Austin Lansing | 22/01/2008 | Real EstateLighting is one of the best ways to add intrigue and drama to a room. The right lighting is magic- it can help make a room appear larger, or taller. It can highlight, accent, define and contribute to the ambiance of a room.
Protect the Rustic Beauty of your Log Home
By: Austin Lansing | 22/01/2008 | Home ImprovementMore than a million 19th century log homes built in the United States are still standing today. Many of these older log homes are still being used as primary residences. So long as you take the appropriate measures to protect your log home from weather and moisture, you'll ensure its longevity- its beauty and charm.