Storing Logs in the Winter

[Copper Ridge]

Hi. I was wondering what is the best way to store logs over the winter? We purchased a hand crafted log home but do not have the foundation in place yet. What is the best way to store the logs over the winter in Western Pennsylvania with ice and snow?

[rreidnauer]

Laying a tarp directly on them is generally a bad idea. Under cover is ideal. And, as always, never in direct contact with the ground.

[kyle]

Copper, get them off the ground!!! If you plan on starting in the spring your are prolly ok with not treating them because its already cold here.

What part of W. PA are you located? I'm near Johnstown.

[Copper Ridge]

Hi. We're in Washington County, about 30 minutes from Pittsburgh. We have them off the ground on wood, but laying flat. I'm concerned that ice will get in the checks and cause warping. Is it best to lay them flat or upright as if they were on a house?

[Copper Ridge]

Thanks for your reply. They are off the ground but we don't have cover. I guess I was concerned if they lay flat versus upright, as if on the house? Does it matter?

[Tyler1]

I have a bunch stacked through the MN winter right now...I hope they'll be good in the spring. I didn't tarp them due to fear it might get a few days of suana weather in the spring and they'll turn instantly into fungus...they are hundred year old logs, they will spontaneously combust into mold ( I found that out this fall when I had them on the ground :) ).

[Kola]

These are "hand crafted" logs? I am assuming your logs were cut, notched, milled and built at the manufacturers place, dissasembled and then shipped to your location.

I would be very concerned about what to do with them. There are so many factors that could alter them (sun, heat, moisture, freeze etc, how wet/ dry were they when the home was "crafted etc,etc

What if you go to reassemble these logs next spring and they are bowed, distorted and don' t fit together.. due to shrinkage etc?

I would call the company who did the work and ask them what they recommend you do? Maybe I am being over-cautious but I would be VERY
concerned about storing them. IMO, you need to find out the best and the safest method. The folks who sold them to you should be willing to help you.

If you were doing it the LHBA way, it would be much easier in terms of winter storing but there are still some precautionary measures. IMO, your situation is quite different.

You probally got quite a few bucks invested already ("mucho clamolas"). IMO, protect your investment.

Kola

[JohnnyCoho]

These are "hand crafted" logs? I am assuming your logs were cut, notched, milled and built at the manufacturers place, dissasembled and then shipped to your location.

I would be very concerned about what to do with them. There are so many factors that could alter them (sun, heat, moisture, freeze etc, how wet/ dry were they when the home was "crafted etc,etc

What if you go to reassemble these logs next spring and they are bowed, distorted and don' t fit together.. due to shrinkage etc?

I would call the company who did the work and ask them what they recommend you do? Maybe I am being over-cautious but I would be VERY
concerned about storing them. IMO, you need to find out the best and the safest method. The folks who sold them to you should be willing to help you.

If you were doing it the LHBA way, it would be much easier in terms of winter storing but there are still some precautionary measures. IMO, your situation is quite different.

You probally got quite a few bucks invested already ("mucho clamolas"). IMO, protect your investment.

Kola


Nice catch on the "Hand Crafted" logs there Kola!! Can't agree more with everything you said!!

If it were a LHBA style B&P Home I'd say no problem with the logs... I seasoned mine for 2 years out in the weather to get the most shrinkage out of them and minumize future checking. We now have a completed home with very little checking at all! Only advice I'd give if seasoning logs like this is to roll them weekly while stacked off the ground.