Four Key Building Styles We Offer

 At Murchison Enterprises, we specialize in the construction of full scribe log homes and cabins. This method involves the careful handcrafting and horizontal stacking of each log. We ensure that every log is precisely cut, or ‘scribed’, to fit the contours of the log beneath it. This meticulous process guarantees a snug fit and natural insulation for your home.

To further enhance the quality and efficiency of our homes, we incorporate “P-Gasket” technology. This industry-standard technology is used to insulate the grooves and notches in your log home or cabin. We’re proud to offer “P-Gasket” technology as part of our standard practice, ensuring that your home is built to last.  For more info on "P-Gasket" take a look here.

Timeless Aesthetics:

Full scribe log homes exude a timeless charm. The handcrafted logs, with their natural textures and visible joinery, create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

The rustic appeal of full scribe construction resonates with those who appreciate traditional craftsmanship.

Energy Efficiency:

Full scribe log homes are remarkably energy efficient. Here’s why:

Natural Insulation: The logs themselves serve as both structure and insulation. Their heat storage quality allows them to absorb warmth during the day and release it gradually at night.

Proper Sealing: Each log and corner is individually insulated using closed-cell gasket material. This ensures a windproof and waterproof seal.

Minimal Heat Loss: Unlike conventional homes with multiple layers (siding, drywall, insulation), full scribe log homes have fewer points of heat loss.

Stable Indoor Temperature: Log walls regulate temperature fluctuations, maintaining a comfortable interior year-round.

Durability and Longevity:

Full scribe log homes are built to last. The large, robust logs withstand weather, pests, and time.

Properly maintained log homes can become family heirlooms, passed down through generations.

Natural and Sustainable:

These homes utilise natural materials—logs harvested from forests.

The construction process minimises waste and relies on renewable resources.

Customization:

Full scribe log homes allow for creativity. Each log is individually shaped to fit precisely.

Homeowners can choose the size, species, and finish of the logs, tailoring the design to their preferences.

Connection to Nature:

Living in a log home provides a unique connection to the natural world.

The wood’s warmth and earthy scent enhance the overall living experience.

- The construction time for a full scribe log home can vary depending on size and design, but it typically ranges from 6 to 12 months from start to finish. This timeline can be affected by factors such as weather conditions and the complexity of the design.

Some key factors that determine the cost of your finished Log Home or Cabin  are but not limited to...

1. Size
2. Complexity of design
3. Choice of Building Style
4. Choice of Log size and species
5. Overall finishing grade of products

Since our top priority at Murchison Enterprises is to ensure that you receive a durable Log Home or Cabin, we prioritize the quality of workmanship in constructing your log shell. Our extensive experience guarantees a smooth and efficient completion, whether you or your general contractor handle the remaining tasks.

Take a peek at our What's Included  page and shoot us an email if you have any questions.

frankslog@gmail.com

Certainly! Modern log home construction and finishing techniques have come a long way, making log homes more comfortable, energy-efficient, and easier to maintain. Let’s explore some of the key advances:

1. Improved Design and Materials:
   • Log homes today benefit from better design practices. Wider roof overhangs and porches protect log walls from sun and rain, reducing weather-related wear and tear.
   • Low-maintenance manufactured materials are used in exposed areas, ensuring durability and longevity.
   • Manmade materials, such as aluminum soffits and fascia, are employed for lower-maintenance gable end walls.

             2.   Enhanced Sealing and Caulking:

• Chinking and caulking materials used to seal between logs have improved significantly. Properly installed chinking and caulking can last for many years, minimizing maintenance needs.

              3.  Hardened Screws for Log Fastening:

• Modern log homes utilize hardened screws that make fastening logs together easier and faster.
• These screws allow for greater compression between log courses, reducing settlement issues over time.

              4.  Customization and Character:

• Log homes can be highly customized with various wood stains and treatments, giving each cabin a unique character.
• Locally harvested wood is often used, reducing reliance on non-renewable resources.

             5.  Innovative Construction Techniques:

• Modern log shaping and sawing machinery enables intricate corner designs.
• Well-engineered corners provide a tight seal and strengthen the walls.

