| Exterior Walls and Framing for Windows and Doors |
From "Build a Log Cabin"
episode BLC-102 |
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As work progresses on the exterior walls, preparations are made for door and window framing as well as for installation of electrical outlet boxes, switches and wiring. It's important to consult plans and blueprints frequently during this phase to ensure that all necessary features and hardware are taken into account and provided for in the construction. Any problems or omissions will be much more difficult to fix in a solid-wood log wall than they would in an open framework of a conventional house.
To lay the groundwork for electrical wiring, a 1-1/18" bit is used to drill holes down through the logs and into the crawlspace. Each log designated for an outlet box or a light switch is laid out on a pair of sawhorses so that it can be measured and marked for the location of each box. The carpenter first makes two outside cuts using a power say, then makes several additional cuts in the section of wood he'll be removing. With a couple of blows from his hammer, he removes most of the wood, then he cleans up the recess for the electrical box using a sharp chisel (figure A).
To allow for installation of windows, some of the logs in the third course were prenotched at the plant (figure B). The window casings need to be supported on a flat surface, so it's necessary for the crew to use their saws to square off the supporting logs. Once the supporting surface has been prepared, each window casing is carefully put into place (figure C). With the fourth row complete, the crew is able to pick up speed. In just a few hours' time, sections of the walls begin to rise from the floor, and the openings for the windows and doors take shape (figure D). The crew uses any available lumber to serve as bracing to keep the freestanding sections of wall upright (figure E). At times, the bracing makes it difficult for the crew to work, but the inconvenience is temporary. In the openings for the front door and windows, the crew nails a 2x6 in place to straighten and steady the ends of the log. Later they'll replace these 2x6s with a permanent casing. The carpenters drive a small wedge into the notch in every corner to insure that the logs snug together at the ends (figure F). He hand cuts each wedge and repeats the process 13 times -- one for each course of logs -- in all four corners of the cabin (figure G). A snug fit at the corners is critical for weather resistance as well as structural stability. In just one day's time the crew used up the majority of all of the logs and took us up to the tops of the windows and the doors (figure H). On each course of logs, the crew made sure they had the weather stripping in place before the logs were positioned. The logs were secured together with each layer using 10" lag screws positioned at every three feet. The next steps in the project will be completion of the log walls with the final courses of logs, and the installation of a propane tank for the heating system.
RESOURCES :
Log Home Repair and Restoration Services
Log Home Repair and Restoration Services
Website: www.loghomerepair.com
Special Thanks for DIY Build a Log Cabin workshop
Blossman Gas
Website: www.blossmangas.com/
Propane
Propane
Washington, DC Phone: 202-452-8975
Fax: 202-452-9054
Website: www.propanecouncil.org/
The Complete Guide to Building Log Homes
ISBN: 0806974869
Author: Monte Burch, Richard J. Meyer, Lloyd P. Birmingham
Sterling Publishing Co. Inc.
Website: www.sterlingpub.com
Log Homes Made Easy: Contracting and Building Your Own Log Home
Model: 0811728471
Author: Jim Cooper
Stackpole Books
Website: www.stackpolebooks.com
The Cabin: Inspiration for the Classic American Getaway
Model: 0879056711
Author: Dale Mulfinger, Susan E. Davis
The Taunton Press Inc.
Website: www.taunton.com
Hands-On Log Homes
ISBN: 0879058056
Author: Cindy Teipner Thiede
Gibbs Smith Publishing
Website: www.gibbs-smith.com
American Log Homes
ISBN: 0879054581
Author: Arthur Thiede, Cindy Teipner
Gibbs Smith Publishing
Website: www.gibbs-smith.com
The Craft of Modular Post & Beam: Building Log and Timber Homes Affordably
Model: 0881791318
Author: James Mitchell
Heritage House/Hartley & Marks
Website: www.heritagehouse.ca/hartleymarks/hartleymarks.html
Small Log Homes: Storybook Plans and Advice
ISBN: 1586850431
Author: Robbin Obomsawin
Gibbs Smith Publishing
Website: www.gibbs-smith.com
Log Spirit
ISBN: 0879059257
Author: Linda Arms White
Gibbs Smith Publishing
Website: www.gibbs-smith.com
Inside Log Homes: The Art & Spirit of Home Planning and Decor
Model: 087905963X
Author: Cindy Teipner Thiede, et al
Gibbs Smith Publishing
Website: www.gibbs-smith.com
The Log Home Book: Design, Past and Present
Model: 0879056711
Author: Cindy Teipner Thiede, Arthur Thiede, et al
Gibbs Smith Publishing
Website: www.gibbs-smith.com
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