Cants
Cants are produced from green logs that are brought into our mill by
local loggers. Their logs are stripped of their bark and then run through
saws to make them 4-sided timbers. The cants are then used to make dimensional
lumber, logs or siding.
Caulking
Sealant used to fill joints and spaces between logs. Caulk comes in tubes
or pails and is applied with a caulk gun in a narrow strip or ‘bead’ that
dries to a tough elastic coating. Usually applied in a color that matches
the wood so that it is not prominent when viewed from a distance.
Chinking
Filling used between rows of logs. Most often used in log systems where
rows of logs do not bear directly on the row below, but are separated
by a space of about 1 inch or more. Traditional chinking is mortar-based.
Modern synthetic chinking, manufactured to look like traditional chinking,
is similar to caulk but with greater density and durability.
Corner Configurations
The following are just a few of the common corner configurations used
on log structures:
1.) Dovetail Corners: These corners are used mainly with square or rectangular
logs. The end of each log is cut to produce a fan-shaped wedge. As the
logs are stacked the ends of one wall’s logs lock into the perpendicular
logs.
2.) Butt and pass corners: These corners are formed when one log stops
where it meets the intersecting log, and the other log extends past the
corner. There are dozens of variations, all involving the shape of the
area where the logs butt. In most, passing logs have a cutout, or mortise,
into which the butt log fits. If the end of the butting log is shaped
to match the mortise, the projection is called a tenon. The joint is referred
to as a mortise and tenon or V joint.
3.) Saddle-notch corners: These are also known as saddle cope or round
notch. They get their name form the saddle shaped notch cut into the bottom
of each round log. This notch on the bottom of the top log straddles the
top of the log coming from the perpendicular wall. Both logs then extend
past the corner. The opposing walls of a saddle-notch corner system, both
gable walls for example, start with a half log. This ensures that the
logs overlap one another at the corners rather than butt into each other.
The saddle-notch is one of the most traditional corner intersections and
is favored by many handcrafters.
Corner notch
A notch cut to interlock logs at a corner intersection. There are a number
of notch styles used in constructing log homes. The type of notch will
determine the appearance of the log corners.
Decay Resistance
The ability of wood to resist the effects of exposure to air, water and
the ultraviolet rays in sunlight. While wood species vary in their resistance,
none is completely decay-proof.
Drawknife
The tool consisting of a sharp blade set between two handles. Users pull
the blade toward their bodies along the log or timber’s surface to peel
bark or wood.
Fasteners
Hardware used to secure logs and timbers. Fasteners include spikes,
screws, wooden pegs and through-bolts.
Foam Gasket
Compressible foam material, usually water resistant, used between logs
and other building components to prevent air and water infiltration. Many
tongue and groove log systems use foam gaskets to seal the joint between
adjacent rows of logs.
Green Logs
Green logs are logs that are used within weeks and sometimes even days
of having been cut.
Green Wood
Technically, any wood above fiber saturation moisture content (28%) is
considered green, regardless of the time since it has been cut or milled.
In practice, many people think of green wood as wood that has been recently
cut from a living tree.
Hand-peeled
The process of removing the bark and outer layer (cambium) of a log.
Hand-peeling is usually done using a drawknife, although some companies
use machines to achieve a hand-peeled look.
Insulated log wall
A wall system consisting of half-logs applied to either side of a conventionally
framed or structural insulated panel core. While insulated log walls have
the appearance of solid log, they are not subject to settlement and can
have a substantially higher R-value.
Insulation
The materials or methods used to prevent the flow of heat from one area
to another. Log homes often use insulation made from fiberglass, loose
cellulose and several types of rigid foam in roofs and around doors and
windows. In solid log systems, the logs themselves provide the wall insulation.
Kiln Dried-logs
Kiln-Dried logs are forced dried in buildings
called kilns. This process is complex and exacting. By subjecting the
logs to a combination of controlled heat and humidity conditions it help
artificially dry out the logs ultimately reducing the effects of shrinking,
checking and warping of the logs when used later in construction.
