A laminated log house is a type of wooden house that uses a log that is laminated to other wood. This construction method produces a strong, attractive and solid structure for your home.
Laminated logs are typically used in premium homes and other high-end buildings. They provide several benefits over solid logs and are preferred by many log home builders.
1. Aesthetics
The aesthetics of a log house are important for many builders. Some prefer the natural look of log while others want a more subtle surface treatment. They may also be interested in a certain color concept that works well with their surroundings.
The log’s appearance can be accentuated with the use of paints and other treatments, depending on the builder’s preference. They might want to leave the wood’s natural pattern visible, or they might prefer a gloss finish.
Besides its beauty, laminated logs are also highly durable and resistant to warping. They are made of layered grains that run in opposite directions, so each individual layer is kiln-dried to prevent the wood from changing form.
Laminated logs do not crack and warp when the structure settles, so they are ideal for houses that will be built over time. They also hold their shape better than solid logs, which could cause draughts in the house.
In addition, the construction of a log home is environmentally friendly. It binds carbon ten times more than a solid wall, and it produces less sawdust and chips during production.
This makes it a preferred material for eco-conscious builders. This is especially true in North America and Europe, where stricter green building standards are being enforced.
Another benefit of laminated logs is that they can be stacked vertically, and the space created can be used for other purposes such as storage. This can significantly reduce the cost of construction.
This can be useful in situations where the budget or thermal capacity requirements call for a smaller log. This solution is called laminate-look wall construction and it gives the appearance of thicker laminated logs, but it is much cheaper.
2. Durability
The durability of a log house is largely dependent on the quality of the timber used. A good quality log will not only look beautiful, but it will also last a long time.
Many manufacturers use high-quality hardwoods, which are sourced from sustainable forests. This type of timber is very hardy and resistant to rot, insect infestation and weather conditions.
However, if the timber is not dried properly to match the climate, it can warp and twist. This is called settling and can be a problem for a builder of log houses.
Fortunately, innovations in the construction industry have led to the development of non-settling systems that reduce settling and ensure a long lifespan for a log house. For example, Helsinki-based Pluspuu designs homes built from timber that is dried to its natural moisture content.
The process of drying timbers to this level requires careful attention to the individual wood species and the drying process itself. Once the timbers are dried to their natural moisture levels, they are then glued together to form logs.
This method is more expensive than using kiln-dried logs, but it is much more durable and will last longer. Moreover, glue-laminated logs are more resistant to fire than traditional solid-sawn wood.
As a result, prefab glulam cabins are becoming the preferred engineered wood product for architects and builders. They are also a good choice for environmentally conscious builders who are looking to build low-emission buildings.
Unlike conventional homes, a laminated log house does not require additional insulation. This makes it more energy-efficient than most modern houses, and its thermal mass decreases the amount of enrgy required to heat or cool the home. This translates into lower energy bills and an environmentally friendly living environment.
3. Energy Efficiency
Laminated log houses are an excellent option for energy efficiency. This type of building uses glued wood which is more permeable than natural massive wood, and can therefore be used to avoid the use of heavy wood cladding that would otherwise be necessary to create an energy efficient log home.
Logs are an excellent insulator and can be up to six times better than brick, 15 times better than concrete and 1,770 times better than aluminum. This is because wood contains millions of tiny cellulose air pockets that trap heat.
According to the Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy and Sustainable Living, logs act as “thermal batteries” that can store heat during the day and gradually release it at night. This helps keep a log house warm in colder climates.
A good insulated log house can be up to five to fifteen percent more energy efficient than a conventional stick-framed home. This is due to a number of factors, including the logs’ natural insulation properties and the fact that most modern buildings are built according to rigorous quality control standards, which reduces air leakage.
However, solid log walls (either curved or half-curved) are not a uniform thickness and will require significant amounts of insulation to bring them up to the wall insulation value of standard 2×4 stud walls insulated with fiberglass batts.
This is because the logs have a significant amount of between-log gap. To solve this, most log home manufacturers have come up with innovative log wall gasketing to stop air infiltration between the logs.
Although logs are an excellent insulator, it is important to ensure that they are properly sealed so that they do not leak. A good way to do this is by caulking the logs or using chinking. In addition, it is important to ensure that the log walls are not too thin as this will affect the insulating value of the walls.
4. Customization
If you are looking to build your own log home, there are many options available to you. These include how many rooms your log home will have, the number of floors it will have, the type of doors and windows you will want, and the kind of shingles you will use.
The number of rooms you need will depend on how often you plan to occupy your log home and the amount of people who are expected to be in it at any one time. If you expect to have frequent guests staying in your log cabin, it may be wise to build a two-story structure with additional bedrooms and bathrooms.
A two-story log home also allows you to have a full basement, which can be a good option if you need additional living space. You can even install a separate kitchen in your basement and have it connected to your main living area.
Your basement can also be used as a recreation room or game room. This is a great way to add extra living space without costing you too much money on construction.
Depending on your design and budget, you can customize your laminated log house to fit any lifestyle or needs. You can add a full basement, a second floor, a guest suite, and much more.
Customizing a laminated log house is not difficult and is very affordable. It is best to consult with a professional and discuss your ideas before making any decisions. You can get a quote online or by calling us. Getting an estimate will help you to decide on your desired layout and what materials you need.
5. Affordable
Laminated logs are an excellent way to build a beautiful home at a reasonable price. They are a form of wood construction where the timbers are laminated together with a special glue. They are durable and resistant to warping, twisting or settling. The gluing process makes them extremely strong and able to resist draughts.
They are also easy to work with and have a high resistance to decay. These properties have made them the most popular option for log home construction these days.
Laminated logs are cheaper than traditional logs because the manufacturing process eliminates some labor costs. They are typically pre-cut in a mill and don’t require on-site cutting and fitting like traditional logs.
Another factor that keeps them cost-effective is the fact that they are not as heavy as full logs, which reduces the amount of lumber needed for a building frame. This saves you money in your floor plan and can help keep your budget on-track.
Flooring is one of the biggest expenses when it comes to log home construction, so choosing wisely can make a big difference. Consider using less expensive materials in lower-traffic areas and limiting more expensive, durable flooring to the rooms that get a lot of traffic.
You can even use low-cost vinyl or laminate in your flooring. These options are durable and come in a wide variety of colors and styles. They are often less expensive than hardwood or tile, and can be a good choice for your affordable log cabin.
You can also use extra insulation in your wall frame to increase the thermal capacity of your house. This will help you stay warm and comfortable, regardless of the weather outside.