Concrete log homes are increasingly popular in a time when many Americans care about which construction materials are the most environmentally friendly, longest-lasting, most durable and fire-resistant. But how well do concrete logs imitate real logs? And how well do they serve the homeowner’s priorities for a long-lasting home? Questions like these are important ones to consider as you choose a siding material.
Why Choose Concrete Log Homes or Steel Siding instead of Logs?
For various reasons, homeowners are choosing alternative materials over milled logs:
- Fire resistance
- Insect resistance
- Ease of care and maintenance
- Durability
- Cost
The traditional milled log home is somewhat fire resistant, in the sense that solid logs don’t typically burn very fast; nonetheless, it is a flammable material, a characteristic that many homeowners want to avoid, particularly those who live in rural, forested areas. Both concrete and steel are good options if you want a fire-resistant home. You may even find that an insurance company will reduce your rates or otherwise provide a favorable policy when you use materials that are unlikely to catch fire. And of course steel and concrete log homes are not susceptible to wood-boring insects or water rot.
Even with the advantages of faux-wood products, your other priority may be getting a realistic log-home look. Fortunately, both molded concrete log homes and shaped steel siding today look nearly identical to logs. TruLog™ even has realistic hewing and chinking lines.
Concrete Logs vs. TruLog™ Steel Log Siding
While concrete logs remain a viable option for many, TruLog™ steel log siding has several advantages over concrete logs:
- Affordability
- Weight
- No maintenance
Steel log siding costs much less per square foot than concrete logs. Call our team to get exact pricing. Some estimates on the Web put the cost of siding a home with concrete logs at $600,000 or more, which is not far off from the high costs of milled log homes. Additionally, concrete can be very heavy, and sometimes proves to be too heavy for a home to support, resulting in fractures and other problems. Relatively lightweight but durable steel log siding can be installed on most types of structures and can last for decades without ever cracking. It also requires no other care than an occasional rinse with soap and water.
Perhaps best of all, TruLog™ steel siding replicates the look of milled logs just like concrete logs do. You can still have a home that complements the natural surroundings without having the hassle of real logs. Logs require upkeep, such as staining and re-chinking. Like many homeowners, you may prefer to avoid this constant maintenance while still enjoying a fire-resistant, log-style home.
To learn more about TruLog™ steel log siding and to discuss how it compares to concrete log homes, please call our experienced Loveland, Colorado team at 970-646-4490 or contact us online.
