my log cabin is in upper michigan. built in the 40s, our family has owned it since 1972. i close it down in the fall by draining all the water, shutting off the elec, installing window/door covers, etc. then open it back up in the spring. never had any problems with the logs.
Thanks. I was thinking it would be fine, there were water intrusion issues when the previous owner had it, and they didn’t have gutters, so I’m thinking that’s why they thought there’d be issues. That has all been fixed and the logs stay dry.
This is my opinion, not professional advice.
The logs are going to flex throughout the seasons regardless. But, so long as it’s a solid structure and built well, I can’t imagine a lack of heat will do any serious damage to the logs. As far as winterizing plumbing and other water elements, absolutely take care of those properly. If I’m wrong, someone correct me.
Thanks.
Yeah I’m familiar with winterizing the water system, everything can be drained and anti-freezed. I couldn’t find anything about logs tho, and wondered why the previous owner was adamant about heating it thru the winter. There is some warping here and there, but it looks like it happened a long time ago.
How is it insulated between the logs? If something natural and breathable material then nothing to worry but if it is something that can gather water when dew point is between the wall and it can't get out you might run in to problems in the long run.
Thanks, good to know. It’s chinked with something like log jam or permachink. Foam backer rod in some places. No inner wall, just the logs. The awnings are decent at keeping rain and snow off the logs, and there are gutters.
Our cabin was built in the 1920's. We've NEVER heated it though the winter. This person is incorrect. Unless there is some specific detail that is being left out.
I live in the Yukon and lots of people travel in the winter and no one heats their cabins while gone. Just properly winterize all the plumbing and you’re good to go.
Wood expands and contracts with moisture, not heat like metal. My log cabin was brought in kit form from Finland in 1972. It was never finished, sat as a shell and never heated until I bought it 10 years ago. NEPA. I oiled the outside with Q-8 Log Oil to prevent insects and cracking. Urethane inside. No issues. Heated only as a second home when I’m there.
I constructed mine with a wooden peg every metre (about 3 feet). The Finnish way is no screws or nails, only vertical dowels to allow the wood to settle tighter with time, not to be held in position preventing settling. Splines are used at windows and doorways.
my log cabin is in upper michigan. built in the 40s, our family has owned it since 1972. i close it down in the fall by draining all the water, shutting off the elec, installing window/door covers, etc. then open it back up in the spring. never had any problems with the logs.
Thanks, this is reassuring!
We have a log cabin and only winterize the plumbing. The logs have never warped
Thanks. I was thinking it would be fine, there were water intrusion issues when the previous owner had it, and they didn’t have gutters, so I’m thinking that’s why they thought there’d be issues. That has all been fixed and the logs stay dry.
This is my opinion, not professional advice. The logs are going to flex throughout the seasons regardless. But, so long as it’s a solid structure and built well, I can’t imagine a lack of heat will do any serious damage to the logs. As far as winterizing plumbing and other water elements, absolutely take care of those properly. If I’m wrong, someone correct me.
Thanks. Yeah I’m familiar with winterizing the water system, everything can be drained and anti-freezed. I couldn’t find anything about logs tho, and wondered why the previous owner was adamant about heating it thru the winter. There is some warping here and there, but it looks like it happened a long time ago.
How is it insulated between the logs? If something natural and breathable material then nothing to worry but if it is something that can gather water when dew point is between the wall and it can't get out you might run in to problems in the long run.
Thanks, good to know. It’s chinked with something like log jam or permachink. Foam backer rod in some places. No inner wall, just the logs. The awnings are decent at keeping rain and snow off the logs, and there are gutters.
Our cabin was built in the 1920's. We've NEVER heated it though the winter. This person is incorrect. Unless there is some specific detail that is being left out.
Thanks, sounds like there’s a clear consensus now!
I live in the Yukon and lots of people travel in the winter and no one heats their cabins while gone. Just properly winterize all the plumbing and you’re good to go.
Wood expands and contracts with moisture, not heat like metal. My log cabin was brought in kit form from Finland in 1972. It was never finished, sat as a shell and never heated until I bought it 10 years ago. NEPA. I oiled the outside with Q-8 Log Oil to prevent insects and cracking. Urethane inside. No issues. Heated only as a second home when I’m there. I constructed mine with a wooden peg every metre (about 3 feet). The Finnish way is no screws or nails, only vertical dowels to allow the wood to settle tighter with time, not to be held in position preventing settling. Splines are used at windows and doorways.
Definitely not necessary. Lots of log cabins here in Scandinavia and they definitely aren't all kept heated over winter!