Construction of a log home is the same as a conventional home from the standpoint that a good foundation is key, but beyond that, there are significant differences. The most important aspects of a log home are the foundation and supports, which must be structured to fit a beam and roof system. These enable the log home to be exceptionally strong and provide the open cathedral ceilings. The beam and roof systems were first used in 1849 as part of what was called Open Timber Roofs of the Middle Ages , originally designed by David Bogue, London, England.

Foundations have come a long way since then, with solid reinforced poured walls, water proofing and foundation drainage that are all necessary to have a sturdy and dry start to your log home.

It is necessary to design the internal supports that are your personal design preference. There are four basic classifications:

• Roofs with Tie Beams
• Trussed rafters or single framed roofs
• Roofs with hammer beams &/or braces
• Roofs constructed with Collars & or Braces

Once you have a basic structure design then you need to determine all load points and create the foundation to support those areas. This includes the center load post both internally and externally for any porches or balconies which are very common with log homes. These foundations are usually much thicker than a conventional home to handle the heavier loads and are very important to create the robust structure common in a well designed and constructed log home.

After the foundation support areas are in place, then it is time to start your log wall construction with an appropriate log system. The keys to a good log wall system include:

1) Accurately dried logs (Logs can be either kiln dried or air dried, both work well and you can read many arguments for which is better)

2) Logs that are designed to seal the weather out and keep the comfort in, which include: - Appropriate corner notching - Sealing between logs (double tongue and groove milled logs, compressed foam seals, caulking out side edges and counter bored screws securing log rows together, drip edged on mating logs and splines between butted logs)

3) Window and door system allowing for the shrinkage of log walls as everything settles after construction

4) An electrical installation that is installed as you assemble your log walls requiring detailed planning of all lights, switches, outlets, phone and cable connections.

5) The roofing and support systems an integral part of any second floor designs for lofts due to the joist system that will directly support the wall system. This allows the roofing system design to be functional, which usually consists of an inter-lacing joist into the wall system with beam and post support aligned to the foundation footers.

After completion of the log walls and second floor joisting you are now ready to construct your roofing system with the following keys:

1) Appropriate rafter/ridge beam/ post sizing and spacing. 2) Sound roofing coverage of: - Tongue and groove (Usually 2" x 6" or 8") - Moisture barriers - Foam insulation - Boarding coverage - Final weather barrier of shingles or metal

From here you can dry your log home in and with your desired windows and doors, it is always advisable to use good quality windows and doors to compliment your cost and log

design which will control the internal environment of your log home. Most people do not realize that not only is this important to control the environment inside your log home for your own personnel comfort but it is also necessary to control the expansion and contraction rate of your wood interior to protect its beauty and structure. This is why it is highly recommended you install both a humidifying and dehumidifying system in your log home.

The internal design can now be finished, but this does require some detailed planning prior to this stage to ensure plumbing feasiblity to fit your desired room layout. (Rememeber all internal plumbing must exist in internal wall partitions since outside log walls do not allow plumbing access).

The outside of your log home needs appropriate protection from the elements by using the following types of applications:

1) Porches and roof over-hangs are very valuable to a log home not only for the traditional look and beauty but to protect log walls from the weather elements.

2) A wood protector that is designed to safeguard external woods surfaces. (Remember you get what you pay for, so don't cut corners here and also remember there is nothing commercially available on the market that does not require periodic maintenance.)

Lastly make sure your final landscaping allows you to draw water away from the house, both natural run off water from the ground and your roofing system.

All of the above details should be drawn up and layout out before any construction begins on your log home and if you buy a manufactured log home you should ask and review the design keeping the points above in consideration.