While log walls typically consist of just logs, logs are composed of various layers of wood cells, each type of which has different properties and plays a different role in the live tree. These cells differ with tree species in terms of function, size, concentration, proportion and chemical composition. They determine how trees grow, how they react after they've been cut for logs, and what properties they have that make them good (or not) for home construction.
Checks, spiral grain, knots, insect holes and logs with sweep and taper are commonly found in log homes. These imperfections are not defects and are to be expected in most homes. It's only when they cause problems that they are considered defects.
The natural bowing found in most logs is identified as the Sweep. The variation from tip to base in a log is referred to as its taper. Knots indicate where branches grew in the live tree, and may be tight or loose. Knots affect the angle of grain as wood fibers bend to grow around the limb, so they may have an effect on log strength, but determining the extent to which this condition is a problem would require the services of a certified log grader.
Any plant species that grows taller than 20 feet when mature and has a dominant single stem (i.e., the tree trunk) can be referred to as a "tree." Plants that mature at less than 20 feet are called shrubs and aren't used for building.
Sapwood helps to support the tree, but its main function is to transport water and mineral nutrients from the soil to the leaves. Its cells also store carbohydrates and provide protection. Sapwood is typically light in color.
Heartwood is composed of dead cells and is a main source of structural support. Heartwood cells also store extractives (including toxins) safely. Extractives give heartwood its typically darker color.
The trunk and branches grow in diameter and circumference through new cells created in the cambium. Most new cells live only a short time. As the tree expands in diameter, sapwood cells slowly become closer to the center of the tree and their function changes from transporting fluids through the tree to storage of various toxic chemicals and compounds (extractives) created by the tree, often in response to injury.
Photosynthesis takes place in the leaves. During this process, leaves absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) and sunlight to produce sugars and carbohydrates. This is used as food and transported throughout the tree through the phloem. This food provides energy for growth and protection processes.
No dependable means exist for identifying log wood species in the field by examining logs with the unaided eye. Inspectors may build a library of log photos of wood species commonly used for building log homes in their area, but this will be a general reference, at best.
In climates where relative humidity is subject to significant swings, logs with only left-hand grain may distort more than those that also have right-hand grain. This distortion can open gaps that may allow moisture intrusion or insect infiltration, or increase air leakage through the building envelope.
You've always wanted to live in a log home and are finally ready to make the move. But you don't know a lot about them and you want to make sure the logs are in good condition. You've looked for but couldn't find local log inspectors in the phone book and the home inspector you talked to didn't know much about logs either. How can you be sure you're making a good decision on your investment?
Because of the many variables and liability inherent in log home inspection, inspectors may wish to create a list of documents to be made available by the seller for examination by the inspector during the inspection. These might include documents showing: the name of the original builder, proof of certified log grading, written settling adjustment records, any special systems installed but not visible at the time of the inspection and any performed maintenance, additional construction or repair since the original construction.
Checks, spiral grain, knots, insect holes and logs with sweep and taper are commonly found in log homes. These imperfections are not defects and are to be expected in most homes. It's only when they cause problems that they are considered defects.
The natural bowing found in most logs is identified as the Sweep. The variation from tip to base in a log is referred to as its taper. Knots indicate where branches grew in the live tree, and may be tight or loose. Knots affect the angle of grain as wood fibers bend to grow around the limb, so they may have an effect on log strength, but determining the extent to which this condition is a problem would require the services of a certified log grader.
Any plant species that grows taller than 20 feet when mature and has a dominant single stem (i.e., the tree trunk) can be referred to as a "tree." Plants that mature at less than 20 feet are called shrubs and aren't used for building.
Sapwood helps to support the tree, but its main function is to transport water and mineral nutrients from the soil to the leaves. Its cells also store carbohydrates and provide protection. Sapwood is typically light in color.
Heartwood is composed of dead cells and is a main source of structural support. Heartwood cells also store extractives (including toxins) safely. Extractives give heartwood its typically darker color.
The trunk and branches grow in diameter and circumference through new cells created in the cambium. Most new cells live only a short time. As the tree expands in diameter, sapwood cells slowly become closer to the center of the tree and their function changes from transporting fluids through the tree to storage of various toxic chemicals and compounds (extractives) created by the tree, often in response to injury.
Photosynthesis takes place in the leaves. During this process, leaves absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) and sunlight to produce sugars and carbohydrates. This is used as food and transported throughout the tree through the phloem. This food provides energy for growth and protection processes.
No dependable means exist for identifying log wood species in the field by examining logs with the unaided eye. Inspectors may build a library of log photos of wood species commonly used for building log homes in their area, but this will be a general reference, at best.
In climates where relative humidity is subject to significant swings, logs with only left-hand grain may distort more than those that also have right-hand grain. This distortion can open gaps that may allow moisture intrusion or insect infiltration, or increase air leakage through the building envelope.
You've always wanted to live in a log home and are finally ready to make the move. But you don't know a lot about them and you want to make sure the logs are in good condition. You've looked for but couldn't find local log inspectors in the phone book and the home inspector you talked to didn't know much about logs either. How can you be sure you're making a good decision on your investment?
Because of the many variables and liability inherent in log home inspection, inspectors may wish to create a list of documents to be made available by the seller for examination by the inspector during the inspection. These might include documents showing: the name of the original builder, proof of certified log grading, written settling adjustment records, any special systems installed but not visible at the time of the inspection and any performed maintenance, additional construction or repair since the original construction.
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