Log house: positive and negative sides. Cons of houses made of logs

During the debate that flared up after the publication of the article "Ours in America", a reader who wished to tell about his personal experience. Vyacheslav has been living with his family in a house made of a solid log for four years now. And according to him, if he knew all the "nuances" at the time of choosing the material, he would build a house of brick or blocks. Below in the text - his personal "Top reasons why you should not build a house from a log house." To maintain authenticity, we left the text almost unchanged, making only light stylistic changes.

Why did we want a wooden house?

1. Once we saw with our own eyes a log house - we immediately liked it, it looked very beautiful, we wanted the same one for ourselves.

2. For practical reasons: initially it was assumed that we would come on weekends, heat a solid fuel boiler and quickly warm up the house (the concept changed during the construction process).

3. Environmental friendliness: I wanted the house to breathe easily, smell like a pine forest. In general, I liked the traditional concept of living in a private house: wooden frame, grass near the house, forest nearby, etc.

summer house

Start of construction

back view

Here we managed to learn a little from the mistakes of others. My friend, in order to save money, bought the wood himself. As a result, a timber truck came to him, the cutters selected suitable logs, half of the timber truck went back ... As a result, 120 cubic meters of timber turned into 200. I worked with contractors who sorted the wood at their base, and they brought to the site only what which really went to work.

view from the yard

Initially, I did not worry about the construction process, as I trusted the contractors. In the course of the work, they nevertheless “screwed up” in places, but not much (more on that below). The logs were laid on the moss. Chopped and hewn - by hand. After they made a “box” with a roof, the house stood for a year.

from the entrance

Of the interesting things in the construction process, I can note the discrepancy between the actual dimensions of the rooms and their visual perception until the moment the ceilings are covered. I personally measured a 19-meter kitchen with a tape measure, because visually it seemed that there were 7-8 meters. And so - with all the rooms.

Finishing

The most interesting thing began at this stage. Firstly, the whole house needs to be sanded from two sides. This work is dreary and not cheap - you can look for prices for work on the Internet, four years ago it cost us a pretty penny (375 sq. M. At $ 5 per 1 sq. M.). Moreover, when estimating the area of work, the bend of the log is added to the formula "height for length" - the area increases.

top plinth - curved fit

Then - impregnation ($ 0.7 per 1 sq.m.). Then - painting in one layer. Then - in the second (both - $ 1 per 1 sq.m.). Moreover, in order for the materials to lay down with high quality, paint the house by hand(which stretches the process in time). After all these procedures, the question of a "breathing house" and "the smell of pine" was removed by itself.
We did not make a basement, so our foundation is simple: PGS pillow, insulation, concrete. The builders pouring the floor did not cut the lower logs to the end in doorways. As a result, a year later, in these places, the floor tiles (ceramic granite) were “torn”. I had to remove the entire damaged tile, cut out the logs, fill the floor with a new one. It turned out to be easier than somehow cutting out the laid tiles - not every tile cutter takes porcelain stoneware.

a crack in the tile remained in the doorway

To the "pleasant" moments of finishing is added regular finishing off the moss stolen by birds, and sealing joints with sealant. This work is long, costly and dreary. Fortunately, there is a sealant manufacturer in Belarus that offers products at reasonable prices. If I had missed the import, I would have gone bankrupt to hell.

Laying communications in a log house also becomes a problem. Embedding a socket into a round log is another task (and the “tariff” is appropriate). You can't hide pipes inside. Attaching a plinth to an uneven log is also not an easy task, you will have to “think” and work with your hands.

plinth - plank + mastic

Due to the long shrinkage of the house, doors and windows were inserted into the frame of the boards. If you try to bet on a "live log" - the risks of getting "sloppy" increase significantly. Like risk of damage to the door or window. But even this “trick” did not help us personally: for 4 years of operation, the doors were adjusted twice. And some windows still "siphon".

House operation

kitchen box (on the left against the wall)

The house is constantly "breathing". When the heating is on, when it's not, everything moves. To hang the kitchen, it was necessary to build a metal frame, sheathe it with drywall, and only attach the kitchen to it. No other way. So loved by our citizens sliding wardrobes it is absolutely impossible to establish - there is nothing to "attach" to, and the wall and ceiling live their own lives. The ladder, which was “tied” to the wall, ended up warped, the railing was torn out.

instead of wardrobe...