Remember, today’s log homes can offer every modern convenience while maintaining the rustic charm that makes them special. 

If you would like more information on treating and finishing Log Homes or Cabins reach out to us today and we will guide you in making the right decisions.

Using a clear UV protectant on your full scribe log home offers several important benefits:

Sun Protection:

• UV rays from the sun can cause significant damage to wood over time. Exposure to UV radiation leads to fading, discoloration, and degradation of the wood fibers.
• A clear UV protectant acts as a barrier, shielding the logs from harmful UV rays. It helps maintain the natural color and beauty of the wood.

Preventing Cracking and Splitting:

• Sun exposure causes wood to expand and contract due to temperature changes. This movement can lead to cracks and splits in the logs.
• The UV protectant helps stabilize the wood by reducing moisture absorption and minimizing the effects of temperature fluctuations.

Preserving Wood Integrity:

• Full scribe log homes rely on the tight fit between logs for structural stability. Any deterioration compromises this fit.
• UV protection prevents premature aging, ensuring that your log home remains solid and secure.

Longevity and Reduced Maintenance:

• Applying a UV protectant extends the lifespan of your log home. It reduces the need for frequent maintenance and refinishing.
• Regular application (usually every 4-6 years) maintains the protective layer, preventing costly repairs down the line. No blasting or sanding is required , just a wash and a fresh coat.

Enhanced Aesthetics:

• Clear UV protectants allow the natural wood grain and texture to shine through. They enhance the visual appeal of your log home.
• You can enjoy the rustic charm without compromising on durability.

Remember to choose a high-quality UV protectant specifically designed for log homes. If you need help finding some just let us know and we can send you to the best or supply if necessary. 

Building a Scandinavian full scribe log home is indeed an environmentally sustainable choice for several reasons:

Natural and Renewable Material:

Log homes use wood, a renewable resource. Scandinavian log homes often employ locally sourced timber, reducing transportation impact.

Energy Efficiency:

Full-scribe log homes feature hand-peeled logs meticulously notched (saddle notches) to fit tightly against each other.

The intricate system of saddle notching and lateral grooves creates tight-fitting logs that require skill and craftsmanship to scribe by hand.

These tight fits result in minimal air leakage, making the home energy-efficient.

Unlike traditional homes that need additional drywall and insulation, full-scribe log homes are a close competitor when it comes to pricing in the current market.

Natural Insulation:

Logs provide natural insulation due to their thickness and thermal mass.

They regulate indoor temperatures, keeping the home warm in winter and cool in summer.

This reduces the need for artificial heating and cooling systems, contributing to energy savings.

Low Embodied Energy:

The construction process for log homes has low embodied energy compared to concrete or steel structures.

Minimal processing is required since logs are used as they are, preserving their natural state.

Durability and Longevity:

Well-built full-scribe log homes can last for generations.

Properly maintained logs withstand weathering and remain structurally sound.

Their longevity reduces the need for frequent replacements, minimizing waste.

Aesthetic Appeal and Connection to Nature:

Scandinavian Style log homes provide an idyllic living space that connects people to nature.

The exposed logs create a rustic charm, enhancing the visual appeal of the home.

Living in a log home fosters a sense of harmony with the environment.

In summary, Scandinavian full scribe log homes combine sustainability, energy efficiency, and timeless beauty, making them an excellent choice for environmentally conscious homeowners.

For an in depth study click here.

Thermal Mass vs. R-Value in Scandinavian Full Scribe Log Homes for Canada

When it comes to energy efficiency in log homes, understanding the interplay between thermal mass and R-value is crucial. Let’s delve into the details:

1. R-Value and Its Significance:
   • R-Value (thermal resistance) measures how effectively a material insulates against heat transfer. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation.
   • In log homes, wood—the primary building material—plays a critical role in determining energy efficiency. Wood’s R-value varies based on factors like wood type, moisture content, thickness, and density.

