Wooden houses are made for winter. Think about it: a nice crackling fire in the fireplace. Snow gently falling outside. A sparkling 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 own log cabin, a beautiful and valuable property that is perfect for anyone who wants that serenity and calm all year round.
Wooden houses are cared for a little more throughout the year. So here’s what you need to know before buying your own log cabin, so it’s ready once the weather turns cold.
Consider the local climate
Not everyone has an extreme climate where they live. If your winters aren’t especially harsh, you can probably get away with minimal preparation and be fine. But if you live in a very humid or cold area, you will have to take special care not to damage the wood, something that is very easy to do without proper treatment of the wood.
Heat is another factor, so if you live in a very hot climate, be sure to take the same precautions every year. The sun can be just as damaging as humidity.
Don’t worry, even extreme weather cannot destroy the strength and beauty of wood, as long as you take good 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 picture above? That may be your reality, but you must make sure that your fireplace is in perfect condition. Any poorly maintained fireplace is, of course, a risk. But in a log house you have an additional threat if the sparks ignite, so don’t skimp!
Make sure your home is zoned for a fireplace. Keep your fireplace clean and clean it every year before the cold months when you will be using it the most. Put in a good damper that can be opened and closed easily. That will allow you to open it for use, but keep it closed when not in use so no air escapes. It also prevents creatures like birds, bats, arachnids, insects, and small mammals from roaming around inside and causing a major headache.
Be ready to stain and seal
A log cabin should be renovated every three to five years to keep the wood in good condition. It is worth the cost, as your home is an investment that is worth much more than what you invest in maintenance.
Failure to restore your home will lead to wood cracks, warping, and even rot. Replacing logs is expensive and difficult, usually requiring an experienced carpentry 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 between $ 1,500 and $ 5,000 depending on the size of the house and any extensions (like wooden garages), but for an expense every few years it is relatively low.
The weatherstrip is your best friend
Even without holes in the wood, leaks can occur in log cabins. Like any home, there are drafts around windows and doors, or in attics and basements. This can be frustrating for homeowners who want to keep the cold out of their home but are concerned about the high energy costs required to do so. Some turn to firewood to keep warm, but that does nothing if it escapes through the cracks.
Weatherstripping 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 complete instruction kits, and YouTube has great information videos showing the process.
It even helps once summer rolls around, keeping the air fresh indoors!
The extra insulation makes for a cozy country house
If you don’t mind a heavier project that requires a little more time and experience, you may want to consider adding a little extra insulation to your home. Insulation helps prevent air from escaping like weatherstripping does. It is especially useful in wooden houses due to the air currents that go through the logs.
The attic is a particular area where additional insulation can completely change the way your home conserves energy. Hot air tends to move upward, so if you have a drafty attic, even if it’s a small crawl space, you can let a lot out. Adding a little insulation will keep you trapped inside the most leaky part of the house, keeping you 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 added tool to keep your home warm, heavy curtains may be the solution. Thick enough to block light, these babies also prevent heat from entering through the window. The heavier the fabric, the better the warm air stays where it needs to be, in your home.
You can use a lighter curtain if you are concerned about reinforcing the rods enough to keep something heavier in place. Just be sure to add a layer or two to give the highest possible barrier around your windows.
Keep those critters away
Finally, you have the creature problem. Insects, arachnids, small mammals like rats, mice, and even raccoons … all of these are potential dangers to your wooden home. Termites can break through wood and other creatures can scratch and gnaw through 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.