Any decorative boxes that cover communications turn into a work of art - they need to be somehow combine with log wall , and this process turns into a jewelry fit with a construction cutter in hand.

The joints smeared with sealant were greased twice in 4 years. Does not matter - cracks appear. The wooden floor on the 2nd floor also dries out, there are also cracks, and this is inevitable.

crack between logs

By autumn mice enter the house, in the gap between the lower log and the foundation. It is not yet possible to block this road for them, since the interface line is very uneven. And if on the main "animal paths" this phenomenon can be "nullified" with the help of poison and mousetraps, then when mice frolic between logs without coming "to visit" - nothing can be done with them. Damn it.

Also between logs every year wasps make their nests. The issue is resolved with the help of Dichlorvos. But it still has to be decided.

In autumn and early winter on the second floor - the kingdom of flies. First flies get in the cracks for the winter. Then the house becomes warm - and they climb inside. Against this brethren, we have not yet come up with any other means than a vacuum cleaner.

And also we - best friends sellers of Tikkurila paint. There need to tint, here you need to tint: steps, joints, terrace. They did not keep accurate records of production, but a lot of buckets of paint were bought over 4 years.

In spring, when pine blossoms (and then also birch), the whole the house is covered yellow pollen. And - a thick layer. On a flat vertical wall, it would simply not accumulate so much. This issue is solved by washing the walls with a jet from Karcher. But again, it needs to be addressed.

Bath

Inside the house dust accumulates on the bend of the logs. There are no universal means here - dust can only be removed manually, in the old fashioned way.

Sometimes spontaneous, inexplicable bursts of life happen inside the house - some bugs, midges, insects appear, but I have not installed any system here yet.

In the bath, near the bed for guests, some perky creature lives in a log, crunching on a log all night. It is not possible to find and kill her.

And finally - about the famous "winter" forest. My house was cut down from February. Bath - from the August. Haven't noticed a difference yet.

Issue price

Given all of the above, such housing cannot be called cheap. House with a total area of 240 sq. m. (with a small attic floor) cost me $ 40,000 only at the first stage: foundation, box and roof. Then the project expanded, we also built a utility building, a bathhouse from the same "round timber", ennobled the territory, the street next to the house. All this (together with materials, finishes, windows, doors and a geothermal boiler) cost us $ 180,000 in total.

shrinkage to the roof

Conclusion: What we got for these torments is very beautiful house. And some indescribable pleasure from the feeling of a thick, uneven log, its rough appearance, rich texture ... Friends who began to build across the site from mine listened to approximately the same text, my complaints and advice to build from blocks. And in the end ... they also cut down the log house. Here, of course, everyone decides for himself. But I gave you fair warning.

Interviewed by: Dmitry Malakhov

Today, great importance is attached to the environment and healthy lifestyle life. And houses are no exception. Potential property owners are making more and more demands on building materials. Every person dreams of an eco-friendly, beautiful and cozy home where you can live comfortably. But what material to choose for construction? If you dream of a beautiful wooden house, your choice is obvious. A house made of logs is a living embodiment of your dream.

A house made of logs looks like a building from a fairy tale, but do not forget that this material has its drawbacks: twisting, cracking, high humidity during the first years of operation.

But in order to be sure of the correctness decision, you should carefully study the materials of this article. It describes in detail the pros and cons of a house made of logs.

Many people disagree: some argue that log houses are a pointless investment, while others, on the contrary, speak positively in the direction of their durability. In order to draw the right conclusions, one should have an idea of what a rounded system is and its features.

A distinctive feature of rounded logs is the same diameter of processed logs.

A rounded log is an ordinary log processed using a special mechanism. Its distinguishing feature is the ideal diameter along the entire length.

Compared to similar wooden log houses, the construction of a log house does not require professional building skills. The assembly technology of this house is quite simple. The logs, due to their uniform diameter, fit perfectly, creating a solid and reliable structure.

So, let's look at the pros and cons in more detail.

Positive qualities of rounded logs

fast erection;
perfectly even diameter;
presentable appearance;
average cost.

