How to Renovate and Modernize a Historic Log House
Log buildings are unique structures that require special knowledge to preserve. Before beginning any repairs or renovation work on them, it is vitally important that a comprehensive visual and physical evaluation be conducted first.
Moisture is essential to decay-seeking organisms, leading to structural deterioration in log buildings. A comprehensive moisture investigation must be conducted.
Rewiring
Log houses must be wired differently from conventionally-framed houses in order to ensure the safety of those who live within it, so rewiring one is often a complex and time-consuming task that needs professional expertise to complete successfully. A skilled electrician is needed in order to update a log house’s wiring to modern electrical standards while respecting original materials and systems.
Log house repairs usually fall into two categories: cosmetic and structural. Cosmetic updates like painting and replacing flooring can quickly refresh any room while structural issues could prove more complicated to address and could even threaten its viability altogether. If left unaddressed quickly they could result in the house collapsing or becoming unsafe to live in.
One of the most prevalent structural issues is log check splitting, which is actually part of the natural drying process for log homes. Log homes tend to split and crack due to fiber shrinkage at different rates which creates internal stress points which opens them up. While some may view this as an issue with their log building, this feature actually adds unique character. When checking occurs it is best to probe with a tool blade and if necessary soft fillers like jute or fiberglass batt can be used to fill any voids to help stop decay while closing up checks again.
Refinishing
Wood is an incredible resilient material designed by nature to withstand even the most inclement of weather, yet moisture remains one of its primary concerns when applied to log homes. Moisture feeds fungus that destroys wood fibers and can lead to structural issues if left unchecked; prevention is the best form of defense against moisture-related damage.
Moisture damage to log walls may manifest itself in various ways, from visible decay (darkening between logs; softness when touched) to abrasions on their interior surface and exterior, with signs such as decay visible between logs. Even without visible symptoms present, log homes should be stained every 3-6 years in order to keep looking their best while protecting from environmental factors.
Old log homes were often restored using whitewash to deter insects and seal hairline cracks. While this approach worked in the short term, a more permanent solution should include using natural or semi-transparent stain to preserve log integrity while providing additional weatherproofing benefits.
Refinishing provides an opportunity to address any other cosmetic or structural concerns. For example, logs exposed to the elements for too long may have expanded beyond their original dimensions, which can be corrected using traditional chinking techniques or proprietary epoxy solutions.
Splicing together a swollen log will usually cause minimal harm to the building fabric and be less costly than replacing it with one made out of wood and notched to fit your exact dimensions. Any structural issues should be evaluated by someone experienced with log home construction before taking this route.
Energy Efficiency
Log homes offer unmatched energy efficiency due to their thermal mass advantage, helping moderate heating and cooling costs. Unfortunately, as time passes and weather fluctuations cause logs to degrade over time, moisture-related problems such as surface abrasion leading to structural failure; wood decay which needs water in order to thrive; air infiltration issues caused by moisture seepage become a real possibility – as do air infiltration problems in general.
New log construction follows modern codes and standards when it comes to air sealing; but in existing homes it’s essential to understand what can be done to increase energy efficiency without jeopardizing historic design elements that have appeal.
Rewiring log houses offers one of the greatest opportunities for increasing energy performance. To ensure successful implementation, a qualified electrician should assist with initial planning and execution of this upgrade project. Original wiring may have become unruly with splices, twists and loose connections leaving the system vulnerable to potential fire hazards.
In addition, the LTHC recommends upgrading from traditional windows to energy-efficient models which reduce outside air entering your home and can significantly cut energy costs. Doors with solid wood energy-efficient doorcan help reduce noise pollution while cutting drafts and saving on utility costs. Finally, HVAC equipment must be correctly sized; oversized mechanical equipment will cycle more frequently, leading to higher utility bills; while properly-sized furnaces, boilers, and heat-pump equipment can reduce costs while improving indoor comfort.
Plumbing
Log homes evoke romantic visions of rugged frontier living; once an iconic symbol of American identity. Yet historic log homes must also be maintained; improvements can be made without reducing their charming appearance or creating any structural issues.
One of the greatest obstacles in maintaining an historic log house is maintaining its plumbing system, which may have been present from its origination. Copper, steel or lead pipes were often used in previous decades for plumbing needs–materials which tend to corrode quickly due to age. Leaks may occur resulting from corrosion as well.
Most historical log homes feature conventional stud walls behind the log cladding on the second-floor, so a plumber may need to create a chase or boxed-out area in a wall on the first-floor to run HVAC and plumbing pipes. If a log home features round log floor joists on its second level, creating space for plumbing might mean creating space by standing 2×6 boards upend for plumbing purposes between tongue-and-groove boards on end – an extremely time-consuming process!
Log buildings are constructed using wood designed to withstand extreme weather, yet are susceptible to moisture and decay-seeking organisms that seek out moisture-laden environments. Moisture poses the greatest threat to log home longevity as too much dampness promotes rot and encourages further spread of decay-causing organisms.
Rot-causing organisms require professional care; however, others can be addressed easily with simple measures, including removing decaying portions of logs, sealing them with insecticide, and removing old chinking. When dealing with historic log homes that require extensive repairs, it’s advisable to consult a preservation specialist first in order to assess their history, design and physical state before beginning repairs or renovations.
Lighting
While log home construction necessitates careful consideration for its structural integrity, modernization often focuses on increasing comfort and beauty of interior spaces. Lighting plays an integral part in this experience by adding depth and drama to rooms with low ceilings or emphasizing wood features. When working with historic structures however, innovative thinking is often required in order to meet their challenges head-on.
Lighting installation requires access to the circuit box and knowledge of a building’s electrical systems, with professional guidance being highly advised before commencing work on lighting installations. Electrical wiring should not be undertaken without consulting an electrician first as amateur wiring is prone to mistakes and needs professional expertise for success. A range of tools such as screwdrivers, wire strippers and pliers will be necessary as well as a voltage tester; ladders or scaffolding may also be necessary depending on size and location.
Early log houses were roofed using various methods that varied depending on regional carpentry traditions and weather conditions. Most 18th and 19th century log cabins east of the Mississippi River were initially covered by wood shingles which, as they aged, often needed replacing with standing seam metal roofing systems.
Wood siding or stucco was often added to log homes either immediately after construction began or at some later point, in an attempt to conceal their simple construction and show their increased financial status. Such coverings may prove harmful as moisture seeped into walls through small openings in them and caused logs to rot over time.