Building a log home in South Florida??

[RoseWitch]

Hi i live in south Florida iv been looking in to this site forum and all for about a year now never posted because i had a lot of research to do before making a final decision hubby still doesn't know for sure if this is what he wants us to do but it take much to convince him if i find out about what it would be like to build, live in and possible sell, a log home down here in humid/muggy warm/hot sunny south Florida. so my brother in-law who is a private contractor builds conventional home remodels that sort of thing. he thinks that due to climate we will have a major risk of termites, rot and fire. now i had read a lot on the matter of fire the logs are too dense to truly burn and large over hangs and sealants prevent rot and stuff like that but it is extremely humid here..how would it be freezable to build a log home down here...in south florid 5 min from the beach? is there anything extra i would need to do? like use only kiln dried logs or something like that?

[Plumb Level]

Hi Rose - it could be done with some special considerations:

1. termites - we usually build with the first wood being at least 18 inches from dirt. Termites don't like to tunnel up that far, and they are easy to see if they are.
2. Rot - I would build with the most rot resistant logs I could find in your area. We build with large overhangs, as I'm sure you've seen. But with all of the Florida storms and rain driven in sideways, I would absolutely do a full wrap-around porch to fully protect those lowest logs.
3. Fire - just plumb in a fire suppression system within the chinking and you should be fine. :p

Seriously, I'm not sure about the fire risk. I think if a fire starts in a kitchen or garage, and gets out of hand, things will burn.

Welcome to the forum.

[RoseWitch]

ok but could i use green or unseasoned logs or would i need to use kiln dried logs?

[DanS]

ok but could i use green or unseasoned logs or would i need to use kiln dried logs?

No need to use kiln dried logs at all with the LHBA method of building. Or seasoned logs at all, for that matter.

Dan

[allen84]

ok but could i use green or unseasoned logs or would i need to use kiln dried logs?

You could stack green logs the same day they are cut if you could work that fast.

[RoseWitch]

the only reason i'm concerned is the water content and the humidity in Florida wouldn't that the effect being able to use them green i mean the climate of Florida would that effect how the ability for logs to completely dry out?
Next Question i know its not hard to heat a log home if its designed right, but how hard is it to keep a log home cool?
...we think our winters are freezing cold but let's be honest that's just a Floridian's opinion and it still only lasts maybe 2 weeks we don't have your normal 4 seasons we have Spring, Summer, Hurricane-Season, and Cold week so at least 10 moths out of the year its iether hot, hot and muggy, or hot and stormy.

[rreidnauer]

Only build with cypress down that far.

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[allen84]

What I remember about living in Florida... I'm pretty sure it was sunny almost everyday and it also rained almost everyday. Something about all that water and which way the wind blows.

[RoseWitch]

yeah i figured cypress would be my choice is the most rot resistant but how easy or how hard is it to keep a log home cool in a hot climat like this one?y

[rreidnauer]

I'm assuming you will be installing AC. I don't think there's any reason to think there will any trouble maintaining comfortable temperatures. Everyone who's built and reported back, says it's been easy to heat/cool. The LHBA method lends itself well to natural self regulation, with large roof overhangs providing shade, cathedral ceilings moving the warmest air away from the living space, and generally open floor plans to aid in air circulation.

If you are crazy enough to not be installing AC, do some research on old Caribbean plantation mansions. They were constructed in such a manner to promote comfort in otherwise stifling conditions.

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[RoseWitch]

oh no i'll be installing ac i was just wunder cause my brother in law said that the son would heat the logs and they would in turn make the house hot and my ac would have to work alot harder to stay cool and that log homes were for primarily northern climate but i did some reasurch i just wanted to check with you guys and some opinions from people who have actualy built or lived in or at least taken the class reguarding log homes can you put central air duckting in the floors? has anyone here used cypress logs before if you buy them from a logger how much do they usualy go for does anyone know? and what about "pecky" cypress alot of the cypress around here is pecky i did some resurch on that too and groovs are from a disiese in the wood im guessing thats not good to build with

[allen84]

I believe there is a LHBA member home somewhere in Florida. I can't remember who.

Google "r value of cypress logs". I think with big logs and a well insulated roof, you may be as well or better insulated than your neighbors. Log structures have more thermal mass than a regular stick frame, which can be an advantage in heating and cooling.

Maybe not more thermal mass but the mass works more efficiently. My brick stick frame house has great thermal mass... on the outside.

