Log homes are especially popular in forested mountain communities. Unfortunately, as many Colorado residents have learned first-hand in recent years, these areas are also prone to wildfires that can quickly destroy log homes and other structures with wood exteriors.
The potential for wildfires, however, doesn’t mean you have to give up your dream of enjoying the distinctive luxury and character of a log home. The TruLog™ system offers the rustic aesthetics of a log cabin with the fire-resistance of steel siding.
Building in Fire-Prone Regions
As a result of devastating wildfires, many who are rebuilding lost homes or constructing new homes in areas vulnerable to fires are doing so with self-protection in mind.
A Denver Post article on homeowner and community fireproofing efforts states that many new and rebuilt structures feature indoor and outdoor sprinklers, water reserves in underground cisterns, and vegetation-free firebreaks surrounding structures. Another key undertaking, according to the article, is building with less flammable products like steel siding instead of wood siding and logs.
Fire-Resistant Steel Siding
While no building material is immune to the effects of a fire, some materials offer better fire protection than others. In the exterior wall segment of its Homebuilder’s Guide to Construction in Wildfire Zones, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends metal exteriors among the materials that provide the best fire protection.
Steel siding like TruLog helps shield the interior components of your home from a fire’s heat as well as protect your home from wind-blown embers that may otherwise ignite exposed wood. In the event of a sudden or rapidly moving wildfire, steel siding systems like TruLog can give you and your family the time you need to safely evacuate.
Other Benefits of TruLog™
In addition to its fire-resistant properties, TruLog offers additional advantages over the timber used in traditional log homes.
TruLog siding, which replicates the contours and texture of natural wood, is backed by form-fitting foam that provides superior insulation and energy efficiency. Unlike log homes, which require annual cleaning and routine servicing, TruLog homes are virtually maintenance-free; TruLog can be easily cleaned with a spray from your garden hose.
If you’re considering a log home but worry about the risks, please contact TruLog online or call us at 970-646-4490 to learn more about the innovative TruLog system. TruLog is based in Loveland, Colorado, but we ship nationwide and work with installers in multiple states, including Colorado, Wyoming and Missouri.