Thanks to the mechanical processing of products, the fastest possible assembly of the structure is achieved.

The diameter of the logs plays an important role during the construction phase.

Special technological cuts are made in rounded logs for perfect joining of logs during laying.

You won't need to match elements if they all have the same volume across. If we talk about the aesthetic side of the issue, a house made of logs looks great.

Beautiful even products are folded into perfect design. The rounded log is not as expensive as many people imagine. And thanks to its easy assembly, you can save on builders by doing this work on your own.

But everyone, even the most ideal material has its downsides.

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Negative qualities of rounded logs

damage to the wood layer;
twisting and unwinding;
deflection;
the appearance of cracks on a separate element;
small diameter;
high humidity in the first few years after construction;
application of innovative technologies;
fire hazard.

One of the disadvantages of the material is twisting and cracking, which lead to heat loss and an increase in humidity.

When the logs are processed, the conveyor method is applied. And yet this is not manual processing, where each log is given Special attention. There is a mechanical effect on the most dense layer of wood, and the internal balance of the surface is disturbed. Over time, logs can be destroyed.

When a tree is in its natural environment, it is affected by many factors. For example, wind, rain, blizzard, etc. Thanks to this, the tree, as it were, "twisted", forming a spiral. And when it is cut down, the reverse process occurs.

It starts to unfold reverse side. If the tree was worked manually with an ax, the dense layer, the crust, remains intact and the unwinding process does not start. And if the log was mechanically affected and this layer was damaged, that is, they made rounding, started the process of unwinding. And he goes much faster. After all, nothing will stop him. As a result, you can get a lot of damaged logs, which are replete not only with cracks in the most different sizes but may even break.

When a specialist manually processes a log, he carefully examines the structure of the wood. The conveyor is a machine. And, of course, she does not have such skills. Consequently, crooked trunks are also processed. As a result, during the assembly of a house from round logs, curved logs do not fit well with normal straight logs and stick out of the walls. This violates the integrity of the building, badly affecting both its thermal insulation and appearance.

When even slight cracks appear in the logs, the level of thermal insulation is violated.

On the logs, atmospheric precipitation is more strongly reflected, and as a result, the appearance of the house deteriorates.

Due to high humidity, special processing, mold and rot can form on the logs.

When living in cold climates, be sure to consider the diameter of the logs. It is best to use logs with a diameter of more than 30 cm. But for rounded logs this is a whole problem. Logs of such parameters are very difficult to pick up.

Be sure to take into account the fact that in the first few years after the construction in the house of rounded logs, there will be increased humidity. Not all manufacturers dry the material before processing. This is a very costly undertaking. And the drying process takes place already in the finished object, which can explain the excessive moisture. It also occurs due to damage to the protective layer during processing. If the logs are processed by hand, drying is usually not so noticeable.

In order to prevent untwisting and bending of the trunks, metal rods are driven into them. Within five years, they should be checked and, if necessary, tightened.

Due to the fact that the tree itself ignites easily, and even soaked with various kinds of compounds, it will even flare up in seconds. If you plan to build such a house, the installation of all electrical connections trust the professionals.

The popularity of rounded logs in domestic housing construction is due to the fact that it allows you to assemble a classic Russian log house, which our ancestors built using chopped logs. New technologies have made their own adjustments to the preparation and characteristics of the log, making the construction process more technologically advanced and faster, and the erected house more elegant, with even crowns and no gaps.

Let us consider in detail the properties and specifications rounded logs, what it is, what types and types there are, dimensions, parameters, pros and cons, how they are made and used in private construction.

What is round log

rounded log- this is milled lumber, which is a fragment of the trunk, cleared of the upper, loosest layer of wood. Mechanical restoration(milling) provides the same diameter of the log along the entire length, which in turn increases the strength and stability of the geometry of the finished structure.

