Build a Log Home That Will Stand the Test of Time
All log homes are not created equal. The type of logs you choose make a big difference in the amount of maintenance that will be required and how well your home will stand the test of time. At Heartwood Mills, our number one choice for logs is Northern White Cedar, grown right here in Michigan where our mill is located. So what makes Northern White Cedar the best choice for your log home or timber frame home? Take a look…
Rot & Decay Resistance
White Cedar is blessed with natural preservatives that make it one of the most decay/rot resistant and insect tolerant woods available. With White Cedar, you’ll get minimal cracking and checking because of the strength of the heartwood. White Pine and Red Pine, on the other hand, are not naturally resistant to rot or insects. Kiln-drying is typically used to kill existing insects in wood while preservative treatments are used to prevent future rot and insect damage. However, these treatments lose their abilities once the logs crack, opening up unprotected areas. Large cracks are common, often penetrating the heartwood.
Durability
According to a University of Maine study, initiated to determine the natural durability of various species of commonly used woods, untreated White Cedar was found to possess a high natural durability. Even in underground contact conditions, White Cedar is still serviceable after 50-60 years or more! The life expectancy of other untreated wood species commonly used in log home construction, like White Pine and Red Pine, with ground contact range from just three to seven years.
Moisture Content
White Cedar has less moisture when green (3500 lbs. per cord), making it easier to reach desired moisture content levels. White Cedar can be naturally air-dried to a 14-16% moisture level in a fairly short time. Air-drying allows the wood to acclimate itself to the new moisture level without harming its molecular structure. White Pine and Red Pine average 4700 lbs. per cord immediately after harvest. The natural character of the wood is to retain moisture and in turn release it very slowly. If it is “forced out” unnaturally, there is a greater risk for cell rupture.
“R” Value
White Cedar has the highest “R” value of any of the wood species used in log home production—a rating of 1.41 “R” / inch of thickness. The “R” value of various pine species used in log production averages 1.12 “R” / inch of thickness. The “R” value is an indication of the wood’s natural thermal resistance, which is important in log homes where the wood provides insulation. According to the ASHRAE Handbook, the “R” Factor / Thermal Mass Factor of White Cedar is 3.78. (Higher the number, the better) while Pine is just 2.76.
Knot Bleeding
Knot bleeding can occur when a knot contains an excessive amount of extractives. In these cases, the extractives consist mainly of rosin, fats and turpentine and these extraneous materials can make up as much as 50% of the knot by weight. The extractive percentage is higher or lower in different wood species. The extractive rich woods are primarily all Pine (especially Red Pine), Western Red Cedar and Incense Cedar.
Kiln drying wood can help reduce knot bleeding in Pine, but it won’t eliminate it. Droplets of pitch will occur in Pine log siding when exposed to direct sun light or rain. The tendency for the knots to bleed will occur for many years, and they have been known to discharge resin for up to 50 years. Logs with knots will need to be sanded and re-stained to remove the discharged sap. This is an expensive procedure that generally has to be performed repeatedly.
The average cost to re-stain a house is $2/sq. ft. of wall surface. The cost to strip a house it is at least $2/sq. ft. but often more. When figuring the cost differential between White Cedar and Pine, make sure to factor in the additional maintenance Pine requires. To date, the best method of preventing extractive bleeding is a combination of good field practice and the use of quality products. Northern White Cedar is that product, as it contains a very low amount of extractives.
Heartwood Mills homes do not experience knot bleeding thanks to our use of Northern White Cedar and our state-of-the-art mill process. Northern White Cedar truly is the best building product available. We’ve known that since 1947 when we first started building log homes and timber frame homes. We’d be happy to talk with you about your options for building a custom log home. Get in touch today for a free no-obligation conversation.
