Storing syp logs for air drying.

[Simpleman]

I have started cutting my logs for a cabin that I would like to build next year. The first 5 of many swp logs are cut and debarked. I am storing the logs about 30" off the ground and have covered the top of the logs with tarp (trying to keep rain from logs) leaving the bottom open for air circulation. Here in central Mississippi it is starting to get pretty warm. My question is should I cover the debarked syp logs are will the tarp cause more problems with heat and cracking logs. Should I leave logs uncovered to the elements. Any help appreciated. Thanks!

[StressMan79]

wow. where do i start? take the class. they teach you how to season your logs, but they also show you that you don't have to. My logs sat uncovered and debarked for 1.5 years until they were put under roof. Coiurse they are second growth DF, and have fairly tight rings, and I have a semi arid climate. In short get those logs treated ASAP, and sticker the tarp off the logs so as not to hold moisture in.

and seriously, take the class.

[loghousenut]

I'm with Stressman. There are plenty of things you can do to make a SYP log structure last 150 years instead of 20 years. If you were my Brother you'd leave the trees standing until the day after class.

Think of it this way. Would you pay $25 per year to assure that your SYP building will last an extra 50 years? The price of class is paid off in 30 years at the rate of $25 per year. The help and advice you'll get on the members side is priceless and free. You are within 100 miles of a dozen LHBA homes that are currently in different phases of construction.

[rreidnauer]

Get the tarp off the logs! You can suspend the tarp to keep the sun off, but don't just lay it over them.

[Cruiser]

Simpleman, first take the class. It will be the best money yo ever spent. We are in north MS, so after you get educated you will have some help close by. As LHN said, there are quite a few builds in various stages in AR, TN, MS & NC. I think there might be some.in AL as well.

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[project]

we cut some logs on the sawmill in AR for a cabin and stacked them up with tin over the top and the guy never came and picked them up, 4 years later they still look good as new.

[blane]

If you have them cut but don't plan to build for a few years turn your logs every few months or else when you get ready to build they will be rotten underneath. Treat them with a borate solution and in case no one else has told you yet:) take the class!

[lynncherl]

I'm using my future metal roofing to cover mine during the rainy season.