Production of rounded logs

The unique properties of rounded logs are acquired in the process of its production, which consists of the following steps:

sorting of feedstock (saw logs) by diameter;

processing in a rounding machine. After the milling stage, the log will be removed upper layer, and only the core part will remain, which is the most durable and shrinks the least. Also, during processing, the difference in the diameters of the log at the bottom and at the top will be minimized. According to the standard, it cannot exceed 4 mm.;

log sorting. Allows you to sort the workpieces according to the given sizes;

drying: natural or forced;

formation of a compensation cut. Note that not all logs have a cut, and it is done more often by order of the buyer;

open. A log goes on sale having standard length. But, many homeowners prefer not to mess with the length adjustment of logs, but order a house kit for the house.
Domokomplekt from the rounded log is a ready set for assembly of the house. It resembles a constructor that contains a set of parts (logs) prepared in length in accordance with the provided project of the house, with the corresponding marking of each element. A significant advantage of using a house kit is the presence of seats (bowls), which make the joining of logs fast and tight;

cupping - provides for cutting seats (bowls) necessary for laying log crowns. Like a profiled beam, two types of seats are cut out in a rounded log:

Cross bowls; The material was prepared for the site www.site

Diagonal bowls;

Longitudinal slots. The curvature of the grooves is somewhat different from the curvature of the log. This is necessary in order to lay at the junction of the logs thermal insulation material. If the dimensions of the grooves coincide, then there is a high probability that after shrinkage the log will touch the bottom only by the central point, and not by the entire surface of the groove. This will lead to the fact that the junction of the logs will have to be caulked;

facing. End processing;

antiseptic treatment. It is carried out over the entire area of the log, including longitudinal grooves and bowls. Allows to provide biological inertness to a log and to keep its properties during storage, transportation and installation. Only antiseptics are used for water based. Such a solution does not clog the micropores of the wood, and it continues to dry out;

transportation to the construction site. Often this function is taken over by manufacturers, since they can ensure the unloading and proper storage of logs at the facility. After all, a log house is built from 4 to 6 months, depending on its size and the complexity of the project. During this period, it is necessary to organize proper storage material;

storage;
package.

Rounded log - GOST, norms and standards

Please note that one normative document, regulating the production and characteristics of rounded logs, does not exist. Not in Russia, not anywhere else.

Self-respecting manufacturers develop their own standards - STP (STO) - the standard of the enterprise (organization), which contains all the information about the dimensions and deviations, quality and storage conditions of the material.

However, there are a number state standards(GOST), which regulate certain aspects production and storage of round logs:

And a number of international standards (ISO) and European standards(EN):

Characteristics of round logs according to GOST 9463-88

Types of round logs

All types of logs can be classified as follows:

Classification sign	Detailing
Processing type	- chopped log. In this case, the cylindrical shape is given to the log using a hand planer. They also cut bowls. This type of log is suitable for those who love the natural style of a Russian hut - a log house; - rounded log. Processing is carried out on a rounding machine, due to which the ideal geometry and accuracy of the seats (grooves and bowls) are achieved.
Type of drying	- log natural humidity . The vast majority of products on the domestic market belong to this type. This is due to the fact that it is quite difficult to ensure uniform drying of the original log, and the cost of the product increases; - thermal log or dried log. Today, manufacturers are mastering the production of an improved product - logs with a given moisture content (18-20%). What it is and the main properties are described below.
Profile view (groove)	- lunar; - Finnish.
wood species (in descending order of popularity and increasing cost)	- pine: Karelian and Arkhangelsk; - spruce; - cedar; - larch; - hardwoods.
Groove location	- longitudinal - along the log strictly in the center; - diagonal - used to create non-standard forms, for example, bay windows; - transverse - landing bowl.
Dimensions	- diameter: 160-320 mm; - working height: 139-272 mm. (depending on the diameter of the log); - length: 1 ... 6 r.p.;

Thermal log characteristics

thermal log- This is lumber made from thermally modified logs. New technology implies heat treatment wood - high-temperature drying of logs in an airless environment.

Features, properties, pros and cons of thermal logs:

drying at a temperature of 125-190 °C. The choice of temperature depends on the density of the wood;

complete absence of resin. At the same time, coniferous wood retains its aroma;

change at the level of cellular structure. Drying allows you to get a log with a given moisture content, which eliminates the appearance of blue on the surface of the log. In this case, no chemicals are used;

color correction. Due to the effect of heat, by varying the exposure time and temperature, the manufacturer has the opportunity to give the wood noble dark shades. In this case, the color change is not end-to-end, i.e. does not affect the entire log, but deep enough (1-2 cm), which eliminates the appearance of light scratches on the surface of the wall;

decrease in thermal conductivity. After heat treatment, wood loses its ability to transmit heat by 0-30%;

increase in surface strength, which increases the resistance of the log to cracking;

reduction of hygroscopicity due to the modification of its capillary structure;
absence of torsion defects;
resistance to biological activity;
ecological cleanliness;
increase in durability.

