 |
The Western Red Cedar logs we use come into our yards by logging trucks from the local rain forest mountains so they are particularly tall and straight with natural resistance to decay. A natural fungicidal extractive (thujic acid) within cedar protects against decay and insect decomposition. Western Red Cedar is the lightest commercial softwood, has fine grain, is free from pitch (sap), and has as exceptional trouble-free finish even after years of wear and exposure. It has a very low shrinkage factor and outstanding resistance to warping, twisting and checking. Because of its low density, it has excellent dimensional stability. The logs are peeled by hand so as not to disturb the natural shape and beauty and to leave the wood tubules intact for greater ability to insulate.
Whether it is for full scribed (round notch), squared timbers (dove tail notch) or post and beam, our meticulous log fitters select each log specifically for its particular location in the home and carve and trim it with chain saws and small hand tools so it fits the other logs perfectly. Our craftsmen have developed an innovative "butterfly" notch which forces the logs to tighten together as they shrink, precluding any log chinking being needed. A long groove is carved out of the length of each log and the contour of the logs are cut to fit together so tightly that air or bad weather can not pass through the walls.
As the wall height progress we build in openings for windows and doors, always carefully monitoring to ensure proper placement and dimensions for ease of insertion on the building site. Settling allowances are planned for in great detail to eliminate the need for any future adjustments. All heating, ventilation, air conditioning, plumbing and electrical systems that are used in frame (2x4-6) housing are generally available in a MLH Log Home. Openings are cut for these systems, wiring and plumbing passages are pre drilled and switches and receptacles are countersunk into the logs to create a beautiful finish. Archways can be built according to the design, either between rooms or on the outside tails of the logs. Roof systems, which can include ridges, purlins and trusses, are carefully constructed to engineered standards. Eaves are extended to protect the legwork finish.
The logwork portion of the building is erected at our sites to guarantee a precise fit. Frame walls can be integrated into the building using key ways and slots, and cut-outs for floor systems are done as well. As an option, each log is finally stained to a lustrous finish with three coats of our custom-formulated highly dust-resistant finish.
Each log is next labeled with a code number that is matched to a reassembly diagram. Finally, (as an option)they are wrapped in building paper and loaded gently into either, an open-top ocean going container or highway trailers.
Log stairs and railings are also constructed at our site. The pieces are fitted in a unique way so that structural stability is maintained over time. Pickets are doweled and large members are bolted together.
Our staff are willing to travel to the building site to supervise the reconstruction of the building onto the foundation on the site which, depending on the complexity of the design, takes 6 hours to 4+ days.
|
|
