It’s easy to fall in love with the idea of owning and living in a log home. Log cabins have deep roots in our history, and they can be beautiful structures that evoke a rustic, romantic warmth.
Log homes, however, require maintenance that conventional modern homes do not, and many people are not aware of the risks and service costs of log homes when they buy or prepare to build a log structure. Those seeking the look and feel of an authentic log home may wish to consider TruLog™, an innovative steel siding system that provides the luxury and aesthetics of a genuine log cabin without the structural risks or costly maintenance concerns.
The Variables of Log Home Longevity
According to the nonprofit wood research institute Forintek, there are a number of factors that affect the integrity and lifespan of a log structure, including:
- The type of wood; some woods are better suited for certain regions
- When and how the timber is harvested; the time of year and manner in which trees are felled can impact the life of the wood
- The selection of logs for homes; not all logs are suitable for structures
- How the logs are dried, treated and stored prior to construction
- The architectural design of the home
- The construction of the home
- The finishing treatments applied to the log home
- How the finished log home is maintained
These critical elements are often out of the hands of homeowners or buyers, who must trust that architects, contractors, builders and/or previous homeowners have done their jobs effectively.
Log Home Maintenance
Log homes require annual inspection and maintenance to minimize the risk of structural decay and preserve the exterior appearance. The extent of log cabin maintenance and the associated costs are more than many homeowners bargain for.
Each year, log homes should be thoroughly inspected for signs of decay, insect infestation, mold and structural weaknesses. Log homes must also be washed at least once annually to remove debris like pollen, dirt and algae.
Preservative sealants must also be reapplied on a regular basis in order to protect the wood from pests and rot. Homeowners should also exercise caution with these products, as some sealants and pesticides contain chemicals like pentachlorophenol (PCP) that can be hazardous to people and pets; according to the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), one study found that PCP levels in people who lived in treated log homes were 10 times higher than those of residents who lived in conventional homes.
The Advantages of a TruLog™ Home
The unique TruLog steel log siding system offers everything people love about log homes with the added benefits of being maintenance-free, energy-efficient and long-lasting.
TruLog is designed to mimic the appearance and feel of natural wood, right down to the grain texture and hew lines. TruLog can be easily cleaned with a garden hose, and it does not require painting, sealing or refinishing.
TruLog siding further protects against insects and moisture accumulation, which can cause substantial damage to traditional log homes, and helps your home maintain consistent temperatures without the seasonal loss of heat or cool.
To learn more about the benefits of TruLog siding, please contact TruLog online or call us at 970-646-4490. TruLog is based in Loveland, Colorado, but we ship nationwide and work with installers in multiple states, including Colorado, Wyoming and Missouri.