Of the shortcomings - the high cost.

Profile view (groove) of round logs

The profile or longitudinal groove is selected along the entire length of the rounded log and is designed to provide a tighter fit of the logs along the length during installation.

moon groove

The lunar profile is a semicircular longitudinal cut. It became more widespread due to the simplicity of the device.

Characteristics of a round log with a lunar profile

Finnish groove

It has a more complex tongue-and-groove mounting system. He has the so-called shoulder straps - cuts that increase thermal insulation properties connection points. The Finnish groove allows you to minimize the damage from the appearance of cracks. At the same time, the use of the Finnish groove allows you to abandon the procedure for caulking walls from a log.

Characteristics of a rounded log with a Finnish profile

Marking, diameter, working height, groove width, volume m.cub.

Note. According to the thermal calculation, a log with a Finnish profile with a diameter of 220 mm. in terms of thermal insulation, it is equivalent to a log with a lunar profile with a diameter of 280 mm.

wood species

Pine has become the most widespread in construction due to the optimal ratio of price and quality. Distinctive features pine rounding in a beautiful structure, strength, relatively low thermal conductivity, resistance to external influence and affordable price. Arkhangelsk pine is distinguished by the fact that it practically does not crack.

As for the cedar, its distribution is hindered by a high price.

The same judgment is true for larch. Which is the most suitable raw material for the production of logs. Larch is resistant to temperature extremes, moisture, has a high density and strength. However, the cost of a rounded larch log is twice the price of a similar pine log. Such characteristics of larch logs have led to the fact that it is used as the main one in the formation lower crown log house.

rounded log dimensions

During the harvesting process, the log is sorted before being processed. A trunk with the correct parameters allows you to get lumber with the specified dimensions at the output.

Standard log dimensions:

diameter (section) of rounded log. This parameter is of the greatest importance, since it directly determines the thermal conductivity and reliability of the walls.

The diameter of the log varies between 160-320 mm. The most popular in private construction is a rounded log with a diameter of 240 mm.

AT recent times there is a trend of constant decrease in orders for chopped houses. In order to somehow preserve the segment, unscrupulous competitors created myths and negative feedback about round logs to compromise this type of building material.

Our opinion is unchanged: any material has the right to exist, it is advisable to choose what corresponds to the desires and possibilities. You should also responsibly approach the choice of a developer company, because the main characteristics of your future house made of logs depend on them.

For you, we tried to dispel the following 5 myths:

Reviews of rounded log houses, see

Weakness #1: Sapwood is a protective layer of wood

Adherents manual felling they say that the disadvantages and disadvantages of rounded logs are already visible in production, during which sapwood is removed - the most important protective layer.

In fact, the sapwood is the younger layers of the tree, the bast and bark are adjacent to them. Let's figure out what this "most durable and most important layer" is. According to Wikipedia, the most important primary source of knowledge of our time, Sapwood is lighter in color than the inside of the log and has less mechanical strength. In her more water, since water is transported to the crown through it, it is less resistant to attacks by fungi and insects.

#BXSTYLE_0#

The same opinion is shared by the authors of the Great Soviet Encyclopedia, which also states that the sapwood is less dense, due to the role of the transport node of water to the crown. In construction, it is believed that this part will deteriorate and wear out faster due to fungal decay or mechanical stress. pine sapwood summer period becomes blue-black or green, the same color penetrates to the beginning of the core. This phenomenon occurs due to the influence of coloring fungi. These fungi do not spoil absolutely anything in the tree, except for the appearance, but they feed on substances that are present in the sapwood.

How, then, is it possible for a less stable layer of wood to protect a more durable one?

And now let's go from the opposite. The most interesting thing is that the adherents of this myth about the lack say that this is precisely the most durable layer. Then the timber (profiled and glued), as well as a number of other building materials, are no good at all. In this case, it turns out that all the coverings must be made of logs: boxes for doors and windows, crates and rafters, and most importantly, work with an ax.