1. Thermal Mass and Its Role:
   • Thermal mass refers to a material’s ability to store and release heat slowly. In log homes, the solid wood walls act as thermal mass.
   • During temperature fluctuations (day-night cycles), thermal mass absorbs excess heat during the day and releases it at night, stabilizing indoor temperatures.
   • Scandinavian full scribe log homes, with their thick, dense logs, excel in thermal mass properties.

1. Why Thermal Mass Matters More:
   • Climate Considerations: In regions with significant daily temperature changes (like Canada), thermal mass shines. It moderates indoor temperatures, reducing the need for constant heating or cooling.
   • Cold Climates: In areas where temperatures remain consistently low (e.g., Alaska), thermal mass becomes less effective. Here, R-value plays a more critical role.
   • Log Homes: Log walls provide both structure and insulation. While their R-value may be lower (typically less than R10), their thermal mass compensates by maintaining stable indoor temperatures.

1. Meeting Energy Standards:
   • National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings (NECB) 2020: This code sets requirements for energy-efficient design and construction. Log homes can meet these standards by optimizing insulation, windows, and other features.
   • New Home Warranty Act: While not specific to log homes, it ensures that all new homes meet energy efficiency criteria, benefiting log home construction as well.

In summary, while R-value matters, the thermal mass provided by solid log walls in Scandinavian full scribe log homes offers unique advantages. These homes can meet energy standards while maintaining their rustic charm and comfort.

Basically, wood is a good insulator.  It has an R-value of approximately 1.25 per inch, depending upon the species.  A log with an average diameter of 14” would therefore have an R-value of approximately 17.5.

     A solid log also has a high thermal mass value. This means that a log wall will retain heat and radiate it back into the home.  It is this heat retaining thermal mass characteristic that makes log homes “energy-efficient."  (National Bureau of Standards TME Experiments-1983).

     The most important factor regarding the energy efficiency of a log home has to do with the tightness of the structure. Although poorly built log homes may initially be tight, serious drafts can develop if the builder has not allowed for shrinkage of the logs.

    Murchison Enterprises uses a shrink-fit notch and incorporate other design features to accommodate the settling of the log walls which is critical at doors, windows and partitions.

If you'd like more info on the energy efficiency of Log Homes  Click here you will also find some reference to the building code on our downloads page as well.

Thermal mass refers to a material’s ability to absorb, store, and release heat energy. In the context of a full scribe log home, thermal mass plays a crucial role and is often more important than the traditional R-value. Let’s delve into why:

Heat Storage and Regulation:

• Thermal mass allows log walls to absorb heat during the day (when the sun shines) and release it slowly at night.
• This stabilizes indoor temperatures, reducing temperature fluctuations.
• Unlike conventional insulation, which merely resists heat flow, thermal mass actively manages it.

Natural Comfort:

• Log homes feel cozy due to the thermal inertia of the logs.
• In winter, the logs absorb heat from sunlight or a wood stove, keeping the interior warm.
• During hot summers, the logs absorb excess heat, preventing rapid temperature rise.

Energy Efficiency:

• While the R-value measures insulation effectiveness, thermal mass contributes to overall energy efficiency.
• The logs act as a heat sink, reducing the need for constant heating or cooling.
• Even if the R-value per inch is lower, the overall energy savings are significant.

Reduced Energy Demand:

• Log homes with substantial thermal mass require less reliance on mechanical heating or cooling systems.
• This lowers energy consumption, benefiting both the environment and your utility bills.

Day-Night Temperature Lag:

• The time lag between daytime heat absorption and nighttime release is essential.
• Logs delay the transfer of heat, maintaining a comfortable indoor environment.

Aesthetic Appeal and Tradition:

• Full scribe log homes embody a timeless aesthetic. The visible logs create a sense of connection to nature.
• The combination of thermal mass and rustic charm makes these homes unique.

In summary, while R-value matters, don’t overlook the benefits of thermal mass in a full scribe log home. It’s a harmonious blend of tradition, sustainability, and comfort.

In studies it has been proven that log walls have a higher resistance to fire then conventional framing. The temperature on the hot side of the scribe-fit log wall exceeded 1100°C (2000°F), but the cool side never got above 48°C (118°F), even after almost 3 hours of burning. 

