Wooden houses are made for winter. Think about it: a nice, crackling fire in the fireplace. The snow falls gently outside. A twinkling Christmas tree in the corner. Everyone drinking hot chocolate and singing Christmas carols. It is an image that is deeply ingrained in the consciousness of many and for good reason.
But you don’t have to rent a ski cabin to get that feeling. You can find it in your very own log cabin, a beautiful and valuable piece of real estate that is perfect for anyone who wants that year-round serenity and calm.
Wooden houses are cared for a little more during the year. So, here’s what you need to know before you buy your own log cabin, so it’s ready once the weather turns cold.
Take local weather into account
Not everyone has extreme weather where they live. If your winters aren’t particularly harsh, then you can probably get away with minimal preparation and be fine. But if you live in an area that gets very humid or cold, you’ll need to be very careful not to damage the wood, something that’s all too easy to do without proper wood treatment.
Heat is another factor, so if you live in a very hot climate, make sure you take the same precautions every year. The sun can be just as damaging as humidity.
Don’t worry, even extreme weather can’t break down the strength and beauty of wood, as long as you take care of it. With proper intervention, a wooden house can be passed down from generation to generation.
Make sure the fireplace works
That roaring fire in the image above? That may be the reality of it, but you have to make sure your fireplace is in perfect condition. Any poorly maintained fireplace is, of course, a risk. But in a wooden house you have an additional threat if sparks ignite, so don’t skimp!
Make sure your house is zoned for a fireplace. Keep the chimney clean and sweep it every year before the cold months when it will be used the most. Put a good damper that can be opened and closed easily. That will allow you to open it up for use, but keep it closed when not in use so air doesn’t leak out. It also prevents critters like birds, bats, arachnids, insects and small mammals from roaming around inside and causing a big headache.
Be ready to stain and seal
A log cabin should be maintained every three to five years to keep the wood in good condition. It’s well worth the cost, as your home is an investment worth much more than what you spend on upkeep.
If you don’t maintain your home, the wood will crack, warp, and even rot. Replacing logs is expensive and difficult, usually requiring an experienced woodworking contractor to come and do it for you. Staining, on the other hand, is a DIY job that most people can complete on their own. It can cost you anywhere from $1,500 to $5,000 depending on the size of the home and extensions (like wooden garages), but for an expense every few years it’s relatively low.
The weatherstrip is your best friend
Even without gaps in the wood, leaks can occur in log cabins. Like any home, there are drafts around windows and doors, or in attics and foundations. This can be frustrating for homeowners who want to keep the cold out of their home, but worry about the high energy costs required to do so. Some resort to firewood to keep warm, but that is useless if it escapes through the cracks.
Weather stripping is inexpensive and easy to do yourself. You can seal the windows and doors to prevent air leaks and keep that warmth with your family. Most hardware stores have kits with full instructions, and YouTube has great instructional videos showing the process.
It even helps once summer rolls around, keeping that fresh air inside!
Extra insulation makes for a cozy cabin
If you don’t mind a heavier project that requires a little more time and expertise, you may want to consider adding some extra insulation to your home. Insulation helps prevent air from escaping like weather stripping does. It is especially useful in wooden houses due to the air currents that pass through the logs.
The attic is one particular area where additional insulation can completely change the way your home conserves energy. Warm air tends to move upward, so if you have a drafty attic space, even if it’s a small crawlspace, you can let a lot of it out. Adding a little insulation will keep it trapped inside the leakiest part of the house, which keeps it in the rooms where you and your family live.
Heavy curtains make a big difference
If insulation isn’t possible, or if you just want an extra tool to keep your house warm, heavyweight drapes may do the trick. Thick enough to block out light, these babies also keep heat from coming in through the window. The better the fabric, the better the warm air will stay where it needs to be, in your home.
You can use a lighter weight curtain if you are concerned about strengthening the rods enough to hold something heavier in place. Just be sure to add a layer or two to provide the highest possible barrier around your windows.
keep those bugs out
Finally, you have the creature problem. Insects, arachnids, small mammals like rats, mice, and even raccoons…these are all potential dangers to your log home. Termites can eat through wood and other creatures can scratch and gnaw on wood.
Be prepared to seal your home each winter and consider spraying for pests before the first snow falls. That will keep the problem at bay before it gets out of control.