Kiln drying is an important consideration in a log home. What is kiln-drying? Kiln-drying is the careful extraction of moisture from logs. To learn more, visit the science of kiln-drying.
There are a number of benefits to kiln-drying. The first benefit is that kiln drying produces logs that are more uniform in nature. During the drying process the logs will crack or check. This is a natural process that determines the strength and weakness of a log BEFORE construction. The severely checked logs are discarded and only the strongest and straightest logs are used in the log package. By selecting only the highest quality logs, we create an air and moisture tight wall. Strongwood log walls will notexhibit air infiltration, moisture penetration, need adjusting or need exterior caulking.
Timbers are sanitized while being heated to 180 degrees Fahrenheit in a kiln for 28-45 days. The intense heat kills mold, wood decay fungi, and any insect, insect eggs and insect larvae. This eliminates the use of a chemical treatment and ensures a bug free home with little worry of molding and mildew.
Worried about the sticky sap in a log home? With a kiln dried log, the sticky sap is crystallized within the log during the drying process eliminating the worry of sticky walls.
A kiln-dried log is also easier to work with. The average log home has roughly 10,000 lbs of water removed from it during the kiln-drying process. With that much weight removed, it reduces shipping costs and reduces the hours of use by a crane or sky-track.
The drying process also increases strength and stiffness within the log enabling the screws to secure better.
Another important benefit of kiln-drying logs is that the logs are able to absorb stain immediately after construction. The dry log will absorb stain deeper resulting in a longer lasting stain. The stain will also maintain its look without having to worry about moisture pushing the stain out of the log and creating a weathered look.
For more information regarding kiln-drying, visit the importance of kiln drying.
Here is more information about log species.
Return to Logs Overview Page.
|