1. Are log homes more or less energy efficient than tradional homes?
Due to a phenomenon known as "thermal mass" it costs about thirty percent less to heat and cool a log home when compared to a conventionally framed home with 2 x 4 walls. Thermal mass is a material's capacity to absorb, store and slowly release heat over time. This characteristic of a log home gives it energy inertia - once a certain temperature has been established within the interior of the home it is very resistant to change. The amount of the effect is directly proportional to the size or mass of the log walls, therefore the thicker the logs that make up the walls, the longer it takes for a change in outdoor temperature to travel through the wall. Thermal mass also explains the natural "warmth" that people experience when living in a log home (even in sub-zero climates!).
A conventionally framed 2 x 6 home with log siding can also be very energy efficient if properly insulated and constructed. As with any home, energy is most often wasted due to air infiltration caused by a lack of weather sealing or by damp insulation caused by careless building techniques.
2. Are there higher maintenance costs for log homes when compared to vinyl or brick sided homes?
Yes, wood exteriors do require more maintenance, but with proper materials and design the costs can be greatly reduced. Strategies that contribute to reducing these costs include:
Extending roof overhangs to prevent rain water from splashing on the logs.
Building in a partially shaded area to extend the life of the stain. Homes built in areas exposed to direct sunlight will require more frequent staining due to the effects of ultraviolet light.
Selecting a high quality exterior finish to protect the wood while allowing it to breathe. For specific manufacturer recommendations, call us.
The use of sandblasting (usually using sand but also including the use of silica sand, soda or corn cobs) to allow better penetration of preservatives by opening the pores of the wood. This procedure reduces the frequency of repeat staining. We recommend sandblasting on all log homes that we build. This can be done on both exterior and interior surfaces.
3. How do the costs of building a full log home compare to a "stick built" home?
Full log homes will generally cost more than a conventionally framed home due to increased costs in both materials and labor. We have outlined some of these costs below.
Materials:
Higher quality, energy efficient windows with wood interiors are typically used in a log home, rather than aluminum or vinyl windows.
Wood stain and lacquer are more expensive than paint.
Larger overhangs are used to protect logs, requiring additional roofing and soffit materials as well as labor. Depending on window type and roof pitch, log homes should have at least 18-36 inch overhangs.
Adjustable support posts are required to allow the house to settle ¾ to 2 inches in the first 2 years. Settling is a normal and accepted part of building with logs therefore provisions must be made for all windows, doors and interior partitions to compensate.
Labor:
As stated above, windows, doors (interior & exterior) and interior partition walls require special treatment to allow for settling of the logs.
Interior walls must sand blased or hand sanded prior to applying stain or lacquer.
Due to the fact that support timbers and beams are exposed, additional blocking and trim are necessary.
Because logs don't form a perfectly flat wall surface, trim and moldings must be special ordered or may need to be manufactured on site.
4. Why would I select your company as my builder?
Bear Builders is uniquely qualified in Northeast Michigan to build your dream home. We have earned an outstanding reputation on attention to detail, excellent craftsmanship and a long-term committment to customer satisfation. We take pride in the orginality of all our work. Serving our customers since 1993, we have all the experience necessary to make your dream a reality. For a list of references please call us.
5. Do you manufacture logs or log siding?
No, we do not manufacture logs or log siding. We believe this actually serves to improve the quality of our homes because we are free to select the best techniques and products from a wide variety of competing log home companies.
6. How often is it necessary to re-apply the weather seal or stain on the exterior of the wood?
Depending on exposure to the elements, it is usually recommended to re-apply exterior stain every 3-5 years. Stains with darker pigments will last longer and usually require reapplication less frequently.
7. How often will I need to reapply interior lacquer?
Interior treatments should never need to be re-applied, keep this in mind when choosing a color for your interior. Applying a lacquer with UV protection will decrease spots on walls from pictures and wall hangings.
8. How is exterior stain applied?
Some manufacturers recommend brush coating, others recommend using power sprayers. We are experienced in both methods. For the installation of wood siding, we have developed a special method of hand dipping each piece of siding so the wood is stained on all surfaces. This method eliminates missed sections of siding and penetrates all cracks and crevices.
9. Do you recommend kiln dried logs and wood products?
We strongly recommend kiln drying for all wood products but especially for full log homes. Wood is unstable when it is green: it will shrink, bow, or twist as it dries. The purpose of kiln drying is to minimize shrinkage and to stabilize the wood so nearly all of the major changes to color and shape happen before being installed in your home. All wood products will change according to the seasons or moisture content in its environment. Which explains why you may see doors stick in summer and rattle loosely in winter, the wood is shrinking or swelling as it absorbs moisture from its surroundings. However, these problems can be significantly reduced with proper drying before installation.
Kiln drying provides the following advantages:
Reduced susceptibility to insect damage, bacteria, and mold.
Greater holding power for nails, screws and glue.
Superior adherence for paints and finishes.
Improved ability of the wood to act as a thermal insulator.
Better preservation of the woods natural color.
10. How did you come up with the name "Bear Builders"?
