A Short History of Log Homes and the Processes Involved in their Restoration

Log cabins have found their places in the hearts of many Americans past and present. Although they are similar, it is important to note that a log home usually represents those houses made out of logs in a more contemporary manner, while a log cabin refers to their smaller equivalents which are usually found in the woods as a temporary retreat in the midst of camping or hunting. Log cabins are perfect images of structures built by our ancestors. Many of them are still standing across the country due to the persistent and consistent maintenance executed by its current owners. They can never be taken for granted in history pages because they have somehow shaped and influence modern architecture and home designing. It is no doubt that even in the future years, they will never fail to amaze the curious eyes of the next generations.

It is basic that log houses and cabins are strategically constructed out of logs but not too many of us are aware of the fact that although they may be made of the most basic item easily provided by nature, an easy undertaking as selection of logs is a challenging job.

First and foremost, the type of structure that will be constructed will influence the materials that you will be using.

When we say handcrafted log buildings, we desire to have that which is made up of very natural logs. That means they have been unchanged from their original or natural form. They have only been peeled. Other than that, they were not abused or changed from their original appearance.

Now when we say milled log homes they are made of logs profiled by machine standards in order to become timbers that have similar sizes and shapes.

Technically, handcrafted log houses are probably still being made in the most provincial areas in Europe, Russia, and even in the United States. However, most of these houses were first constructed in the 16th to 19th century. Milled log homes first started out in the 1920's when industrialization was beginning to flourish.

Like cemented houses which need to be regularly checked for cracks that may lead to serious destruction, log homes also require regular maintenance by checking the logs for rots. The logs are prone to harsh elements brought by the changing seasons. It is inevitable for logs to undergo excessive moisture content when the season shifts from winter to summer. When there is excessive moisture content, decaying of the woods will slowly develop. That will lead to rots expanding through several sections of the logs. If a log home has not undergone measures to slow down or avoid rotten logs, the benefits of the log home are not for long term. That will only give the owner a potential for unplanned repair costs. Fortunately, experts in the log home industry have created innovations to log home restoration.

Many companies today are into the business of providing personalized services to log home owners who need to restore their log houses or cabins. Decades ago the approaches to their restoration are very limited. Now, you will be amazed at the variety of techniques being offered by countless companies in maintaining and restoring the original luster of the log home. Although the techniques may vary, the procedures are similar. They are done in four major but basic steps. Restoration is the process of removing old finishes and also includes the replacement of logs as well as the selection of the types of logs that will be used.

Preservation is applying preservatives to keep insects from damaging the logs. Staining is the technique in applying finishes that beautify the log home. Sealing is the use of sealants that will weatherproof the entire log house.

Source: http://ezinearticles.com/6272901

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