Frequently Asked
Questions
 Are
log homes more expensive than traditional, stick-built homes?
Given the same size and features, the cost of a log home is
comparable to any custom-built home. However, people who build a log
home usually plan to stay, and therefore invest in higher-quality
fixtures and finishing, which can raise the value.
Are log homes harder to finance
than traditional construction?
Not really. While your neighborhood bank may have little or no
experience with log home construction loans and mortgages, there are a
number of lenders who are more familiar with the product and thus
willing to work with you, including those who utilize familiar mortgage
products such as Fannie Mae. Contact your distributor for a listing of
lenders who cater to log homes.
What type of wood is best for a log home?
Different species have different
characteristics, and the best type of wood depends on your particular
needs:
 | Southern Yellow Pine produces a dense log with lots of
grain, remarkable for its high-tensile strength. It is the most
structurally sound.
| White Pine is softer than Southern Yellow Pine, light in
weight with a less prominent grain. Typically used in lateral
applications, White Pine is usually chosen for its light color and
few knots.
| Hemlock is a moderately hard, lightweight wood. It is
usually selected for the aesthetic qualities of its characteristic,
uneven grain.
| Western Red Cedar is a soft and light wood, renowned for
its distinctive scent and warm, reddish hue. Cedar is naturally
resistant to disease and insects, but is typically used in lateral
applications and cannot be hewn. |
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 What
type of maintenance is needed for
a log home?
A log home typically requires less maintenance than a conventional
stick-frame home. A preservative treatment – with stain if desired –
are recommended as soon as possible after construction is completed. The
preservative should be applied to exterior surfaces every three to five
years.
Termite shields on the foundation wall are an inexpensive deterrent,
and should be included in any home.
Are log homes energy efficient?
The thermal properties of wood make logs great insulators, and the
insulation value increases with log diameter and density. Graded logs,
kiln drying, pre-cutting, pre-drilling, profiled corner notches, log
adhesive, lag-bolt assembly and pre-manufactured window and door jambs
make Barna Log Homes substantially stronger and more energy-efficient
than any other type of log system on the market. |
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