Click here to find some info.

 Log work isn’t just for log houses or cabins; it’s a versatile art that can enhance any style of home. Whether you’re looking to add a rustic touch to your modern abode or infuse a traditional setting with a sense of the great outdoors, our handcrafted log accents are the perfect solution. Imagine a beautiful log mantelpiece above your fireplace, log beams across your ceilings, or even a charming log staircase railing—these elements can create focal points that radiate warmth and character. Check out our Accent Page to see more.

A little bit about us...

Frank began his career in log building in 1998 at Tobique Log Homes in New Brunswick. He later moved to Alberta in around 2005 and has been continuing his log building adventure there ever since. Over the years, he has started a family and some of his relatives have even relocated to Alberta as well.

Building log homes and cabins is a passion of ours, and we are always excited to share our work with anyone who is interested, whether they are looking to make a purchase or simply curious about our craft.

Full scribe is considered the top-of-the-line log shell style, requiring a unique combination of patience and skills that are not commonly found in many industries today. Throughout our journey, we have had the opportunity to meet many fascinating individuals. However, like any business, it's not always smooth sailing. Nonetheless, we adapt to and tackle challenges as they arise, always striving to ensure that our customers are satisfied with the end results. We understand that information is crucial when making any purchase, so we make an effort to provide as much insight into our process as possible.

When people visit our yard, they often find themselves returning. Whether it's to make a purchase or to simply ask more questions.

The door is always open.

A Glossary of Log Building terms we use everyday and sometimes forget most people probably don't understand what allot of it actually means.

To Learn More Visit Our Downloads Page

A
Adhesive – High-performance glue used to adhere wood or other building components. May be used as a sealant in log homes.

Air-Dried – Logs are considered air-dried when they have been dried in producers’ yards or warehouses for six to 24 months.

Anchor Bolt – A steel bolt which is embedded in the concrete foundation of a structure and used to anchor the sill plate.

Angle Brace – Any timber bracing a corner at an angle across that corner. Also called a knee brace.

Angle Iron – A length of steel or iron bent at a right angle along its long dimension, used as a support or structural framework. Frequently used to support masonry over an opening.

Awning window – Type of window that opens out from the bottom.

B

Backfill – Placement of excavated or imported soil or fill around the base of a home’s foundation.

Base course- The first or bottom course of logs or masonry blocks in a wall.

Bay window – A window or grouping of windows that protrudes outside of a home’s exterior wall.

Beam – Horizontal member of a home’s structural frame, used to support vertical loads.

Bearing wall – A wall supporting a vertical load.

Birds mouth – A ‘V’ shaped notch cut into the base of a rafter that allows the rafter to sit flat on the wall or the plate.

Blueprints – One name for the construction drawings used to build a home.

Borate – Chemical used as an insecticide to inhibit insect infestations in wood.

Buck – Frame of dimensional lumber set into a log wall and used to frame windows and doors.

Butt and pass corner – A form of butt corner where one log end extends beyond the intersection with the log in the opposing wall. In this design, every other log extends past the corner, giving a home that distinctive log home look.

Butt joint – Fastening together of two shorter logs end to end to create a longer timber that will span the length of a wall.

C

Cambium layer – A thin-walled layer of cells beneath the inner bark of a tree, made of living cells that continually divide and account for the tree’s growth. When this is left in tact and the bark is removed, it will dry to a shiny dark finish.

Cantilever – A beam or slab projecting a substantial distance beyond its supporting post or wall; a projection supported at only one end.

Cape Cod – A residence with two levels of living area (1.5-1.75 stories) may be characterized by a steep roof slope and may have dormers. The area of the second floor is usually 40% to 75% of the ground floor area.

Casement window – Style of window hinged on its sides to allow it to swing open vertically.

Cat Face – An indentation on the surface of a tree, usually caused by injury at some earlier date.

Caulking – The most common type of sealing material used on log homes, available in five different formulations: acrylic, butyl, oil-base, silicone and urethane.

Check – Crack-like opening that forms in a log as it shrinks and dries.

