I'm thinking of buying a log cabin i herd it is a pain to Maintain?

Answer 1

You failed to mention if this is a brand new construction, or a pre-existing home....

Also... are you getting a home with 'solid' logs, or manufactured logs? (Solid being strip the bark off, and you have a log, and manufactured being made up of different pieces)

Post and beam construction goes back a LOOOONNGGG ways... not only can you still find colonial barns and cabins still in existence, but if you take a peek over at Europe, there are still many buildings in good shape that date back to the 1500's, and perhaps older. Some of these buildings have even been taken apart and moved.

Having said that.... buying a "log home" does NOT necessarily mean you are getting a 'post and beam' assembly! Are you starting to get the idea there are a lot of variables here? hehehehe....

Now... lets just talk about the logs, which I mentioned earlier.... 'Solid' logs shrink over time. This is because they dry out... its a natural part of the process and should not alarm you. The home SHOULD have been (or be) built with this in mind. Doors and windows, for example, will be made with slots cut into the vertical supports, to allow the logs to settle, without putting the door or window in a bind. This shrinkage can also be a problem with the 'chinking'... thats the stuff they put between the logs. Chinking used to be plain old mud and straw.... nowadays, you can get an elastic chinking in a caulk tube, thats good for several years.

'Manufactured' logs... are just that... a factory takes 4 to 6 pieces of lumber, and they 'make' a log out of them. The benefit of this type of log, is that it doesnt shrink, and its more stable (less warping, twisting, cracking, etc) The logs are more uniform in appearance too... which can be good or bad, depending on your tolerance for 'character' wood, hehehe. And because they do not shrink like a nature-made log... the construction is much simpler. You can actually get logs made with tongues and grooves, so that they fit, one on top of the other.... providing a better weather seal. With this type of home, there is usually no chinking at all, or, its only cosmetic. (Actually.... another variable here... you can get 'milled' logs that 'stack' with the tongue and groove feature too... they will still shrink more, over time tho)

Now.. here is a link to a group dedicated to the 'solid' log home construction type... they take a definite stance AGAINST kit homes (pre-cut homes, shipped to your site..... ANOTHER variable, lol) -- http://www.loghomebuilders.org/

Here.. is a link to Log Homes Illustrated online ... they are a magazine publisher dealing with log, and timber frame homes... a good source for ideas, plans, and places to contact.... youve probably seen their magazines on the shelf at the store... Pick one up! -- http://www.loghomesillustrated.com/r5/home.asp

And here are a couple of websites sponsored by log home organizations... good reading, and lots of info.
http://www.loghome.net/
http://www.loghomes.org/

Have Fun!

Answer 2

It depends how they are finished. Most cabin last for a long time look at all the old barns and cabins still existing. Every type of house construction needs Maintenance so don't be afraid of owning a great log cabin.

Answer 3

Any house is a pain to maintain, and as far as a log cabin, any pain to may have your getting compensation for owning such a beautiful home. I would absolutely love to own a log home and I applaud you for having the chance to be an log home owner.

Answer 4

Do what my sister did. She owns a million dollar place, wanted a "log cabin" but wasn't interested in the walls and what they offered so, she opted for the siding and the interior decorations of a log cabin. I visited her for two years before I realized it was a normal home.

Answer 5

I have had two lots of serious back surgery and Im just over 30. I bought a new mattress just after my last surgery, as like most people, in the past have thought a good firm mattress was the way to go. I went for a soft, pillow top mattress and it is absolutely fantastic and has made such a difference to the pain I used to experience in the morning. My boyfriend has a latex matress and I would say that there is no difference for me in terms of the pain increase/decrease between the two. If you are going to stretch your finances with the latex, have a look at the really soft pillowtops.

Answer 6

There are still Log cabins from the eighteen hundreds standing today don't pay attention to the first DF

Pay close attention to how it was built and caulked (between the seams) It's foundation and floor (above the soil)

good Luck I envy you

Answer 7

WILL IF A HERD WENT THRU MY LOG HOME I WOULD HAVE A HARD TIME MAINTAINING ALSO. I HEAR BUFFALO CHIPS ARE BIG CAN U VERIFY THAT FACT?

Answer 8

why not just get a house, it last longer. logs can burn if you like fire and it isn't as strong as a house