[StressMan79]

If I build in Thailand, I'll use icf's with a LHBA roof on top. Concrete is pretty cheap. Do the same in FL.

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[allen84]

If I build in Thailand, I'll use icf's with a LHBA roof on top. Concrete is pretty cheap. Do the same in FL.

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Are you saying all concrete and insulation, and no logs for southern Fla? You might be right but everyone should crunch their own numbers. A man could always build a stucco log home :p

[RoseWitch]

oh god dont tell me such things im rooting for a log home not a concrete home

[StressMan79]

Are you saying all concrete and insulation, and no logs for southern Fla? You might be right but everyone should crunch their own numbers. A man could always build a stucco log home :p

Well exposed beams, tng, RP, RPSL's, & cap logs

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[RoseWitch]

could you please elaborate on the meaning of all your abbreviations, please?

[Mosseyme]

We are building off grid so will not have AC. We are in a very humid climate but not as hot as FL. For that reason we used Galvalume metal roofing for reflective value, and lots of insulation {12" of styrofoam} in the roof. 6' overhangs and large logs, and good insulated windows. You should also check with your county about codes for a log home.

[loghousenut]

could you please elaborate on the meaning of all your abbreviations, please?

Stressman is busy so I'll chime in...

TnG (T&G).... Tongue and groove. Usually we LHBA'ers refer to 2"x6" tongue and groove pine or fir for use as roof decking and second floor decking.

RP... Ridgepole. The log that holds up the rafters of the roof at the peak of the roof. It is the soul of the LHBA log home and frequently the largest log in a LHBA home.

RPSL... Ridgepole support log. Usually 3 or 4 in number, the RPSL's are vertical logs that support the ridgepole.

Cap Logs... The two logs on top of the log walls that support the lower ends of the rafters.




More in class... Much more.

[rreidnauer]

i was just wunder cause my brother in law said that the sun would heat the logs and they would in turn make the house hot and my ac would have to work alot harder to stay cool
Definitely not, when built using LHBA recommended practices.

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[LowKey]

If I build in Thailand, I'll use icf's with a LHBA roof on top. Concrete is pretty cheap. Do the same in FL.

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Actually I'm considering surface bond concrete over earthbags for a Thailand build on some property we have in Udon Thani.



Don't get me wrong, the insulation value of the ICF is worthwhile if you're dealing with electric heat, maybe even NG heat, but if passive solar and wood heat are all you'll be dealing with I think th nominal insulation of most ICF is secondary t the thermal mass......especially in a tropical/semi-tropical climate, when cost of materials over structure life is considered.:p



Earth-bags are cheaper than ICFs and poured concrete for rural Thai's. :D

[StressMan79]

Indeed. Wife's Mom is from U.T. earthbag cost ~$0, bout as many ways to do it wrong as to do it right.

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[RoseWitch]

awsome thanks for all the information so what about a green roof system is there anyway to possibly put a green roof system on a log home?http://www.greenroofs.org/index.php/about/greenroofbenefits maybe with a really thick waterproof layer and a good gutter system?

[sdart]

There's a recent discussion about that over on the members side. Short answer: several people are going to try that, but as far as I know, nobody has done it yet. No reason why it wouldn't work.

[RoseWitch]

ok as far as green roofing goes thats all i need to know cause i was thinking id do a line of solar panals and some green roofing if no one has tryed it then all i need to know is "there's no reason it wouldn't work"

[LowKey]

I'll be doing a sod roof on my build in Alaska.
Sadly the shipping rates were ridiculous for this summers 12x12 (temporary) cabin build, so I'll be suing polyethylene sheeting for these small temporary cabins instead of the dimpled HPDE membranes I plan to use for the main house build.
Do a little googling and you'll find enough to start planning with. Throw int he words "Norwegian" or "Scandinavian" along with "sod roof" and you'll see what you need to see.

I'd put the solar panels on a pole instead of the roof. No need to penetrate the roofing membrane with the mounting hardware for the panels, and keep in mind that the plants on the roof will want sunlight....which might be shaded out directly under the panels if you put them on the roof.


Make your roof overhangs VERY generous. That eliminates the needs for gutters, keeps the rain off yor log walls, and will keep the summer sun in Florida from baking you to death.


