Just like any other types of structure, a residential log cabin can also become fragile and vulnerable over time. Log homes are subject to damage from the elements that eventually weaken the cabin’s foundation and overall aesthetics. Therefore, wooden houses should also have regular maintenance and when there are obvious defects, should be treated with an overall makeover or renewal of individual parts. For smaller defects, early detection and immediate renovation are vital to saving the entirety of the structure. However, for extensive damages with radical structural changes, an overhaul is a more likely investment to make.
Residential Log Cabin and Structure Integrity
The integrity and longevity of the wooden structure highly depend on its foundation, drainage system, and roof. Long-term humidity is one of the greatest threats to the quality and lifespan of the residential log cabin as well as precipitation that when left unattended could result in roof and gutter leaks, wall cracks, and ground moisture. Unventilated spaces are most susceptible to moisture and could develop into poor conditions over time. Wet and damp wood is vulnerable to fungi and mould attacks, while old wood is also attractive to termites and insect infestation.
Removing the cause of the damage is vital and requires the cleaning and drying of the room. The source of dampness should be isolated and/or cut out and replaced. Flame retardant treatments for your wooden house have both positive and negative effects, making the wood resistant to fire or less flammable while at the same time becoming less resistant to fungi and mould due to wood’s impurities. Renovation is an important investment, especially if preventative measures are no longer viable to save the residential log cabin, or you need to rearrange the log house.
Tips before Renovation
Renovation is a lucrative investment that offers numerous benefits. However, it is necessary to research the history of the any residential log cabin first before touching anything on the structure. Knowing the structure and any previous renovations could help effectively evaluate the technical condition of the log house. Heritage log houses are remarkable, having interesting history and past living traditions. It is always important to save the original elements of the wooden house such as the proportions, volumes, porches, exterior decorations, windows, furnaces, old-fashioned metal fittings, and structural shapes. Renovation must still preserve the identity of the residential log cabin while increasing its value.
Use of Traditional Materials
One of the most important tips in renovating a log house is to use traditional materials. Materials that match or are in tune with existing materials are good options because the project would ensure the preservation of the building. It is not advisable to use modern masonry or concrete on an old wooden house because it can be very harmful, as wood tends to expand or shrink depending on changes in air moisture. Extreme caution is needed if you decide to use modern synthetic materials such as plastic variations, sealants, and fillers, since most of these materials have a high absorbency to humidity, creating an ideal environment for moulds. To be absolutely sure, stick to traditional materials and if contemporary components are integrated into the structure of the residential log cabin, make sure experts are on hand to offer advice
Use the Appropriate Timber Species
The appropriate timber should be the same or a much higher quality compared to the existing species. The wood must have the same level of moisture content when you are choosing a replacement for an individual part of the residential log cabin. Wood shrinks while drying and varied moisture content would mean the timber has the tendency to crack in the location of the wood joints.
Renovation Starts with the Foundation
For a major renovation of a residential log cabin the first that receives a makeover is the foundation, which is most prone to compact over the years. The elements will also affect the bottom layer, risking instances of rotting and weakening. Old wooden houses tend to have layers of earth accumulated under the foundation but this can be dug out or a slope can be made to drain away the water from the log structure. In some cases, contractors use jacks in order to lift the structure and create a much higher foundation.
Reinforcing the Residential Log Cabin
Prior to touching and raising the log house, reinforcement of the structure is important. For minor damages, replace the part of the timber that is heavily damaged and if the external wall is rotten, replace that specific rotten wall individually. The logs and wooden beams must also be reinforced in case they pose a threat to the structural integrity as well as the stability of the wooden house. If large parts of the timber are damaged, the best remedy is to reassemble, replacing the damaged parts of the log with new ones.
Blends of Traditional and Modern Specs
Experts in a residential log cabin can help you decide on the places which you need to preserve, use of traditional materials, and integration of modern materials and tools. The final result of the entire project, as well as the overall value of the wooden structure, depends on these important factors. Improper renovation loses the architectural and historical value of the residential log cabin, while a successful renovation project boosts the market quality of the log house and gives it an air of mystery and a sense of privacy and exclusivity. The fewer renovations you do on the log home, the more you can save its heritage and original essence for the future generations.
