Laminated log house kits are a modern way to build a log cabin that looks like a traditional one. They’re a popular choice for a number of reasons, including aesthetics, insulation and energy efficiency.
The wood used in laminated log house kits is a high-quality, long-lasting material. It also comes in a variety of styles and shapes.
Aesthetics
The aesthetics of a laminated log house kit are usually what you’re thinking of when you hear the word “log”. These bespoke homes offer a blend of old world charm and modern prefabrication techniques, offering cabin lovers a choice of both traditional and contemporary designs to suit their budgets.
The best part about log houses is that they aren’t just a great way to build your own dream home, but also an environmentally friendly and efficient option. Timber is a naturally occurring resource that is relatively low in carbon footprint compared to concrete and steel. But if you’re looking to build a greener home, it’s important to choose the right type of timber for your home.
One of the most popular types of log used in a laminated log house is White Cedar, which is known for its high quality, stability, aesthetic, and insulation properties. While this particular timber isn’t available in every country, it is a commonly-used choice in North America.
Another popular option is Spruce. This wood is known for its durability, aesthetics, and structural insulating properties, and it’s also less expensive than Western White Cedar.
There are several companies that manufacture log cabin kits, but a few stand out above the rest. Finladmelli is a Finnish company that produces luxurious, pioneering log homes whose eco-friendly credentials are second to none. They have won numerous awards for their innovative products and have built some of the most beautiful, energy-efficient cabins on the market.
Finlandmelli produces a range of modern log house models, some of which are the slickest on the market. They are designed by architects with a passion for log architecture and they aim to highlight the beauty of a wood-built home through their sleek design.
The design of a laminated log is a complex process and requires a lot of precision. The end result is a solid, sturdy structure that is strong and durable enough to last a lifetime.
It’s also the most environmentally friendly construction material, as it doesn’t emit a large amount of carbon into the atmosphere when it’s burned. Plus, it has the added benefit of being fire resistant!
Insulation
Laminated log house kits are a great option for the log home enthusiast who wants to build a solid, well-insulated home. They can be purchased as shell only kits or complete turn-key packages, depending on your budget and preference. You’ll have to purchase flooring, roofing, windows, doors, and other finishes, but you can customize the interior of your house to fit your tastes.
Whether you’re building in a climate that requires thicker insulation or you simply want to save money on energy bills, log homes offer many benefits. They naturally insulate the home’s interior, and they can also regulate moisture to keep the air within the home clean and healthy.
As with most other types of construction, log homes can be insulated to meet the minimum requirements of most model energy codes. The difference between an R-9 wall and a R-13 wall can be more than 15% in annual heating and cooling energy use.
For example, a typical 2×6 wall with 6″ of batt insulation might be rated at R-19. However, if that same wall is insulated with a 4-inch EPS foam panel, its R-value would be much closer to R-20.
In addition, log walls are often significantly more effective in insulating a home’s interior compared to frame walls. This is largely due to the fact that log walls have significantly higher thermal mass than frame walls.
Similarly, the density and specific heat of solid wood logs are often six to eight times greater than the density and specific heat of frame walls. This is important because it helps to boost the overall effectiveness of the log wall when comparing it with an equivalent frame wall in a particular climate category.
This is particularly true for warm Climate Zones, where a log wall can perform from 2.5% to over 15% better than a comparable frame wall on an annual basis. This is based on the assumption that the home has similar solar orientation, attic insulation, window performance, foundation design, and mechanical systems for heating and cooling.
Log wall insulation also has significant advantages over traditional frame insulation because it does not have to be concealed behind framing members, or rely on vertical layers of insulating material to insulate the home. Additionally, it is less susceptible to air and water infiltration from connections to the roof, wall, and foundation that are common to other types of building construction. This is because horizontal seams between logs are designed and constructed to prevent air and water infiltration.
Energy efficiency
Log homes are a highly energy efficient way to build a home. These types of structures have a higher thermal mass than concrete or steel buildings, which can help keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer.
They can also reduce the amount of air leakage through your walls, a problem with other types of houses. However, it’s important to note that the amount of energy you save in the long run depends on how well you design your log house and where you live.
Fortunately, you can use the latest building techniques to get an energy efficient log home. For instance, some builders are using non-settling logs to prevent them from sinking and shrinking.
Another technique is to use laminated lumber, which can be used to create a wide variety of designs. Original Log Cabin Homes has partnered with several main suppliers of this technology to bring you a range of innovative options for your cabin.
This is an especially good choice if you’re building in a colder climate, as it can reduce the amount of insulation needed. Moreover, the laminated timber can also help to keep your home warmer in summer.
You may need to spend a little more money on the lumber and other building supplies, but this is worth it in the long run. The lumber will be kiln-dried to ensure that it is structurally sound and will last for decades.
Some manufacturers also include energy efficiency options in their kits, such as insulated floor joists and ceilings. These features can help to make your home more energy-efficient and less expensive to operate.
If you’re on a tight budget, a shell kit is an excellent option. This type of log house kit includes everything you need to build the exterior shell of your cabin, including walls, roof, windows, doors, and uncovered floors.
These kits are ideal for beginners. But you’ll still need a licensed contractor to assemble them.
In addition, you should look for kits that meet the International Code Council (ICC) standard on log construction. This is because it’s a set of standards for log building that are accepted in most areas. The ICC standards address a wide range of issues, from materials and construction practices to how logs should be graded.
Durability
Log houses are a popular type of home for many reasons. They offer a unique and aesthetically appealing design that can be customized to fit your needs. They are also energy-efficient and durable. In addition, they have a low carbon footprint.
When choosing a log house kit, it’s important to choose the right timber. The wood should be harvested in a sustainable manner and treated with care. This can help the wood retain its strength and beauty for years to come.
The materials used in a laminated log house kit are usually sourced from northern European or Scandinavian forests. This type of timber has a high density, which makes it strong and durable. It can withstand extreme cold and heat, as well as rain and snow.
If you’re unsure about the durability of the lumber you choose, consult a professional. You can ask for samples to make sure it meets your needs.
Another thing to consider is the drying process. The lumber must be properly dried before it can be glued together. Drying can take several years, depending on the climate and wood species.
A common method of drying is to place the timber in a wood-burning kiln. This can be expensive and takes a long time, but it’s the only way to ensure that the timber will be completely dry before the lamination process starts.
Once the drying is complete, the timber is profiled. Profiling is a process that makes the wood more uniform by removing any uneven or warped spots. This is done to ensure that the wood is as uniform as possible and will not shrink during transportation.
The profiles are made to fit together tightly to form a wall log that is structurally sound and looks attractive. The profile is also a good indicator of the quality of the timber.
In contrast to the traditional handcrafted log construction, these structures are manufactured in a factory environment. This allows for centralized manufacturing and relatively quick construction on site.
One innovative Finnish company, Pluspuu, combines their extensive knowledge of log construction with modern designs to produce durable, long-lasting houses. They use non-settling logs, which prevent the centermost lamellas of the logs from sinking and shrinking during shipping or erection. This innovation eliminates the need for visible external vertical supports that are commonly used in traditional log homes.