Chinking – Historically a mortar-based material used to seal the gaps between logs; modern chinking resembles mortar, but remains soft and pliable to move with the logs. Chinking is often used as a visual accent to log walls.

Close grain – Wood with close grain has narrow, inconspicuous annual growth rings and/or closely spaced pores.

Coarse grain – Wood with coarse grain has wide, conspicuous annual growth rings.

Collar tie / Collar beam – A horizontal timber which ties two opposite pairs of rafters together near the middle to reduce sagging or spreading.

Colonial – A type of home design typified by two stories with a central hall and symmetrical window placement.

Compression / compression recovery – In comparing foam gasketing materials as log wall sealants, compression indicates how easy or difficult it is to compress the foam between log courses. Compression recovery indicates how completely the foam recovers to its original height after extended compression.

Conductivity – An inverse measure of the insulating value or resistance to heat flow of a material. The lower the conductivity, the higher the insulating value. Usually expressed as a number of Btu (British thermal units).

Cope – A notch in a log which is cut and rounded to fit over another log.

Countersink – To cause the head of a bolt or spike to be below the surface of the wood into which it is embedded.

Cove – A shallow, round shaped groove cut into the underside of a log.

D

D-shape – A style of log profile in which one side of the log is left rounded, while the other is flattened. Allows for flat interior log walls that resemble paneling.

Dead Load – The accumulative weight of all structural members, the fixtures and the permanently attached equipment of the structure and its foundation.

Dormer – A structure that protrudes from a sloping roof and contains a window or group of windows.

Double-hung window – A window style with sashes that slide vertically and allow opening from the top and bottom.

Dovetail corners – A style of interlocking corner created when the end of each log is cut into a fan-shaped wedge that is narrower toward the middle of the log. Most often used with square or rectangular logs.

Dowel – Wooden peg used to hold two pieces of wood together.

Drawknife – A two-handled blade that is used to peel bark from logs.

Drip Edge – The metal or vinyl projection along the eaves or rakes of a roof that allows water to run off or drip away from the underlying construction.

E

Eave – The lower or bottom edge of a roof which projects beyond the face of the walls

Early wood – In a tree’s annual growth ring, the portion formed in the spring, which is light in color.

Easement – Right that one party owns to a portion of another party’s property for a limited use. For instance, a utility company might own the right to cross a section of land owned by a private owner.

Expansion joint – A joint which permits expansion without doing damage to the structure.

F

Fascia – The trim board which usually covers the exposed ends of the rafters or overhang.

Fasteners – Hardware used to fasten logs to one another and make a log wall more rigid.

Fixed glass window – Also called a picture window, a window that does not open.

Flashing – A sheet material, such as metal, that bridges two building elements and prevents water from entering.

Foam gasket or tape – Putty or rope like extrusions of PVC foam that are used to prevent drafts or moisture from seeping between logs.

Footing – The base of the foundation that supports the foundation walls.

Fungi – Plants that cause decay as they feed on the substances found in wood.

Fungicide – Chemical agent that inhibits the growth of fungi on wood.

G

Gable – The triangular portion of the wall, between the enclosing lines of a sloping roof.

Gable roof – A sloping roof which forms an ‘A’ shape.

Gambrel roof – A roof where each side has two slopes; a steeper lower slope and a flatter upper one; a ‘barn roof’. A four-pitched roof traditional on Dutch style barns.

General contractor – A professional who oversees a construction project, including the scheduling, supervision and payment of subcontractors.

Girder – A horizontal structural member that supports joists.

Girt – A major horizontal member that connect posts.

Grain – Wood’s grain usually refers to the quality of a log’s annual growth rings or to the arrangement of the wood fibers in a log. Annual rings are said to have either a fine or coarse grain.

Green wood – Wood or logs that are used within weeks or sometimes even days of having been cut.

H

Half-lap – A type of joint in which two timbers are lapped or let into one another

Half logs – Logs that are sawn in half lengthwise and applied to a conventional stud-framed wall to create a wall that looks like full logs.

Hand-hewn – Logs that has been squared through the use of hand tools such as an adze or ax.