Log Grading
Evaluation of logs according to a set of specific standards developed
to ensure safe and sound construction. In the log home industry, grading
is according to standards provided by the Log Home Council of the National
Association of Home Builders or a third party, private timber inspection
firm. It is important to note that grading standards refer to the structural
characteristics of logs and not their appearance. Characteristics such
as knots and checks usually have no effect on the log’s grade. Graded
logs are usually stamped or marked by the grader in a specific location
and delivered along with a certificate of inspection.
Log Package
The materials and services necessary to provide at least the log wall
system of a log home. Most log packages offered
by manufacturers are much more extensive, including materials necessary
for a weather tight or complete structural shell. Services include the
preparation of blueprints and materials lists. Construction services are
rarely included in log packages offered by manufacturers. Handcrafters
may include erection labor or supervision of log erection in their packages.
Log Profile
The cross-sectional shape of a log. Manufacturers mill logs to a variety
of profiles such as ‘D’, round , beveled or flat. Some manufacturers may
have their own unique profiles and names. The log profile—combined with
the sealants and fasteners used to secure the logs—forms the manufacturer’s
log system. Because a profile may be unique, it can be risky to use one
manufacturer’s profile and another’s sealant and fasteners.
Log Shell
Generally, the basic structure of a log home consisting of at least the
log walls. Log shell can also refer to the entire outer structure of a
log home consisting of sub-floor system, log wall system, second-story
floor system and roof system. To a log home provider, ‘log shell’ may
refer only to the components, or it may refer to the final structure once
the components are constructed. Because the term can have several meanings,
it is very important to have the log provider define the term.
Log Siding
Log siding is often milled from dimensional
lumber stock and may be used to cover dormers or garages. Also used to
give a log appearance inside or outside conventionally framed homes.
Milled logs
Milled is the term for logs that are milled or cut by a machine to a
uniform diameters as well as style. This is opposed to handcrafted logs
that are normally cut, shaped and fitted by hand. Milled
logs are the most common method of log home building today. Modern
milling equipment provides logs of uniform size in a wide variety of profiles.
These uniform logs shapes allow for very tight fitting logs and a variety
of finishing techniques.
Moisture Content
The amount of water contained within wood, usually expressed as the percentage
weight of water relative to the over-dry weight of the wood. Water contained
within the wood may be ‘free water’ found between wood cells or ‘bound
water’ found within the cell walls. Drying of wood does not result in
significant shrinkage until all free water has been removed. The point
at which no free water remains and shrinkage begins is known as the fiber
saturation point (FSP), which occurs at about 28 percent moisture content.
NELMA
North Eastern Lumber Manufacturer's Association
Pre-cut Logs
Logs that have been cut by the provider to fit into a specific location
in a log wall. Precut logs are numbered and accompanied by a diagram that
shows the location of each log in the wall.
Preservative
A chemical applied to logs or timbers to protect them from decay and
the effects of weathering. Preservatives may contain a mixture of chemicals
designed to protect against different threats such a mold, mildew or ultraviolet
light.
Profiles
Profiles are the various milled shapes of the logs when looking at a
cross-section of the log. For example a flat/round log is flat on three
sides and rounded on the fourth side. See our profile sheet for other
styles.
R-Value
A measure of a material’s resistance to the flow of heat. R-value is
a laboratory measurement based on the constant temperatures on both sides
of a material. However, it does not reflect the fluctuating conditions
that face the insulating materials in actual use, nor does it include
the effect of thermal mass on energy efficiency.
Merrimac Quality Log Homes
1104 Old Concord Road (Plant Location)
550 French Pond Rd (Mailing)
Henniker, NH 03242
Toll Free: 1-866-637-7462
Telephone: 603-746-3944
Fax: 1-603-746-3055
Email: logs@mlhnh.com
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