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© Buildwise, LLC

Publication Review

Title: Alaska Log Building Construction Guide
Chapter1: Intro, 645 KB, 3 pages
Chapter 2: Problems and Solutions, 3.61 MB, 10 pages
Chapter 3: Energy Efficiency Standards, 465 KB, 3 pages
Chapter 4: Building the Log House, 7.93 MB, 37 pages
Chapter 5: Mechanical Systems, 365 KB, 9 pages
Chapter 6: Retrofit, 2.64 MB, 16 pages
Chapter 7: Maintenance, 76 KB, 4 pages
Author: International Log Builders' Association, 2000
File: Free Building Guide, PDF
Audience: Written for log builders and others interested in quality log construction.


Review
Thank the State of Alaska for providing this extensive how to manual on building log homes and retrofiting existing log structures. Includes traditional saddle notch construction and the short log or vertical log post construction. Athough specifically written for building in Alaska, much of the information is relevant to log structures in general.

Issues covered include:

  • chapter 1: introduction
  • chapter 1: energy efficient log homes
  • chapter 2: problems and solutions for log homes
  • chapter 2: site soils issues
  • chapter 2: log home design issues
  • chapter 2: shrinkage problems and solutions
  • chapter 2: the log building as a system
  • chapter 2: borrowing money
  • chapter 2: top 10 building science rules
  • chapter 3: energy rules for Alaska
  • chapter 4: about trees and saw mills
  • chapter 4: weathering of logs
  • chapter 4: how to cut down trees safely
  • chapter 4: foundations - how to build
  • chapter 4: permafrost foundation - how to build
  • chapter 4: log building tools
  • chapter 4: 1/2 logs, how to cut and start log wall
  • chapter 4: three-quarter logs
  • chapter 4: compression-fit saddle notch wall
  • chapter 4: cutting and scribing notches
  • chapter 4: cutting the lateral groove
  • chapter 4: log walls, air tight log walls
  • chapter 4: finishing the logs
  • chapter 4: chinking and sealing
  • chapter 4: short log construction
  • chapter 4: use of power equipment to make it easier
  • chapter 4: the plate log
  • chapter 4: other uses for tree parts by native americans
  • chapter 4: windows and doors, cutting and splining openings
  • chapter 4: roof construction
  • chapter 4: sealing the ceiling
  • chapter 4: hot or cold roof?
  • chapter 5: mechanical systems
  • chapter 5: chimneys and vents
  • chapter 5: combustion air
  • chapter 5: plumbing
  • chapter 5: arctic utility chase
  • chapter 5: electrical
  • chapter 5: early utilities - history of
  • chapter 5: arctic utilities retrofit
  • chapter 5: ventilation
  • chapter 6: should you retrofit or rebuild?
  • chapter 6: retrofit checklist
  • chapter 6: what shape is the house in?
  • chapter 6: problems to look for in older log homes
  • chapter 6: foundation & floor retrofit
  • chapter 6: exterior wall retrofit
  • chapter 6: interior wall retrofit
  • chapter 6: roof retrofit
  • chapter 6: chimney and flue penetrations
  • chapter 7: mainenance
  • chapter 7: washing and finishing logs
  • chapter 7: find and caulk the leaks
  • chapter 7: carpetner ants
  • chapter 7: conclusion

Images include:

  • chapter 1: log R-values charts
  • chapter 2: frost susceptible soils/foundation diagrams
  • chapter 2: roof tyes and sun exposure
  • chapter 2: parts of a log house diagrams
  • chapter 2: slip joint diagrams
  • chapter 2: attaching framed walls to logs diagrams
  • chapter 2: adjustable vertical support detail
  • chapter 4: how to cut a tree down safely - tree felling
  • chapter 4: foundation & rim details
  • chapter 4: attaching 1/2 log to foundation details
  • chapter 4: perma frost foundation details and photos
  • chapter 4: log working tools
  • chapter 4: cutting 1/2 log diagrams
  • chapter 4: compression fit saddle notch photos
  • chapter 4: photo sequence & diagram sequence showing cutting and scribing saddle notch joints
  • chapter 4: log wall detail
  • chapter 4: chingking and sealing details and photos
  • chapter 4: floor construction diagram
  • chapter 4: short log construction details and diagrams
  • chapter 4: peice-sur-piece or piece on piece diagrams
  • chapter 4: hydraulic and other time saving equipment photos
  • chapter 4: top plate log framing diagram
  • chapter 4: cutting out a window opening diagrams
  • chapter 4: placing splines for windows diagrams
  • chapter 4: log roof details and diagrams
  • chapter 5: roof section w/ mechanical interfaces
  • chapter 5: interface of wood stove w/ log structure diagrams
  • chapter 5: plumbing vent stack in framed wall diagram
  • chapter 5: utility chase diagram
  • chapter 5: arctic utilities retrofit to log structure diagrams
  • chapter 5: venilation for log structures diagrams
  • chapter 6: photos of old log structures
  • chapter 6: diagram of typical log structure problems
  • chapter 6: details showing suggested energy retrofit of old log structures
  • chapter 6: hot and cold roof retrofits, dew point diagram
  • chapter 6: fixing joint between top wall log and roof details
  • chapter 6: sealing flue penetrations through ceiling details