By logical arguments, it can be said that for a rounded log, the removal of sapwood is not a disadvantage. Conversely, removing young layers reduces the risk of decay.

And in order to finally refute the disadvantages of rounded logs regarding production, imagine that you are the owner of such a production. You have purchased raw materials with a diameter of 220 to 330 mm, about 2500 cubic meters. Fans of manual cutting say that when removing sapwood, 30 or even 40% of the log diameter is removed. Then it turns out that at the output we get the OCB with a diameter of 200 - 240 mm, and in the cubic capacity we get 1500 cubic meters. The cost of such production of one cubic meter will be 10,000 rubles. As a result, it turns out that production is unprofitable, because. the average selling price of a rounded log per cubic meter is 7,000-7,500 rubles, and no one will work at a loss, this is obvious. Traditional processing from 2500 cub.m. produces 2300 cubic meters. processed material. Due to the fact that the timber is sorted by diameter, only 1-3 cm is removed.

"Flaw" #2: It's cold in CBM houses!

This option is possible if a central heating unit with a diameter of 180 mm is used, the area of the house is 250 m2, and the house itself is heated by one oil heater.

In the process of designing a house for all-season use, you need to consider some parameters:

The diameter of a log for residential buildings should be from 240 to 320 mm, it simply does not make sense to take more.
The cubic capacity of the house should be taken into account: the more air, the more difficult it is to retain heat.
The ceilings of the first floor and the roof must be insulated, they account for 17 to 23% of the heat loss of the house.

Such wall material, like a rounded log, the reviews are quite positive. This building material is characterized by good thermal insulation and attractive appearance.

The quality of the material depends on the equipment where it was processed, on the place of growth (for OCB, the more north, the better), and it all depends on the specialists involved in the production.

A very important point is correct installation wall kit, you need to correctly install the dowels, lay the interventional seal or insulation. All work must be carried out by qualified specialists: from the device roofing cake before calculating the shrinkage and caulking of the walls. It is also important to use in the construction of log houses only quality materials and related tools.

"Disadvantage" No. 3: The rounded log cracks and bursts

Naturally, any natural material of natural moisture is really subject to shrinkage and shrinkage. And that's okay - it's not plastic. But as the owners of the log house say, reviews and complaints that excessive cracks appear without human intervention are fictitious. Luckily there are crack sealants available. wooden walls, by the way, they were invented even earlier than the rounded log. To avoid the appearance of unnecessary cracks you need:

after the log house, treat the ends with PVA glue or lime, this contributes to a uniform release of moisture from the material, which means that the internal stress in the log will significantly decrease;
is not worth a log that has high humidity, cover with paintwork materials, which forms a film on the surface of the material;
improperly turned on heating, this is the main reason for the significant cracking of the log and the formation negative feedback. After completion of construction, you must receive detailed instructions about how to properly commission a house and follow it.

"Disadvantage" No. 4: The cost of a house from the central bank is higher than the cost of a log house

A log house is good, the appearance can be as beautiful as a log house.

At the same time, the cost of a log house is 25% more expensive than the cost of the same house from the central bank.

If the cost is the same, then you may be lucky, but if it is lower, then you risk getting a house in which it will be embarrassing to receive guests, and you will be uncomfortable and cold there.

If you do not believe the words, then you will not go against the numbers:

In the production of OCB, cutting cups at the factory is free, in any case, any self-respecting factory will not indicate this as a separate item in the price list. So, for cutting one bowl manually, you will need to pay from 200 to 500 rubles, and the "Canadian" will cost up to 1,750 rubles for 1 pc. There are about 700 to 3000 of them in the house, it all depends on the number of cuts and the height of the house. It turns out that the bowls will cost from 150 thousand to a million rubles, if not more. It takes up to half an hour for one bowl: the machine cuts one bowl in 10 seconds, but it is impossible to cut one high-quality bowl in less than 20 minutes, and this is a big minus in terms of assembly time.
Cutting a groove takes even longer, and even masters can make mistakes. Only you are not destined to find out about this, the groove is inside. It is less likely that the machine will make a mistake, and you can check the grooves when unloading. In production, running a log into a groove takes 2 minutes, and cutting a groove takes about 30 minutes, without any additional measurements and fittings, which are impossible to do without.
A log house needs a more serious caulk than a house from the OCB. The average price of a caulk on both sides is plus or minus 100 rubles per linear meter. (50-60 rubles per linear meter / 1 side) In an 8x8 house, there are approximately 1000 meters of groove, you will have to pay 100,000 rubles only for the caulk, which will need to be produced 2 times.

