Question on Settling

[kdees76]

I know that taking the class is the key to understanding this, but if anybody can explain it a little clearer to me that would be great. My brother-in-law builds homes and some have been log homes. I mentioned to him that from what I am understanding from the LHBA site is that by using the butt and pass method of construction, there will be no settling .... even when using green logs. He does not believe this and is telling me that there is always going to be settling and therefore this should always be taken into consideration when building a log home. I would like to be able to respond to this in some intelligent fashion but I am a newbie. Can some one give me a response to that? Also if a class isn't offered for some time and we want to get started on the whole process, are there steps we can take in preparation that would be beneficial?
Thanks, OH and HAPPY NEW YEAR!
kdees76

[rreidnauer]

Discussion of the class specifics is reserved for the member's area only, however, I can offer you an intelligent response for your brother-in-law. First LHBA has been teaching this method since 1965, so it's not something new, nor just a one-hit snake oil scam. For that matter, it's not even complex or complicated. It's more like a 'why didn't I think of that?' type of thing. Secondly, simply have him visit the Student's log homes (http://www.loghomebuilders.org/image/tid/3) page to see many examples of homes that it works. None of them employ any means of settling measures. (look closely at windows and doors, you won't see any pocket trim over them for settling) All those homes can't be wrong.
I'll tell you, before I took the class, I was also very sceptical about the settling issue. Specifically, I was worried about how settling effects the gables. When the reasoning was finally revealed (which IIRC happened about halfway through the first day of class) there was a united "AHHHHH HAAAAA" amongst myself and twenty some other students.
Give this a try, it should be beneficial to the both of you. Since he's a builder, tell him to prove you wrong, and get him to buy two spots in the class. That way he can make up his mind whether it works or not, and you get to take the class on his dime! ;-)
As for good tips for pre-class.
1. Think square: if possible, go with a square foundation over rectangle. It makes life a lot easier.
2. Build on the level: Unless you have to have that walk-out basement, try to build on a fairly level surface. It makes life a lot easier.
3. Site clearing: have plenty of open space around your build site to prep, store, maneuver logs. It makes life a lot easier.
4. Consider buying an all terrain forklift. While using one isn't taught in class, it makes life a lot easier.
Hope this helps!
Rod Reidnauer, class of Apr. 2005

[StressMan79]

It don't happen often, so I thought I should point this out.
see this link: <a href="http://www.loghomebuilders.org/who-not-allowed-join-association-and-attend-our-class">http://www.loghomebuilders.org/who-not-allowed-join-association-and-attend-our-class</a>
It sounds like we are against "people in the know" but really we are against the heckling that comes with this previous "education"
But Rod is right, using tight pinned BnP method as taught in class, even a 3 story, 7000 sf home will not settle. I have seen it!
get a couple of seats for you and your wife. You'll want her on board too. However, leave your brother at home.
-Peter