Header – Built-up horizontal member of a home’s frame that tops a window or doorway.

Heartwood – The portion of the tree contained within the sapwood; this term is sometimes used to mean the pith. The heartwood is dormant and unnecessary for the tree’s continued life; the living part of the tree is contained in its outer parts. Usually slightly darker in color and more resistant to decay than sapwood.

Hip – The sloping ridge of a roof formed by two intersecting roof slopes.

HVAC – Heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems.

I

I-beam – A steel beam with a cross section that resembles the letter ‘I’. Truss Joist (TJI) floor joists often referred to as I-joist.

Interlocking corner – A more complex type of log home corner in which wood is removed from the four sides of a log, leaving a recessed area that locks into a similar area on the intersecting log and holds both logs rigidly in place in all directions.

J

Jack Rafter – A short rafter which extends from the roof ridge to a valley rafter or from the wall plate to a hip rafter

Joist – A horizontal beam that supports the weight of a floor or ceiling.

Joist hanger – A metal support for the ends of joists; typically a Simpson hanger.

K

Kerf – The groove left in a piece of wood by a saw cut.

Kerf Cut – When building with green logs, a longitudinal kerf shall be cut at the top of each wall log. The kerf must be deep enough to promote checking. At least ¼ of logs average dia. And not more than ½ the logs average dia. Kerf shall be continuous between notches and shall start 6” from the edge of all notches.

Kiln-dried – Logs that are force-dried in a kiln to less than 15 percent moisture content. The logs are subjected to heat and humidity in stages to both dry them and reduce the side effects of drying, such as checking, twisting and warping.

King Post – A vertical support which transfers weight from the ridge beam to the end walls or the joists.

Knee Brace – A small timber which is framed diagonally between a post and beam.

Knot – A portion of a branch or limb that is incorporated in a piece of lumber. Knots interrupt the direction and flow of the wood’s fibers and can affect the wood’s strength.

L

Lag screw / bolt – A heavy screw for wood with a bolt head.

Laminated logs – Built-up timbers that are manufactured by gluing, or laminating, dimensional lumber together, then shaping the timbers into traditional log profiles.

Lap siding – Wood siding material that has a flat exterior surface, characterized by boards that widen at their base.

Lateral Groove – A longitudinal groove cut into the underside of a log enabling that log to fit over the top of another log.

Latewood – In a tree’s annual growth ring, the darker portion, which is formed later in the growing season. Latewood is generally denser and stronger mechanically than earlywood.

Linear footage logs – Logs that are delivered to a home construction site without pre-cutting of the logs to any specific length.

Lintel – A horizontal member of a home’s frame that forms the top of a window or door opening.

Log scribe – Tool used to mark the shape and outline of one log onto the log that will sit above it in a log wall.

Log siding – Siding material made up of logs that are sawn into thin strips, which still retain the curved shape of the log.

M

Mildewcide – Chemical agent in a wood preservative or finish that inhibits the growth of mildew.

Moisture content – The amount of water present in a log, measured in terms of the weight of the water in respect to the weight of the log.

Mortise – A square or rectangular slot cut into a log, timber or board into which another member, usually called a tenon, will fit.

Mortise and tenon joint – A joint in which a projection (tenon) of one timber is inserted into a slot (mortise) of another timber.

N

Notch – A recess cut into a log to accept another log intersecting it at an angle.

Blind notch – A notch which does not extend completely through a log.

Boxed lap notch – A notch cut squarely into part of each timber.

Dovetail notch – Log ends cut into a fan appearance resembling a dove’s spread tail.

Mitered lapped notch – Notch which has a 45 degree slope on the sides if a square notch.

Round notch – A notch in which the profile of the log exhibits the shape of a partial circle on the underside.

Saddle notch – notch which is triangular in profile.

Square notch – has the appearance of a round notch on the exterior but inside has a square interlocking lap.

O

Old growth – A forest in which trees have grown in active competition for sunlight and moisture. Old-growth timber is usually straight and relatively free of knots.

