| There are a number of common myths regarding | | | | construction, making them virtually free of |
| log homes that unfairly affect perceptions of | | | | the problems of the past. However, some |
| people who might otherwise enjoy the log home | | | | settling is still possible, and most log home |
| life. Many of these myths have gotten an | | | | builders use special techniques to |
| honest start sometime in the past but are no | | | | compensate.Myth #7: Log homes are fireproof. |
| longer true.Myth #1: Log homes are dark and | | | | The truth: This is not quite true but solid |
| gloomy. The truth: In Abraham Lincoln's day, | | | | log walls do withstand fire much better than |
| yes. Today, no. Log homes today tend to have | | | | conventional framed walls. This fact probably |
| large expansive windows, skylights, | | | | doesn't matter much, however, if the only |
| well-designed lighting systems, and optional | | | | thing standing after a major fire are the |
| light-colored interior walls.Myth #2: Log | | | | charred walls.Myth #8: Log homes are stronger |
| homes are cold and drafty. The truth: This is | | | | than conventional homes. The truth: This is |
| another perception that comes from many years | | | | almost completely true, because it's actually |
| ago. Today's log homes are professionally | | | | the massive log walls that provide strength. |
| engineered and built to be energy efficient | | | | Even though other parts of a log home may not |
| and draft-free.Myth #3: Log homes require a | | | | be as strong as the walls, the walls tend to |
| lot of maintenance. The truth: This is | | | | hold everything together in times of storms |
| partially true but log homes typically | | | | or earthquakes.Myth #9: It's difficult to |
| require no more maintenace than any other | | | | find log home builders. The truth: Not true |
| type of wood-sided and wood-framed home. | | | | at all, especially in areas where log homes |
| Maintenance usually means periodic cleaning | | | | are common. Many builders specialize in log |
| and application of protectant stains.Myth #4: | | | | homes or have log home experience. When a log |
| Log homes cost more to build. The truth: Log | | | | home builder is not available, conventional |
| homes are typically custom-built homes, not | | | | builders can learn from seminars and |
| mass produced conventional spec homes -- and | | | | construction manuals provided by log home |
| therefore cost more, but generally no more | | | | companies.Myth #10: Log homes are only for |
| than other type of custom home. Handcrafted | | | | eccentrics/retirees/vacation lovers |
| homes can cost more.Myth #5: Log homes are | | | | empty-nesters. The truth: Modern log homes |
| hard to finance. The truth: Some banks don't | | | | have grown up and are no more simply small |
| like to finance log homes because they are | | | | vacation cabins. They are full-time |
| unfamiliar with log home construction. | | | | residences for families with children, often |
| However, there is no shortage of other local | | | | in conventional neighborhoods, with all the |
| banks and national lending companies who are | | | | conveniences and luxuries of any other type |
| comfortable with log homes and are eager to | | | | of home.Al Hearn is owner and operator of Log |
| loan money, especially in areas where log | | | | Home Advisor ( where log home enthusiasts can |
| homes are common.Myth #6: Log home walls | | | | find helpful log home articles, information, |
| settle and cause problems. The truth: Again, | | | | expert advice, planning tools, cost |
| this is mostly old information. Modern logs | | | | estimators, and affordability calculators. |
| are thoroughly dried before used for | | | | |