The preservation and need for permanent shelters became a necessity as the human civilization grew from ancient times. From very early on in the development of history, log homes and structures originated where forests and trees provided the primary source of building material. Today, we have log homes for our comfort and aesthetic enjoyment.
Log construction and preservation is known to have begun in ancient history around 700 BCE in Eastern Europe. During this time, several techniques were recorded that were used to make the wood last for extended periods of time with no decay. Some of these include, special gouges at the ends and corners to drain rain and water, organic applications that stunted fungal growth and waterproofed as well as stone foundations that protected the logs from insect decay.
From this short summary of ancient techniques to preserve wood, we can see how important it still is to us today with our modern methods of preservation. It is important to remember, before planning and building a log home, that there are special consideration with wood as opposed to brick or concrete. You should understand your wood on a microscopic and organic level in order to get the best out of its beauty and exquisite look.
If you own a log home or are planning to in the future, you should know about a few of the basic facts about wood in order to keep your log home fully protected and maintained, as well as avoid costly repairs. There are two factors that affect your wood's performance. First, your geographical location determines how your wood reacts to the climate. Dry weather preserves wood longer than humid weather. Second, you should understand biological agents harmful to wood specific in your region. Other details to consider are the local building codes and regulations and other successful local practices or unique situations.
Its time to zero in on what wood is made of so that we can be fully aware of and understand the material our dream homes are made of. First, you should know that wood is a cellular substance that makes up the bulk portion of the tree. Each cell cavity is composed of gums, waxes, alkaloids, water and starches that are held in honeycomb-like hollow structures. These cellular, tubular structures give wood its amazing strength and its capacity to hold onto water and other materials, acting as an insulator.
Wood decay form bugs is unavoidable once a tree has been cut from its nurturing roots. Of the many bugs that may cause its decay, termites are number one. Wood is their primary source of food and shelter. Termites as well as several other species of beetles, eat at the cell wall of the wood structure so that they can lay their eggs inside. They colonize the wood and emerge after the eggs hatch. To avoid bug infestation of your wood, you should make sure your wood has been fully treated by the lumber company you purchased it from. You can also treat the wood yourself by using a wood preservative, a chemical soil treatment or the placement of physical barriers such as metal or plastic shields in areas where termites are a problem.
Fungi and mold is the secondary cause of wood deterioration. These living organisms eat off the cellular nutrients of the wood, causing it to become variously discolored as a black, gray, white or blueish-green. The wood ends up becoming more porous attracting and holding water that promotes even more decay. Some wood has its own natural preservatives in the form of oils present in the wood (e.g., cypress, cedars, redwood). Before building your home or ordering wood from any lumber company, you should find out what preservatives have been used on the wood. EPA-registered wood preservatives are designed to make the wood unsuitable as a food source for molds and insects. These preservatives will kill any insects already present in the wood.
Now that you have an idea of what wood is made of, how it can be destroyed by tiny creatures, and the necessary treatments needed for wood, you are ready to start planning for your dream log home. Don't forget to consult your representative of the construction company you choose to make sure that your wood has been pretreated for insects and mold. Keeping in mind the makeup of your wood, its strengths and its weakness, you will be successful in maintaining and protecting your wood.
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