Outrigger – A log which sits atop cantilevered logs on the eave walls and is parallel to and extends out beyond the plate logs. It is to this beam that the roof framing is attached.

Overhang – The portion of the roof structure that extends beyond the exterior walls of a building.

OSB – Oriented strand board; an engineered wood product created by laminating shreds of wood into sheets.

P

Partition wall – A wall that separates spaces in a home. In log homes, partition walls typically are built using conventional stud-frame construction, rather than logs.

Passive solar heating – A system that uses certain building materials (such as log or masonry) to collect and release energy from solar radiation.

Peg – A wooden dowel

Percolation (or “perc”) test – Test performed to measure how porous soil is.

Piece en piece – A style of building in which vertical support posts form the main structure of a home with short lengths of logs forming the wall panels in sections between posts.

Pier – A type of support used as a foundation, which consists of vertical poles or columns set on footers.

Pitch – The slope or angle of a roof. Generally expressed in inches of vertical “rise” per 12 inches of horizontal distance “run”. (example: written as 4/12 or said as ” 4 inch rise per 12 inch run ” or simply ” four twelve or four in twelve “)

Pith – The soft tissue about which the first wood growth in a tree takes place.

Plate / plate log – A horizontal member of the frame of a home on which the rafters rest. The log at the top of a wall that supports the roof.

Post and beam – Type of construction characterized by exposed timbers that form a structural frame, vertical posts supporting horizontal members and beams. The timbers may be joined by traditional carved wood joinery or by metal hardware.

Pressure treating – A process in which wood is saturated with a preservative under pressure, allowing the preservative to be absorbed deep into the wood’s fibers.

Purlin – A roof support beam that runs parallel to the ridge beam and the long sides of a home and is placed between the plate log and the ridge beam.

Q

R

R-value – A measure of resistance to the flow of heat. Higher R-values indicate a material’s greater ability to insulate.

Racking – A reaction to lateral forces pushing horizontally on a wall, racking causes walls that are not rigidly fastened to become deformed.

Rafter – Structural members of a roof that support the roof load and run from the ridge to the eaves (overhang).

S

Saddle – The lower cut in a notch and saddle joint. The log is cut on an angle on each side so that the surface almost comes to a point at the top of the log wall.

Salvaged wood – Typically large, old-growth timbers that are reclaimed from old structures and reused in new construction.

Sap stain – A fungus that discolors the sapwood, usually during storage and air-drying. It can be brown, steel gray, black or blue, but blue stain is the dominant type. May cause a permanent blemish that cannot be removed from the surface.

Sapwood – The wood formed just inside a tree’s cambium layer. May comprise the first one to three inches of radial thickness beneath the bark and contains mostly living cells that carry sap from the roots to the leaves.

Scribe – The process of cutting one log to match the contours of another for a tight log to log fit.

Screwjack – A device which may be adjusted to allow for the settlement in log walls. Typically consists of (2) 6”x6”x1/2” steel plates complete with (4) 4”x3/8” lag bolts and a 1” diameter redi rod with an adjustable nut and washer at the bottom.

Sealants – Material used to ensure a weather tight seal between the logs stacked in a wall.

Second growth – A second-growth forest is a newer, managed forest grown on land that was previously cleared. Most of the lumber used in log home construction comes from second-growth forests.

Seismic load – A measure of seismic pressure that must be taken into account for a home to meet building codes. Homes built in earthquake-prone areas will be required to withstand greater seismic pressures.

Setbacks – Minimum distance required by local zoning ordinances between a property line and the edge of a building.

Settling – Loss of wall height by shrinkage and compression. The movement of walls that occurs over time and with the shrinkage of logs as they lose their moisture.

Shear – A lateral force that can affect horizontal log walls by causing the logs to slide along one another. A log wall that’s properly fastened will be more rigid and will resist shear force more efficiently.

Shed roof – A roof containing only one sloping plane, typically a shallow pitch; has no hips, ridges, valleys or gables.

Shrinkage – The decreasing in size of a log as it loses some of its moisture content over time.

Sill – A horizontal member of a home’s frame that forms the base of a window or door.

