Log Homes Journal

The stain on your logs is the most important line of defense against the three main enemies of your logs. Those are the sun, (U.V. damage), moisture, and fungi. After proper preparation of the wood/logs, we believe it is one of the most important decision’s that is made for their longevity and beauty; you should use the best stains available, and not cut corners on quality. There are many stain manufacturers out there. They all claim to be the best and do an excellent job of protecting your logs from the element’s, etc. But from our experience, most of them do not. One of the most common area’s of shortcoming we see is the U.V. protection provided by stains. We see many log homes where the sun is actually sun burning the wood, and turning it black right through the stain. Many times this happens in one to three year’s after application of the stain. This is a prime example of the stain that was applied just not having enough U.V. inhibitors. It doesn’t do any good to have a stain that provides good moisture protection, but allows the sun to damage and destroy the wood cells underneath the stain!!

We use what we feel are the best stain’s available today. They are formulated to prevent the damaging effects of water, fungi, and U.V. radiation. They are a V.O.C. Compliant blend of natural and synthetic resins which penetrate wood pores to block out water and provide long-lasting protection. A unique feature is that these stains contain nutrient-free resins, instead of high levels of fungicide to prevent mold and mildew growth. There are many stains produced that have natural oils and minerals as key ingredients, that are actually food for mold and mildew spores. Staining your home with some of these products is like giving an invitation to all kinds of little critter’s to make a meal of your log’s! One example of this is Linseed oil based stain. I’m amazed at the number of stains that still exist out there that are linseed oil based. Obviously these stain manufacturers don’t have a clue about what their stains do and how they react to certain factors like the sun. The very first log home I ever worked on had an existing stain on it that was linseed oil based. The sides of the home that got the most U.V. exposure were quite black. This wasn’t the typical sun damage concentrated on the upper curvature of the logs, but pretty much covered the whole log. I found out after doing some research about the fact that linseed oil has a photo-chemical reaction with ultraviolet rays that turns the wood black. This is on top of the fact that linseed oil is one of those natural oils that many organisms like to feed on. Like I mentioned before, its like candy-coating your house. I think that linseed may be fine to have in some stains if the amount is very minimal, but I still see no reason to have it in a stain at all. There are better ingredients to add as fillers to the stain.

The application method of the stain is the next most important step. First we mask off doors, windows, etc. Anything that we don’t want stain on. We protect concrete, bushes, and so on, with canvas tarps. Then, we use airless sprayers to get a large volume of stain on an area of the logs. The stain is then back brushed by hand to work it into to pores of the wood and even it out. This step is then repeated a second time, with the end result being that the wood has absorbed as much of the stain as it can, and the stain is applied evenly. This method gives the most uniform look, with the greatest amount of protection for your logs. The result is value for you, the homeowner. Your log home will last the longest period of time in between re-staining, with NO damage to the wood cells of your logs.

This is part one of at least a three part series on stains for your log home or cabin. In the next parts of the series, we will address the different types of stains, and pigmented stains versus clear-coat stains, which stains are best and why, etc. I hope you’ll join me for those articles as well.

Barna Log Homes of Pennsylvania anchors its building services to green products and processes that use renewable materials, maximize energy efficiency, and minimize the use of toxic materials. Building green encompasses all of the steps from initial design to the complete build, and includes selection of products used to construct, furnish and finish a home. Some of the key topics of the building process are design, materials, energy and interiors.

Design. Building green affordable log homes begins with the land and the plans – the size and layout of a house, and its on-site placement that will influence product choices and energy consumption. The larger the home, the more energy and materials are used, so step one is to decide on size and orientation.

Materials. Creating a green structure depends on the choice of products to use in construction and finishing the home. Building materials are available in a wide spectrum from the natural to the man-made. Barna affordable log homes use renewable woods like white pine, yellow pine or hemlock, when possible, which in turn avoids depleting endangered woods.

Energy. Ways of reducing energy use and loss in your home start with size, orientation, and location on site. Depending on the site and the climate, for example, a southern exposure may provide solar warmth in the winter while reducing solar heat in the summer, reducing fuel consumption. Sufficient insulation and Low-E glass for doors and windows improve temperature control and lower long-term cost.

Wind power, solar power, and geo-thermal systems that create a heat exchange with the earth offer clean non-fossil based energy options for heating and cooling. In addition, today’s standard heating and cooling systems are rated on their efficiency and should be considered when choosing your heating and cooling solution.

Interiors. Finishing and furnishing materials and products can be used that contain minimal or no Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC). VOCs are a prime source of toxic interiors and can be found in various solvents and glues used in the manufacture of pressed woods, paints, carpets, vinyl, cabinets, and furniture. When released into the atmosphere, they may cause the ‘sick building syndrome.’ Other products, such as carpeting, may also contain formaldehyde, which can also be released into the air on an ongoing basis.

Resources. Information and ideas for the green homebuilder are easily accessible on the internet. Among them are: The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) that keeps lists of which woods are best for safe green construction www.fscus.org, “Energy Star” stickers and labels can be found on those appliances that conform to the energy usage standards set by the Government.

Barna Log Homes of Pennsylvania works with customers in Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey to support and help them learn about, plan for, design and build eco-friendly green affordable log homes

Environmentally friendly homes are defined as having little impact on the planet during the planning, construction, and life of the home. This includes the energy required to manufacture and transport materials to the construction site. According to one study, our homes account for over 40% of carbon dioxide emissions, which is why it’s imperative that we all work to build more sustainable and earth-friendly residences.

Classic log homes are one type of property that has a much smaller carbon footprint than traditionally-built houses. One reason that log homes are an excellent choice for environmentally aware buyers is the fact that log homes are made out of a naturally renewable resource. If we require loggers to use responsible logging methods such as re-planting where they cut, then we will have a steady reserve of logs for the future, without damaging the environment.

Another benefit is that in many areas of the country, logs can be locally harvested unlike steel or concrete, which require transport. Delivering materials around the country can be very expensive, emits a high amount of carbon dioxide into the air, and uses up a great deal of oil and gas. By shopping locally, you can reduce the impact your home has on the environment -during all its stages of building.

Another benefit to wood structures is that unlike common building materials, log homes do not require manufacturing or substantial processing, which involves chemicals and energy expenditure. The chemicals that go into making popular building materials are emitted in your home, which can pose a serious health risk for your family. These volatile organic compounds, or VOC’s are breathed into our lungs and can get into our bloodstream. Studies are still being done to examine the long term effects of being surrounded by these toxins, but it’s a good idea to avoid them at all costs.

In addition to be a non-toxic choice, log homes are also an extremely energy efficient alternative to other building materials. Owners of log cabins have long known the benefits of these types of structures in terms of how cozy there are in the wintertime and cool in the summertime. Wood has a natural ability to absorb heat and then release it, which is what enables cabins to stay comfortable all year long.

Log homes are also biodegradable and recyclable -far more so than other building materials. Log cabins can be torn down, and the logs used for other structures. These logs have a long life cycle, as they can be reborn with each new project. And when the log is past its usefulness, it easily bio degrades back into the earth.

By being mindful of what we use to build our homes, we can have a huge impact on improving the health of this planet. In addition, we can lower our energy costs and reduce the amount of indoor toxins that our families breathe in. If we’re conscious of the choices we make and look into better alternatives like the log home, we’ll all benefit in the long run.