We come to the conclusion that in 2-3 days a house from the Central Bank can be cut on a machine, and the team will do the same work for several months.

The cost of an OCB house compared to the cost of hand-cutting:

Manual cutting costs about 9,500 rubles per cubic meter with a diameter of 240-280 mm. For an 8x8 house, you will need 75 cubic meters of raw materials, in total you will spend 712,500 rubles, plus lumber costs approximately 85,000, delivery and assembly for roofing material will cost 420,000, other materials for assembly cost 50,000 in total. In general, a solid house without jambs will cost a minus 1,250,000 rubles, without a foundation, but with delivery, accommodation for craftsmen and other related costs.

The same house, but from the central bank, with ideal cups and grooves, it will cost somewhere around 950,000 rubles.

"Flaw" #5: Grandfathers knew what they were doing, and progress and development of technology is bad

In parallel, I would like to ask the question why the cutters use machines, and not horses. Moving to the heart of the matter, it is the development of technology that now allows you to build more durable houses. The first OCB houses were built 70 years ago, and before today they don't look any worse. Perhaps even better than chopped due to perfectly even shapes.

Finally:

Summing up, I would like to voice information that does not appear directly anywhere.

OCB producers are large companies with huge capitals. For example, the cost of all production line the production of proper quality OCB with a diameter of up to 300 mm is $ 450,000. It is these companies that buy huge volumes of first-class logs, logs without runaways, this is necessary so as not to break the machines, but the remains with bent logs and shortcomings increasingly go to small companies and enterprises. They also create all sorts of reviews and myths for gullible customers.

This is not an attempt to give arguments for anyone, we simply call for logical reasoning. Perhaps the authors of reviews and myths about round logs simply cannot afford the cost of a production line.

In turn, the owners of the OCB production never denied the obvious:

a house made of glued laminated timber is superior to a house made of OCB in all respects except for the price, which is the main disadvantage of the technology;
brick house stronger than any wooden house;
frame house can be warmer and even cheaper;
a log house is a certain sign of prestige, a real log house is very expensive.

Any material has its pros and cons and is worthy of certain reviews. All technologies are good in their own way. We produce and build houses from logs and do it as well as possible. we have high-quality equipment, sufficient experience and undeniable professionalism of our assembly teams. For the production of OCB, we use only northern wood, which is distinguished by its excellent characteristics, warmth and durability. During our work, customers leave only positive feedback about log houses!

Houses built from logs are always relevant. Beautiful, durable, cozy buildings are not subject to the variability of fashion.

Pros and cons

Why build with natural, pre-prepared wood? Let's rate undeniable advantages and possible shortcomings of buildings expelled from whole logs.

The main advantages of houses driven out of wood are:

Thermal conductivity

Wood generally has a low thermal conductivity. Therefore, houses driven out of logs are warmer than stone, brick ones.

For example, if a log has a d of 10 cm, then this is analogous to a wall built in two bricks with a thickness of 51 cm. By driving the house out of a thick log, you can significantly reduce heating costs in the cold season, do not insulate the walls with mineral wool, analogues.

Savings during the heating season are complemented by the ability wooden house maintain the internal microclimate. In summer, such a house slowly heats up, the rooms remain pleasantly cool for a long time. Therefore, you can save on the use of the air conditioning system, on electricity, if you build from logs of large diameter.

Ventilation

Wood has the ability to pass air through natural micropores. Therefore, even with closed openings (windows, doors), the house will be "replenished" with fresh, clean air, by 20% - without ventilation!

Humidity

Moisture index in the expelled round log home, will always be at the required level. The tree "breathes" - carries out natural moisture exchange.

fire resistance

Wood is flammable. During the construction of log cabins, a prepared log is used, which is impregnated with special, reliably protecting compounds - flame retardants. These tools guarantee the fire resistance of the material for decades. In addition, fire protection can always be extended using impregnations.

