The Difference

Back in 1984 when I started building log homes there was not a clear understanding of how to contend with the settling of solid log and most houses built back then were done incorrectly. As years have progressed, many companies have developed slip joint techniques to help alleviate the problems. I have helped and consulted with many companies over the years to develop better ways to deal with settling problems, but have never been satisfied with the end result. The problem was that logs would not settle evenly and correctly was impossible and logs would hang up during the drying process and end up with gaps and openings in the walls causing numerous problems including poor heating and cooling performance, water infiltration through the logs and bugs. Anytime you have wet wood, carpenter ants, wood roaches and termites will soon follow. Another major problem comes when a moisture filled log settles and shrinks more on the interior side of the wall causing curled and bowed walls which put stress on doors, windows and kitchen cabinets resulting in performance failure.

To avoid these problems, we use evenly dried, (average of 12% moisture) level engineered laminated logs which prevent any settling issues.