Early in the development of several civilizations, log structures were part of the human shelter system where forests provided the primary source of building material. As these civilizations evolved and grew, log preservation and maintenance became more of an issue and the need for permanent structures brought new consideration.
Ancient log construction, known to have started around 700 BCE in Eastern Europe, used certain techniques to make the logs last as long as possible. For example, special corner notches were made to shed water, organic coatings were made to block water and protect against fungal growth and other innovations such as large roof overhangs and stone foundations were used to protect the logs from insects and fungal 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.
Now we will focus on wood, the material that our dream homes are made of. Wood is a cellular substance that makes up the bulk portion of a tree. Its cell cavity is made up of alkaloids, oils, starches, gums, waxes and water. Wood is like a honeycomb composed of hollow, tubular cells that give it its amazing strength and allows it to hold onto water, oxygen and other nutrients. This honeycomb structure is also an insulation material.
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 you have an idea of how some tiny organism can destroy a huge log! With an understanding of wood's biological make up and the necessary preservatives, you can stop this process and prevent new infestations. Don't forget to get some advise from a local construction company or consult your representative on the wood treatment practices in your local area. Remember, if you live in an area of dry weather, it's a form of a preservative. Just keep in mind the cellular structure of your wood, its strengths and weaknesses, and you will be successful in maintaining and protecting your wood.
Ancient log construction, known to have started around 700 BCE in Eastern Europe, used certain techniques to make the logs last as long as possible. For example, special corner notches were made to shed water, organic coatings were made to block water and protect against fungal growth and other innovations such as large roof overhangs and stone foundations were used to protect the logs from insects and fungal 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.
Now we will focus on wood, the material that our dream homes are made of. Wood is a cellular substance that makes up the bulk portion of a tree. Its cell cavity is made up of alkaloids, oils, starches, gums, waxes and water. Wood is like a honeycomb composed of hollow, tubular cells that give it its amazing strength and allows it to hold onto water, oxygen and other nutrients. This honeycomb structure is also an insulation material.
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 you have an idea of how some tiny organism can destroy a huge log! With an understanding of wood's biological make up and the necessary preservatives, you can stop this process and prevent new infestations. Don't forget to get some advise from a local construction company or consult your representative on the wood treatment practices in your local area. Remember, if you live in an area of dry weather, it's a form of a preservative. Just keep in mind the cellular structure of your wood, its strengths and weaknesses, and you will be successful in maintaining and protecting your wood.
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