Many people have always dreamed of owning a log cabin of their own. But, for a long time, the cost of such a log home was too high for them to afford, leaving that dream out of reach. Fortunately, however, times have changed, and the log cabin dreams that were once out of reach for so many are now possible. This is due to the invention of steel log siding, a kind of metal siding that mimics the look of real wood logs, without the astronomical price tag.
How to Convert a Conventional Home into a Log Cabin
Converting your home from traditional vinyl siding to steel log siding isn’t difficult, either. Here is a quick guide to help outline the process.
1. Remove Old Siding
It may seem like common sense, but if you want your new steel log siding to look as good as possible and lay flat against your home, you should remove all old siding. While you could choose to leave the original siding on if it isn’t damaged, it could eventually cause issues and leave you with the additional cost of having to go back and fix whatever problems arise.
2. Install Starter Strips
With steel log siding, like what is available from TruLog, the first step in converting your home into a log cabin is to install and secure the starter strips. These strips go half an inch to an inch above your home’s foundation.
Before installing them, you want to take the time to mark the proper height on either end of the wall, and then snap a chalk line so that it is clearly defined. Then you can secure the starters strips so that they are flush to the wall.
3. Cut and Install the Corner Base
Once the starter strips have been properly installed, you can move to work on installing the corner base. This corner base will help support the corner cap that gets installed later.
To cut the corner base, you will need to measure from the soffit down to the bottom of the starter strip. You will then cut your corner base at that length and secure it to the wall with the proper screws.
4. J-Channel Installation
Next is to install the J-Channel, which goes around your doors and windows so that it accepts the siding and covers cuts that have been made.
To make these cuts, you first need to measure the side of the window or door you are working on and add a half inch. This extra half inch is for the intersection of the different J-Channel pieces and will be cut out later. Then, you want to install it flush against the window or door and continue until all sides have been completed.
5. Install the Outlet Block
Similar to the J-Channel, the outlet block goes around any outlets on the exterior of your home. These blocks are available for purchase from your local hardware store and provide a nice, finished look, and also help cover any cuts in the siding. You want to ensure it is level and as centered as possible before you add the screws. Then, you can add the cover plate.
6. Installing the Steel Log Siding
To install the siding, you want to remove the foam backing that comes with the siding panels for the time being. This will help to make installation easier, and the foam can be put in place afterward.
You want to slide the bottom of the panel into the starter and ensure that it is locked in place before putting a screw or nail to hold it in place. But, before you secure the first panel completely, go back to slide in the foam backer. Them, you can continue securing the panel completely. From there, you will continue with the installation process, taking your time to ensure the panels go in smooth and level.
Take Your Time to Do it Right
Installing steel log siding is fairly straightforward, and companies like TruLog make the steps clear and easy to follow. But, you do not have to feel obligated to do it on your own.
While it can raise the cost of a log home conversion slightly, it can also help to ensure that the installation is done correctly the first time, which will save you from having to making costly repairs for any mistakes that occur.
For a long time, log cabins were just a dream for many people due to the high cost of building and maintaining a log cabin. But, fortunately, new options have come along over the years and now, thanks to steel log siding, anyone can have a log cabin. This siding can be used to easily transform any conventionally designed home into a log cabin, without all the maintenance concerns or costs that come with traditional log cabins.
TruLog’s Steel Log Siding is a beautiful, highly durable siding with an authentic log cabin appearance.
