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1365 Ottawa St.
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b r e a k i n g n e w s a t L EA D ER P O ST . C O M S ec t i o n F
S at u r day, S e p t e m b er 21, 2013
A log house can last if built right MIKE HOLMES Make it Right
When most people think log house they think cottage. But for some people, a log house is their ultimate dream home — and they might be deter mined to make it a reality. I love log houses — their look, their feel, the way they smell. I’ve always wanted to build one. If it’s built right a log house can last centuries. Plus, heavy timber is a great ther mal insulator — so the house can also be very warm. But the reality is that a log house is extra vulnerable to problems that can affect any house, like weather. It takes a lot of maintenance, so you better know what you’re getting into. Traditional log homes are built by stacking the logs one on top of the other. But logs shift and shrink over
The Holmes Group
The look of a log house is very appealing but its construction requires precision and long-term maintenance is also essential. The key is finding a good builder to put it all together. time — most of it happens during the first decade after the log house is built. And as that happens the seams between the logs can widen, allowing wind and water to come in. Windows and doors can also crack or stop working properly as the logs
settle too. Secondly, wood can crack as it dries. These cracks are called checks and if moisture gets in them it can lead to insects, mould or rot. Third, the entire exterior of a log house is made from wood — that’s the point. But
that also means the entire exterior can be prone to mould and mildew. Before you decide to live the dream and build a log house, address the issues. Your best bet is to talk to an experienced log house builder. The good news is
that building practices have improved, so there are solutions to some of the big problems that have plagued log houses. For example, you can hire a home builder who constructs log walls that fit together tighter. One way
is tongue-and-groove. That means tongue and groove profiles are carved into the top and bottom of each log, which helps form a really tight fit and seal. Most manufacturers use their own systems of gaskets and sealants between the logs, too. Closed-cell foam in the grooves and a sealant on the tongues also helps. Some even use an elastomeric caulking tape on the tongues. Elastomeric means it’s flexible, so the caulking tape moves with the logs. Another modern practice for building a traditional log house is using through bolts. These are bolts that go from the bottom of the log wall to the top. And at the top of the bolt there is a spring that pushes down, so as the logs settle the downward pressure makes sure they settle evenly. The best through bolts also have a self-tightening mechanism that can squeeze the logs together as they dry and shrink. This minimizes the space between logs.
See Holmes, F2
S O P H I ST I C AT E D. ST Y L I S H. D I ST I N C T I V E . • Floors: 10 • Condos: 71 • 1 BR from 1017 sq. ft. • 2 BR from 1389 sq. ft. • Townhouses from 930 sq. ft. • Finishings: Hardwood floors, granite countertops, Stainless Steel appliances
• Amenities: Rooftop patio and fitness centre, green roof, underground car and bike parking, amenity room • Bonus: 3 year tax exemption Presentation Centre Hours Fri. Sat. & Sun. By Appointment
Presentation Suite and Sales Centre 2139 Broad St. Regina, Sk.
W W W. C E N T R E S Q UA R E P L AC E . CO M Project Development Consultants: Hydeman Property Management
Presentation Centre Hours: Daily 12:00 - 5:00 PM And by appointment For more information call: (306) 565-2300
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Regina & Region Home Builders’ Association
AUGUST 2013
Did you know that Homes by Dundee has a variety of inventory homes for sale with many different floor plans available? Quick possessions are also an option you could have Christmas in your new Dundee home! To learn more about our inventory homes, visit us online today!
Member
2012 RRHBA Home Builder of the Year
homesbydundee.ca Joyce Tourney
RE/MAX Joyce Tourney Realty
Terrie Dunand
RE/MAX Crown Real Estate
Michelle Laube
RE/MAX Joyce Tourney Realty
SHOWHOME LOCATIONS Harbour Landing 5317 Mitchinson Way 5298 Aviator Crescent 5317 Jim Cairns Boulevard
Meriel Gordon
RE/MAX Joyce Tourney Realty
Elisha Demyen
RE/MAX Crown Real Estate
Scott Predenchuk
RE/MAX Joyce Tourney Realty
The Greens on Gardiner 4100 E Green Willow Terrace The Creeks 3906 Goldfinch Way Edgewater 256 N Thauberger Drive Hawkstone 3045 Elgaard Drive
Cory Sharpe
RE/MAX Crown Real Estate
James Wruth
RE/MAX Crown Real Estate
• 234 UNIVERSITY PARK DR
Elaine Gorski
HOURS
Mon-Thurs: 7-9pm Friday: CLOSED Weekends & Holidays: 1-5pm
RE/MAX Crown Real Estate
• 2350 2ND AVE.
www.remax-crown-regina.ca
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