Subj : vertlogs/insulation/water
To   : Rob Mccart
From : August Abolins
Date : Wed Feb 05 2025 08:25:00

Hello Rob Mccart!

** On Tuesday 04.02.25 - 01:40, Rob Mccart wrote to AUGUST ABOLINS:

 AA>> I don't think I know anyone else with a vertial log
 AA>> cabin. I know several people with cordwood and haybale
 AA>> homes in this area though.

 RM> I'd never seen that before we bought here. They take round logs
 RM> about 7 inches aound and split them down the middle, then offset
 RM> them and nail the flats together so you have the appearance of
 RM> vertical round logs on the inside and the outside. These places
 RM> were built a while back though, 70 years or so..

I thought the "whole" log would be vertical, as described below  
by one builder, and not split/overlap like you just described:

"The most salient advantage is cost. Construction costs of a  
handcrafted vertical structure are roughly one half of a  
comparable handcrafted horizontal log building. Due to the  
conscientious use of smaller diameter logs, along with  
decreased labour and heavy equipment requirements, expenses are  
greatly reduced. In this method of construction, shorter length  
logs are stood upright next to one another to create the  
structure's walls. These wall logs are double grooved using a  
chainsaw and "splined" together with plywood splines. Soft cell  
foam insulation is placed between the splines for added  
insulation. "


 AA>> Can you simply add a layer of insulation on the outside of the
 >> existing facing? I've seen that done on some homes in the area

 RM> Back around 38 years ago I added framing to the outside..
 RM> ..or the mice have chewed it to crap..   B)

Sounds like another simple panel insulation on the outside may  
be all you need.


 RM> What would be better these days would be to remove the siding
 RM> and have expanding foam insulation sprayed directly onto the
 RM> outside logs and possibly the floors too.

Not sure how sprayed foam would work on the outside. Sprayed  
foam is best when it can go into a confined space otherwise it  
would expand unchecked.  I've heard that the fumes from sprayed  
foam could be unpleasant. Up in an attic space it might not be  
so bad if the fumes can got straight up and out. But on the  
sides or under a floor, you might be dealing with direct  
exposure to chemicals for a long time.


 RM> I've had mice, squirrels and raccoons rip the insulation
 RM> loose under the floors to either take it away to make
 RM> nests or they actually get up between the insulation and
 RM> the warmer floor and make a nest there..

Can you hear them there during the winter?  HOw about building  
a rock/concrete barrier right up against the house/foundation  
so that they can't find a way to get in?


 RM> Yes, it's about 250 feet from my place to where I have the
 RM> 'box' on the ice where I have my water hole. [...]
 RM> starting to wear on me some, which is why I shovel the
 RM> paths so I'm not fighting my way through deep snow as
 RM> well.

And.. I presume you place some ash or other grit along the path  
for added traction?


 RM> carrying 2 pails of water, and the hill is too steep to
 RM> put the pails of water onto a sled and pull it up behind
 RM> me..

How about bottles/jugs onto a sled?


-- 
  ../|ug

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