Now....go take the course!!!!!;)

[RoseWitch]

i dont have the money to take the course right at this time i wont be able to have the money by june 4th..im hopeing to go to the course after that..i whent on travilosity and hotel and flight will be roughly 456..or something in that ball park plus the cost of the course im expecting something around 11 hundred (child support tax credit they hold it like 6 months) so i have some saving up to do so hopeing to take the very next one after july i wont be able to go in july if there is one then even if i have the money..but the very next class after july please forgive my typos and bad spelling

[RoseWitch]

so im going to get on the email list i want to be notified for all the up coming classes

[loghousenut]

You'll fit right in.

[RoseWitch]

Aww thanks LHN ::hug::

[rreidnauer]

ok as far as green roofing goes thats all i need to know cause i was thinking id do a line of solar panals and some green roofing if no one has tryed it then all i need to know is "there's no reason it wouldn't work"
Just my personal suggestion. Don't mount solar panels to a roof.

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[panderson03]

we're putting our solar panels in an array that is mobile so we can adjust the angle as the angle of the sun changes throughout the year. too it will be easier for us to brush snow off them this way than if they're on the roof!

but what are your reasons Rod for recommending they not be mounted to the roof?

[donjuedo]

I can't speak for Rod, but my reason would be most roofing types will need to be replaced eventually, requiring removal and re-installation of the solar panels.


Peter

[rreidnauer]

Yup, roof penetrations for mounting and the nightmare when it's time to reroof. Cleaning off snow is the other biggy, but not much of a concern in southern Florida. (however, panels should be cleaned occasionally for maximum performance)

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[loghousenut]

Three things that should never touch a roof are panels, ladders, and gutters.


There are some pretty cool panel racks that track the sun out there but panels are so cheap these days that it probably pays to just buy too many of them.

[BoFuller]

Three things that should never touch a roof are panels, ladders, and gutters.


There are some pretty cool panel racks that track the sun out there but panels are so cheap these days that it probably pays to just buy too many of them.

Things I have on my roof; panels, ladders, and gutters. If for no other reason than because my lil bro said not to.




I put my panels on the roof so they get the best exposure to sun. If I mounted them on the ground, I'd have 30-40% less time in the sun, unless I cut down 20 trees.
With the clips I used, there is no roof penetration. Even if there was, they are on the overhangs, so nothing would leak into the house.
Snow has not been an issue.
Steel roof will last 30 years past my life expectancy.
And a neighbor had 10 of his panels stolen from his ground mount. They're not stealing them from my roof!

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[loghousenut]

Things I have on my roof; panels, ladders, and gutters. If for no other reason than because my lil bro said not to.





And a neighbor had 10 of his panels stolen from his ground mount. They're not stealing them from my roof!



They'll steal them if you leave that ladder leaning up there.

[RoseWitch]

does it snow in TN im planning on moving in a few years and building another log home up there...but yeah iv wieghed alot of the pros and cons i figured the panals would be safest on the roof and green roofing and panals cant go on the same planes anyway green roofing has to have a flat plain or less than 30 degree angle... and i want my panels flat against the roof so there will have to be peaks and vallys in my roof. so they would not be in the same spot the panel brackets would not be over the waterproof membrane for the green roof but i'l make sure to find some type of mounting that doesnt couse damage to the roof what kind of clips do you use bofuller?

[LowKey]

does it snow in TN im planning on moving in a few years and building another log home up there...but yeah iv wieghed alot of the pros and cons i figured the panals would be safest on the roof and green roofing and panals cant go on the same planes anyway green roofing has to have a flat plain or less than 30 degree angle... and i want my panels flat against the roof so there will have to be peaks and vallys in my roof. so they would not be in the same spot the panel brackets would not be over the waterproof membrane for the green roof but i'l make sure to find some type of mounting that doesnt couse damage to the roof what kind of clips do you use bofuller?

Actually you can go much steeper than 30 degrees. The Scandinavians do it all the time.

[rreidnauer]

Beat me to it LowKey. I'm still thinking of ways to improve my "installation system" idea.

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[LowKey]

Beat me to it LowKey. I'm still thinking of ways to improve my "installation system" idea.

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Already in use by a few firms selling the roofing membranes, and so simple.

a Wooden framework (think tic-tac-toe grid) that simply rests on the roofing membrane and is kept from sliding off by the turf log (log/boar at the bottom roof edges). Steeper slop, smaller boxes in the grid.

[RoseWitch]

Actually you can go much steeper than 30 degrees. The Scandinavians do it all the time.

really how steep?

[RoseWitch]

am i going to need a chain saw?

