In Georgia and beyond, you’re sure to spot log cabin-style homes made of natural wood. These classic-looking beauties suit their environs perfectly, but make no mistake: These are modern homes, say experts who construct log homes Georgia. They’re designed by contemporary architects and outfitted with modern conveniences that famous log-cabin dwellers such as Abraham Lincoln could hardly have dreamed of. And that’s not all that you need to know about log cabin homes. Here are a few things that you might want to consider as you weigh a potential log cabin home purchase.
They look natural…
Log homes are a classic architectural style, and they hold up beautifully to this day. Log home owners have more options than ever, and all of the modern amenities that you might want will be available to you, but there’s still something classic and natural-looking about a good old-fashioned log construction style. The distinctive shape of the tough logs and the natural colors of the wood make log cabin construction the perfect choice for rustic retreats, mountain homes, lakeside luxury spaces, and other outdoorsy spots.
...But they need protection
Log cabin style homes blend beautifully with surrounding forests, but the logs that form your valuable home are not still living trees — and all wood, living or dead, can take a beating from the elements. While your home itself is nice and sturdy, the wood that keeps it that way needs your help to stay dry and strong. Some people choose to use paint for this purpose, which also allows them to change the color and look of their homes. But even if you want to go with a totally natural look for your log cabin home, you’re going to want to make sure that you have some kind of sealant or finish on every inch of that wood. Without a tough barrier between it and the elements, your wood could start rotting or weakening, and that will destroy the value and the safety of your beautiful log home.
They’re energy efficient
Did you know that wood has a high R-value? You don’t have to worry about the scientific lingo, but here’s the translation: Wood can take in heat during the day and radiate it at night. That means that choosing to construct your home out of solid wood can limit your need for heating and air conditioning. That, in turn, means that you will waste less energy heating and cooling your space and will save money on your utilities bills. It’s just another great reason to choose a log cabin-style home.
Log cabin-style homes will settle as they age
Logs are a distinctive building material, and they come with certain quirks. Log cabin owners should know to expect their wood to shrink over time. That’s not a big cause for concern, though. The experts who build log homes know to account for this. Some allow the wood to shrink before it is used in construction, while others use flexible joints that permit shrinking and settling without threatening the structural integrity of the house. Shrinking and settling will also lead to cracks in the wood — but these aren’t things that you need to worry about, either. They’re called “checks,” and they’re just what happens when the logs in your log cabin style home dry and age. As long as they’re not too huge or related to warning signs of a different nature, you can consider them a part of the aesthetic of your home.
