Conventional framed addition

[Bedwyr]

Hi all, I'm about to buy my first log home and the first thing we want to do is put an addition on. The plan is to do it stick frame. Can anyone give suggestions on ways to join the new 2x walls to the logs? I've talked casually to a contractor and he talked about cutting a channel in the logs. I'm doing most of the work myself, so looking for more input.

Thanks much!
Brandon

[donjuedo]

Got a picture to share?


Peter

[Bedwyr]

Hey donjuedo, thanks for the reply...here are a couple shots. The plan is to put the addition from the outside of the closest set of windows over to the far side of the large picture window.

http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/pp10/bedwyr1001/image_zpsdfhrly2c.jpg
http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/pp10/bedwyr1001/image_1_zps0glrav1v.jpg

[Arrowman]

Do you have logs on the inside face of your exterior walls? Or is it drywall? It looks like it's probably drywall, but want to confirm before I give you some advice.

[rreidnauer]

Starting a wall off of the existing walls, I'd agree with the contractor in his suggestion. I would saw cut a vertical groove deep enough to be 1 inch further in than the most recessed undulations in the wall. Then take some 6" aluminum flashing, bending 3/4" of it back on itself to form a "J" channel. Fit the channel into the sawn groove, with the little J leg away from the addition wall. The J will secure the flashing in the groove and push the part sticking out against the side of the groove towards the addition wall. The J also serves as a last ditch water diverter. With the flashing installed, fill the groove with Logjam. Now you can frame your wall up against the flashing extending out from the existing wall, and sheathing over flashing with your choice of siding.

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[LowKey]

Hi all, I'm about to buy my first log home

My advice would be to think twice about that particular house.
From what little I could see, lot's of partial length logs in the wall instead of logs running the full length.
The bottom log looks awfully close to the ground on the uphill corner, and the vegetation has been allowed to grow up against the logs. Have you had this inspected for termites? How about rot, because the roof overhangs look almost non-existent.

I'm not trying to rain on your parade but you may be buying into a whole lot of problems...either now or in the not-so-distant future.

[rreidnauer]

Starting a wall off of the existing walls, I'd agree with the contractor in his suggestion. I would saw cut a vertical groove deep enough to be 1 inch further in than the most recessed undulations in the wall. Then take some 6" aluminum flashing, bending 3/4" of it back on itself to form a "J" channel. Fit the channel into the sawn groove, with the little J leg away from the addition wall. The J will secure the flashing in the groove and push the part sticking out against the side of the groove towards the addition wall. The J also serves as a last ditch water diverter. With the flashing installed, fill the groove with Logjam. Now you can frame your wall up against the flashing extending out from the existing wall, and sheathing over flashing with your choice of siding.

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If you wouldn't want to spend a lot of time scribing your siding choice to the existing wall undulations, adding a couple additional bends in the flashing can provide you with a consistent edge to work up to.

http://i1169.photobucket.com/albums/r519/Liberty_Acres/1flashing%20Drawing1-1.jpg

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[Bedwyr]

Do you have logs on the inside face of your exterior walls? Or is it drywall? It looks like it's probably drywall, but want to confirm before I give you some advice.

Hi Arrowman. It's full logs on the inside as well.

[Bedwyr]

Hey Rod...thanks much for the detailed response. This makes perfect sense (especially after the diagram ;). So in this case, the addition would basically 'free-stand' on it's own and really only be tied into the house this way and then where the roofs meet...?

[Bedwyr]

Well...that's solid advise LowKey. I've had it inspected and looked at by a separate contractor. The non-full length logs is an issue in a couple spots that will need fixing for sure. However, the issues have been there a while (maybe original settling)...house was built in '77. Other than that it's pretty solid. No rot, bugs, etc. Sill is in great shape.

[loghousenut]

Brandon,

I have tried to bite my tongue but I feel that you are asking the wrong question. You want your dream log home and you come to a forum that is full of people who are actively building their own dream log home. Most of the LHBA members on this site either have experience with houses built like the one you are buying, or we are scared to death of that kind of an experience.

I think LowKey was right on the money. I think you are headed for maintenance problems with this place and you should think twice about it. I would be crying right now if I knew that my Brother were about to close on this house.

It has been inspected by an inspector that has an interest in the sale. I'd bet most anything that a probe would sink into rotten wood if pushed gently between the lower logs at various locations. I'd bet that if you rapped lightly with a hammer as you walk along the exterior walls, you find a lot of hollow sounding logs. I'd bet if you hammer a little less lightly, that you'd open up a can of worms that the seller does not want opened.

The problem is one of construction style. Those logs have flat milled surfaces that suck water in between the logs and lets it sit there and feed the fungus. That would be fine if the roof of the place kept the water off, but that roof does not keep the water off.

It is a beautiful house and a beautiful location. I think it will suck your back account drier than a third wife with a fancy dressed lawyer. I know you will fight every word I say as you read it, but I really wish I had never read your post so I could just not think about it. I just had a discussion with a trusted friend about whether to post or not. I compare it to seeing some kid in a grocery store who is stuck with bad parents. I wish I could just wave the wand and make it all better but I can't. At least you won't kick my teeth in if I gently offer a tiny bit of advise in hopes that I can save you $50,000.

Don't think this is a $50,000 problem? Would you buy the place if there were several $10,000 repairs evident and active rot showing in several more places? The odd's are tremendous that you will have that scenario as you are trying to find a way out, long before you live out your days in this dream house. I am trying to be conservative.


Stop in next time you are in the area but don't kick my teeth in.

Love, Uncle Nut

[rreidnauer]

Hey Rod...thanks much for the detailed response. This makes perfect sense (especially after the diagram ;). So in this case, the addition would basically 'free-stand' on it's own and really only be tied into the house this way and then where the roofs meet...?
You can fasten the 2x framing to the existing wall, but probably the best way would be to make several slots in the 2x vertically by plunging a circular saw blade, then use a screw with fender washer, to allow for potential wall settling.

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[Bedwyr]

Uncle Nut,

Well, other than the sinking dread you just sent deep into my gut...I really appreciate your post. Luckily, we haven't closed on the place yet. I intend to take your advise and take a real close look at the place again.

Other than shaking your head and the occasional "I tried to warn you"...I would hope that If we do decide to jump into this mess...maybe I can return here for advise on the best way to drain my bank account...

[loghousenut]

I only desire to see you retire with dignity some day.

[allen84]

Do some more looking around this website and the LHBA method of building before you buy that.... Though, it does appear as if it comes with some kind of black hole or portal into who knows what!

[panderson03]

Uncle Nut, that was a great post. thanks for letting that personality out once in a while :)

Mr Bedwyr, please consider heeding the Nut's advice. if you dream of retiring in a log home, perhaps consider having someone who knows how to do it right and well build one for you? Mr Wiley on these forums knows how to do that. of course hiring someone else to build your place won't be cheep but neither is buying a pre-built log nor is maintenance and repair of a poorly designed/built log home:(

whatever your future holds Mr Bedwyr, you are always welcome here.