How are log houses insulated

Until recently, most lateral grooves found in log homes have been insulated using fiberglass insulation, wool or a combination of both.  With recent innovations in gasketing, some log builders have taken advantage of log specific gasket products available in the market place.  For the past 6 years, all log houses built by Artisan have had two continuous rows of closed cell, compression “p” gasket in all of the lateral grooves.  We also use expanding gasket for all post and beam connections and timber frame connections.

What does “lock-up” mean and what does it include?

When a home is at completion of the lock-up stage, it looks finished from the outside; windows and exterior doors have been installed and the outside roof cladding is on. If gable ends (the exterior walls on the second floor under the angle of the roof) have not been included in the log work package, that cost will have to be incurred at this stage.
Since 1977, Artisan has completed lock-up on almost every log structure that it has built in Canada. We also pre-frame and ship gable end components with each log shell. This has proven to be more cost effective than constructing them on-site, following re-erection of the log work. If the building is going to be located outside of Canada, we like to send at least 2 log crafters with the shell, to over-see re-assembly and provide guidance as lock-up proceeds.

How much do log homes cost per square foot?

A square foot price is often inaccurate and misleading due to the great variation in cost and quality of materials used to finish a building. This applies to both log and conventional framed structures. “Finishing” is generally meant to include inside framed walls, plumbing, heating, wiring, cabinets, fireplaces, floors etc. Your builder should be able to provide you with firm prices up to the point of “inside finish” and then your personal taste (and budget!) will determine how much the remainder will cost.

Is the labour for re-erection of the log work package included in the price? (Most log shells are pre-built, then disassembled and shipped to their permanent location).

If it is, it will ensure efficient, accurate and successful “reconstruction” of the log shell on it’s permanent foundation. Artisan chooses to re-erect every one of it’s packages, wherever possible.

Where do the building logs come from?

This is important for a number of reasons, and your perspective supplier/builder should be able to provide this information. Trees from British Columbia which are to be used as house logs should come from a relatively high altitude. This ensures that the trees are slow-growing, with resultant tight growth rings. (When looking at the end, or cross section of a cut log, each circular line or ring depicts one year of growth in the life of the tree). Tight growth rings produce dense wood, which generally results in less cracking or checking as the log dries. Most critically, trees should be fallen in the winter, when the sap level is low, so that again, checking is minimized and the risk of sap stain (mould) is reduced. 

Artisan’s wood of choice is interior Englemann Spruce, Douglas Fir and Western Red Cedar.  Western Red Cedar is preferred wood for European Exports.

How big are the logs? What is the average diameter?

Large logs ensure good insulation quality and energy efficiency, as well as superior strength. House logs used by Artisan range from a 11″ tip to an 20″ butt, OR size as specified.  Below are the flared butts of Western Red Cedar.

Are the logs fit together by hand or by machine?

An important question, since the two methods of construction produce products which are vastly different. A hand-crafted building is constructed using whole, natural, tapered logs which are generally peeled by hand. Each log is then individually hand-scribed to the one beneath it, ensuring a tight fit.
No caulking or chinking should be necessary. All cutting is done by hand, using a chainsaw. Because this method of construction is labour intensive, 6 to 10 weeks is often allowed for each log shell. All of Artisan’s work is hand-crafted. 

When the logs are fit together by machine, each one is milled to a specific size and shape, so that all of the building pieces are identical. A tongue-and-groove system may be used to interlock the pieces. Milling can take 2-3 days per shell.