Environmental friendliness

Natural wood is the most environmentally friendly material used by builders today. No harmful chemical elements, logs do not contain toxins. You, your family and loved ones will live in a completely safe house.

Aesthetics

You can talk about the beauty of a tree endlessly. Naturalness can be improved stylish decor. Exclusive log houses - luxurious, attractive buildings!

You can drive out a log house in the style of a chalet, you can choose a Finnish project.

In addition, houses made of prepared, rounded logs do not require mandatory finishing with special materials. Enough treatment with antiseptics and paints and varnishes.

Efficiency

You can drive out a box at home with dimensions of 10x12 or 10x10 in 2-3 weeks. Houses measuring 6x8, 6x7 can be built in 1.5-2 weeks.

Buildings are conveniently assembled, like a constructor, without the use of cement mortar.

The disadvantages of log houses include:

Shrinkage

The shrinkage process is inevitable. Even if a prepared log was used during construction, it will be necessary to wait until the shrinkage of the structure ends.

In terms of shrinkage, it can be different - from 6 months to 2 years. It is possible to reduce the shrinkage process by purchasing a rounded log dried in the conditions of the workshop.

Logs of an unrounded type will require additional labor for cleaning, leveling, surface grinding, and drying. Therefore, such material will slow down the construction, subsequently requiring more time to shrink.

IMPORTANT! Insert door and window openings, carry out interior and exterior finishing of log houses only after the shrinkage process is completed! After shrinkage, the structure can sink up to 7cm.

House made of calibrated logs

It is convenient and profitable to build a house from a prepared, calibrated log. Here is how the material is prepared:

a log of popular, resistant coniferous species is harvested: larch, spruce, pine, cedar;
selected logs with d the same along the entire length;
in the conditions of the workshop, the logs are cleaned with a “scrape”;
longitudinal grooves are applied on the surface of the logs;
grinding, surface leveling. They work exclusively with a soft layer - sapwood, keeping the internal structure protected;
sanded logs are coated with a primer to prevent darkening of the surface. By special order, the logs are treated with antiseptics, flame retardants;
calibrated logs are marked.

Advantages of building from calibrated logs

External attractiveness

The appearance of this building is amazing. natural beauty. internal, exterior finishes the log house can be excluded.

No big gaps

Manual processing of calibrated logs allows you to save on interventional (stacked between logs) insulation, because the appearance of large cracks when paired.

House made of hand-cut logs

For a hand-cut house, a quality log is required.

Log selection

Here are the main parameters of logs that are taken into account:

winter preparation. The best option log blanks - winter, when the movement of tree sap is suspended. "Winter Forest" of a denser structure;
drying. Drying of logs can be carried out naturally - under a canopy, in equipped warehouses. It is possible to dry the wood on special installations;
external features. Do not use logs that have cracks, a rotten or empty core, resin pockets, traces of woodworm lesions, mold, fungal diseases;
thickness. Choose logs with a uniform d. Allowed deviation of 1cm per 1mp. Consider the climatic features of the region, choosing the thickness of the logs for the house.

IMPORTANT! If the budget allows, it is recommended to use "deadwood" - wood that is dried naturally.

Log Processing Technologies

There are 2 actual manual processing technologies:

rooted log;
planed log.

rooted log

A log that is "unfinished" is considered debarked. Minimal peeling of the bark preserves the sapwood. A layer of natural resin is left, the ability of wood to “breathe” is preserved, and the durability of the material increases.

planed log

Processed with an electric planer. It remains the runaway of the log - the difference between the butts and the top.

Houses built from harvested hand-cut logs are shown in the photo.

log house video

The video shows amazing interiors that you can apply to your new "natural" home.

Log houses prices

The cost of houses, driven from log wood, consists of the following elements:

project cost;
Cost of materials;
work of builders;
delivery, unloading.

The complexity of the project forms the price. Important point- choice of wood species. The scale of the building, the quality of the finish are also taken into account.

For example, the price of a house, the size of which is 10x10m 2 and it will be built from a log with a diameter of 180mm, is from $14,000. Finishing work will increase the cost by 50%.