[StressMan79]

am i going to need a chain saw?

What kind of question is that? You want to build a log Home with a hewing axe and bow saw?

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[rawson]

[QUOTE=StressMan79;127178]What kind of question is that? You want to build a log Home with a hewing axe and bow saw?

Or train a troupe of beavers.

[loghousenut]

am i going to need a chain saw?

I am wondering how to limit it to only one chainsaw.





My Boy, Jake, was homeschooled. Part of his first grade final exam included starting his chainsaw by himself and cutting a 14" diameter tree into firewood.

[allen84]

I am wondering how to limit it to only one chainsaw.



There is no telling how many times I've needed to use the "backup" saw to retrieve the "stuck" saw. If you're dropping big trees yourself, I think a minimum of two is a must. In my experience, trees don't always like to fall in the direction that you plan/expect them to... especially on a hillside.

[mudflap]

I'm piling up those kind of stories right now. Got my saw stuck two weeks ago- darn tree decided to lean back on the cut. I tried a pry bar, but no luck. So I decided to pray for a breeze. Didn't work the first time, so i backed away from the tree and prayed again. Then I stood up and waited. After a minute, a breeze started to blow- just a little- but it was enough, and that thing came down. Probably some will say the breeze would have happened anyway. Well, it didn't happen while I used the pry bar, so I say the prayer worked.

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[rawson]

[QUOTE=mudflap;127189]I'm piling up those kind of stories right now. Got my saw stuck two weeks ago- darn tree decided to lean back on the cut. I tried a pry bar, but no luck. So I decided to pray for a breeze. Didn't work the first time, so i backed away from the tree and prayed again. Then I stood up and waited. After a minute, a breeze started to blow- just a little- but it was enough, and that thing came down. Probably some will say the breeze would have happened anyway. Well, it didn't happen while I used the pry bar, so I say the prayer worked.

One thing tree faller's use are solid plastic wedges to stop the pinch.

[allen84]

Of the countless times it has happened to me, it's only ever happened on a steep hill and only one time was I far enough into the cut that a wedge might have helped me out, maybe... actually, I did the unthinkable. I was all the way thru the cut and got the saw pinched. This tree was growing horizontal so it fell down, not over and got caught on the stump after the end hit the ground. Of course, in Florida, I guess you don't need to worry about cutting down horizontal growing trees on a hill.

[RoseWitch]

I am wondering how to limit it to only one chainsaw.





My Boy, Jake, was homeschooled. Part of his first grade final exam included starting his chainsaw by himself and cutting a 14" diameter tree into firewood.

FIRST GRADE at 6/7 years old?...what type and size was the chainsaw?..only asking cause imma be building my log home full time while hubby works and i Home school shes only in kendergarden this year ...but i really want to know about a chainsaw a 6/7 year could learn to use safely...(of corce i know that also depends on the child maturity lvl and so on too)

[loghousenut]

Mrs. Witch,

Being a homeschool Mom, I'm sure you have discovered the power of a vivid imagination. Not only could Jake cut through a 14" log with his saw, but he could do it in record time, while pretending to be a farm animal.

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t55/loghousenut/4921702989_6f0ff532b5_n_zpsdvybawwg.jpg (http://s157.photobucket.com/user/loghousenut/media/4921702989_6f0ff532b5_n_zpsdvybawwg.jpg.html)




Over the years, his imagination has helped to guide his reality.


http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t55/loghousenut/Wow/Rafters9-2010441.jpg (http://s157.photobucket.com/user/loghousenut/media/Wow/Rafters9-2010441.jpg.html)



And his dreams are coming true.


http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t55/loghousenut/P1020569_zpse70dbd9b.jpg (http://s157.photobucket.com/user/loghousenut/media/P1020569_zpse70dbd9b.jpg.html)

[RoseWitch]

beautiful. now i read in another thread that it usually takes 1-4 years to build a log home would it really take a full year? if im working on it full time,..only the shell is going to be logs hubby will be helping part time

[RoseWitch]

I mean we'r talking minimom size with three bedrooms 2 baths 2 stories "perfect" squire not rectangle just simple

[RoseWitch]

or would it be easyer/faster to build it one story?

[StressMan79]

or would it be easyer/faster to build it one story?

"All his life has he looked away... to the future, to the horizon. Never his mind on he was... what he was doing."

Perhaps easier but more $$/sf. More heat loss. Likely higher taxes.

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