When many of us think of log cabin homes, we think of the early settlers, who had very few conveniences that we have today. They grew their own food and cooked it over the hearth in the fireplace. Today, log cabins are still being enjoyed, though they have come a long way from what the first Americans lived in.
Log Cabins in Demand
According to Architecture This Week, over “30,000 new log homes are being built each year in the U.S. This number makes up 9% of the custom home market in the U.S. In addition, over 550,000 log homes exist in the U.S.”and are primary or secondary residences for many people looking to relax outside urban cities.
Gone are the days of one-room cabins and families gathered around the fireplace where their meals are prepared. Today, they can be as simple or as grand as a mansion. They come in all shapes, styles, and sizes to meet the needs of the owner.
Here are some interesting facts about the log cabin industry:
- There are over 500 log cabin manufacturers currently in the U.S.
- The industry has seen steady growth. In the 1980s, there were about 15,000 new log homes built each year. Today that number is over 30,000.
- Sales of log cabin homes have doubled to about $1.7 billion from 1995 until now.
- Of the log homes being built, 10% are built with individual logs and handheld tools. The other 90% are built with milled logs, designed specifically for this purpose.
- Logging homes often exceed minimum energy efficiency requirements.
- Most log cabin homes are crafted with renewable materials.
- The states with the most log cabin homes include Colorado, New York State, North Carolina, Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Texas, and Minnesota. While they lead the way, log homes can be found in about every state in the U.S.
Special Care for Log Homes
LogHomeLiving.com, states that log cabin homes need different care than other homes. The care they take to maintain can seem daunting, but if you create a seasonal maintenance log, many of the chores can be done quickly and easily. Some yearly efforts include:
- Check all gutters and downspouts and clear out any debris.
- Replace or repair loose roof shingles.
- Access any damage caused by extreme heat or cold.
- Check for loose flashing in and around the chimney area.
- Check for water stains or erosion on ceilings and rafters.
- Check and repair any cracks in the logs.
- Check the stairs and railings and repair or replace them as needed.
When to Outsource Repairs
Keeping on top of repairs is the most important thing log homeowners can do. As indicated above, some repairs are easy to repair and no outside help is needed, but there are other times that you need to call in the experts for the bigger jobs. Log Masters Restorations and other companies that are experts in log homes can help with the bigger jobs.
They can provide the following:
- Chinking, which is a sealant that creates a tighter seal than caulk
- Adding caulk, which is used for smaller logs and to retain heat/cool around windows and door joints
- Chemical stripping, which can remove previous stains and paint to allow the natural wood to show through
- Wood staining, which helps protect your home from the environment
- Log repair and replacement of logs that may be rotting
- Sanding and grinding, which is often required after pressure washing and chemical stripping
Living in a log cabin can be a wonderful and rewarding experience, but it is good to understand the upkeep that is required and when it is time to call in professionals.