Sill log – The base log which sits upon the foundation.

Skip peel – A method of removing bark from a log that leaves dark patches of the cambium layer visible on the surface of the log.

Snow load – A measurement of the weight of the heaviest snow load likely to occur in a two-month period in a certain region. Most roof systems are designed to carry a dead load of 20 pounds per square foot. In localized areas of some snow-belt regions, snow loads of 150 pounds per square foot are not uncommon.

Soffit – A material, which covers the underside of an overhang.

Spiral grain – Irregular grain pattern formed in a tree that has bent or twisted to seek out sunlight. Spiral grain is undesirable in a log, as it may lead to twisting as the wood dries.

Spline – A 1 to 2 inch high strip of fiberboard or plastic about 1/8 inch thick, inserted into the spline groove on a log to create a physical barrier to air and water infiltration between logs stacked in a wall.

Splice – A joint of two logs end to end.

Standing dead – Used to describe standing trees that have been killed by fire, insects or some other cause. Wood in these trees is generally not affected by whatever killed them.

Starter strip – Generally a 1 by 2 inch wood strip nailed to the subfloor, over which the first log is set, creating a seal between the log wall and the subfloor.

Structural insulated panels – Building panels made up of a layer of high-density foam sandwiched between two layers of sheet material such as plywood, tongue-and-groove paneling or oriented strand board (OSB). Also known as stress skin panels.

Subcontractor – Tradesperson who performs a specific task in a construction job, such as installing plumbing, laying carpet or painting, under the supervision of a home owner or general contractor.

System built – Home built using a package of manufactured components.

Swedish cope – Log building method in which a half-moon shaped groove is chiseled out of the length of a log, allowing it to straddle the rounded surface of the log beneath it in a wall.

T

Thermal mass – A property of wood that slows the transfer of heat through a log wall due to the high heat retention capacity of the wall mass.

Thermal resistance – The insulating value of a material. Usually expressed as an R-value, resistance varies among wood species and depends on the density and other qualities of the wood.

Through-bolts – Threaded metal fasteners, 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick and either 2, 4 or 8 feet long. A length of through bolt is often connected to anchor bolts embedded in the foundation. When the desired length is reached, a washer and nut are added and tightened to pull the wall together.

Timber frame – Type of traditional construction characterized by exposed timbers that form a structural frame. The timbers are joined by traditional carved wood joinery.

Tongue and groove (T&G) – Lumber with a small groove down one side of each board and a protruding piece (tongue) on the other side that fits into the groove when the boards are installed.

Trim – Woodwork, often detailed, that finishes off certain elements in a home, such as windows, doors, stairs and cabinetry.

Truss – Triangular-shaped construction element that supports a home’s ceiling or roof, and allows for an open space below, unimpeded by posts.

U

UV blocker – Chemical agent added to wood preservative or finish to inhibit the sun’s graying affect on wood.

V

Vapor barrier – A waterproof material or film placed between a heated area of the home and an area that is not heated to prevent moisture from seeping between the two areas.

W

Wane – The bark that remains on an edge of a milled log created by the lack of wood on the edge or corner.

White rot – Along with brown rot, a major category of decay caused by fungi. Results in the wood losing its color and appearing whiter than normal. Wood affected by white rot will not crack against the grain and will only shrink and collapse when it is severely degraded.
Wind load – Measure of the force of the wind as it affects the structural integrity of a house. Homes built in hurricane-prone areas are required by code to withstand higher winds.

Wood preservative – Specialized finish formulated to protect wood from the deteriorating effects of wind, rain and sunlight, and attacks by fungus, mold, mildew and insects.

X

Y

Z

Zero-clearance – The lack of a need for a specified distance between a well-insulated heating unit or metal wood burning fireplace and a combustible surface. A Self-contained fireplace unit that can be placed in close proximity to other combustible building materials.

Resources:

International Log Builders Association – “Log Homes – From Land to Lockup”.

The Log and Timber Authority

Home Buyers Publications

Wikipedia ‘The Free Encyclopedia’ – https://en.wikipedia.org

Webster’s New Word Dictionary