Flooring on round interfloor beams
The floor beam is not only a support for the flooring, but also an element for strengthening the entire structure of the building and giving it rigidity. They bear a large load of the second floor, the attic. That is why it is important to competently approach the choice of the material and the installation of beams. Ceiling beams with a diameter of 30-32 cm are inserted into the bearing walls thereby increasing the stability of the structure. Installation is usually carried out with dovetail joints, fastening two parallel walls together. Most often, they are placed with an interval...
MoreShrinkage of the log house
The shrinkage of a wooden house is a natural process that occurs as a result of drying of the wood and compaction of the insulation. This leads to a decrease in the linear size of the structural elements and the appearance of small cracks during drying. Shrinkage is calculated based on the type of logs and the material used, and on average it makes 8 percent of the total wall height. During the first year, the shrinking process is most active. It is not recommended to install and run any heating sources during this period, such as a fireplace and underfloor heating. Beginning from the...
MoreHeating in a wooden house
A log house requires a properly installed heating system that determines whether the premises will be warm, the house’s service life will be long and the logs’ appearance will be preserved. Wooden structures can save money on heating due to the thermal mass of the logs – they are able to absorb light and heat, emitting energy as they cool. Moreover, wood can regulate the temperature due to its natural mechanism of ventilation. Heat accumulation properties can also be improved artificially – for this, you need to better site your home and windows in relation to the cardinal...
MoreCasing
The casing, or enclosing frame, is a special wooden frame that helps reduce pressure on windows and doors during the shrinkage of a log building and maintain its geometry. Due to its design, this element can be moved a little, reducing the negative impact on the windows in the process of the house shrinking. Specifics: The casing is mounted to the ledger inserted into the opening. This ensures sliding that protects the box from the shrinkage effects. To calculate the casing height, it is recommended to subtract about 8 percent from the opening’s height. The upper gap is filled with a...
MoreInstalling rafters
The rafter system is the basis of the roof of a log house. The quality, safety and durability of the roofing largely depend on how well its assembly and installation were done. The design of the rafter system always begins with the choice of the type of roof: attic or cold attic. The elements of the rafter system are connected with struts, braces and diagonal joints. They are needed to increase rigidity and for safety. Rafters are especially susceptible to shrinkage, therefore, sliding supports are used to compensate for this. An open slide is a special L-shape fastener with a loop and...
MoreInstalling a log house on the foundation
Installation of the log house is the next step once the foundation and walls are ready. The basement set depends on the type of a house and the rigidity of its foundation. Each log is then stacked sequentially according to the design. The Canadian method implies the absence of any gaps between the logs, which is achieved by the tight fit, trapezoid grooving and putting the insulation into the internal channel. All corner joints are adjusted to the nearest millimeter, which ensures not only a beautiful appearance, but also the correct geometry of the log house. Such installation...
MoreInsulating basement rim joists
Under the Canadian method, rim clearances do not appear as they are made during the installation of the house. After the shrinkage, the clearances close, and no caulking is required. During the assembly process, the insulation is put in the insulation channels, which increases the warmth of the future house, and an additional layer at the edges guarantees its windproofness and non-appearance of cold joints. There are many varieties of this material, having different properties. A good sealant must meet the following criteria: high elasticity and density; good wind protection; ...
MoreInterior design solutions
A log house is a special type of a wooden home in terms of its structure and interior design. Log walls are not clad with drywall, and the ceiling is uncovered. Regardless of the style, there are plenty of common solutions that can accentuate the charm of a log home. Interior design recommendations: Since the walls themselves are am element of the decor, they should not be covered with the furniture. It is important to maintain a balance between open space and interior decoration; The stove or fireplace also acts as an important element of the interior and allows you to warm the space....
MoreWooden house construction costs
Already at the design phase, a special attention should be paid to cost estimation. By estimating carefully, you can optimize the costs of site preparation, material costs, transportation costs, and labor costs. Besides, a good estimation helps to control and allocate the construction costs. Cost estimation begins with a thorough review of the documentation and evaluation. This includes estimating the roof area, foundation area, and analyzing local prices for engineering utilities. A cost estimation of a timber house usually consist of the following sections Foundation costs. It...
MoreInserting frame walls
Despite the numerous advantages, log cabins have one drawback – the natural volume of logs reduced the interior space. To increase the space, a combination of load-bearing log and interior frame walls is used. For example, a frame wall can be installed between the storeroom or two bedrooms. These partitions are also suitable for zoning the space in the kitchen or living room. Partitions between rooms or utility rooms are made of lighter materials (boards, drywall). However, it is important to take into account that log walls are prone to shrinking, unlike the frame. Therefore, builders...
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