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Constructing an Eco-Friendly Log Cabin Home
A Question in Current Events

What is the most efficient way to build a cabin to ensure that it has a low carbon footprint?

Middle-aged Man or Woman Investing in a New Home?

If you fit in this category of the population now may be the time to make a change in the type of home you live in. This is because this age bracket within the adult population typically has healthier and stronger bodies required to construct an eco-friendly log cabin. Additionally rigorous planning efforts will be needed to fulfill the project’s DIY method. Alternatively this eco-friendly type of home can be contracted from certified builders for those who are unable or do not want to complete the labor. In this case the housing market’s experts would benefit those seeking to have a log cabin home built. With this in mind contractors are available but may cost more compared to building independently. Further information would be available from real estate agents, eco-friendly homes builders, and DIY project resources in all mediums.

Why Should this Interest You?

As of today global warming is evident in environmental changes due to an increased carbon footprint worldwide. Recent scientific reports state,” Changing global weather patterns, systematic temperature rises in recent years, increased storm activity, the melting of the Antarctic and Greenland ice shelves and ice sheets.” (Stuart, 2009).

A Descriptive Function of a Log Cabin

“With the cabin tucked in the woods, and probably overlooking a lake or a large water mass, the sounds of the roaring fire in the fireplace, the thought of cuddling to the sounds of nature is simply breath-taking.”(The Pros and Cons, 2019).

A Report on Positive and Negative Reasons to Build

Initiating the building process on a log cabin requires knowing what type of timber will be best for the project. There is a variety of wood to choose from including pine, white cedar, cypress, and spruce. Additionally it is common to use reclaimed barn wood, beams, and logs for cost effective building. Importantly choosing timber according to regional location should be considered if the building will be a contracted project. This is because gathering local resources will lower budget and shipping costs for the cabin. It should be noted that the eco-friendly option is to use standing dead trees. This is because, “The low commercial demand for standing dead timber makes it inexpensive — and sometimes even free — and you further the environment by opting not to cut down any more live trees. ThomasNet News, 2018). With this, there are advantages to building in a dense forest location.

Beginning the design plan of a home will vary depending on if it is custom or residential. Specifically the size will be in relation to the purpose of the home. Preparation of the land must be processed to clear and level the site. Specific tools and materials will be needed to construct a log cabin. In order to effectively build a log cabin the tools include, “Two or more peavey or cant hooks, two or more log dogs, bark peeling spuds, four foot auger drill bit, medium-sized chainsaw, boom truck and a forklift.” (The Pros and Cons, 2019). Ideally the most cost effective process to complete a log cabin is through independent labor.

Alternatively there can be drawbacks to this type of project. First the maintenance and upkeep of staining and caulking is mandatory. Without this type of routine servicing the log cabin can deteriorate faster than it would with the maintenance care. Next is the pest concerns which are termites and carpenter bees. The insect threats can be prevented by applying insecticide and caulking around the home as a regular practice. Lastly low insurance rates may be difficult to obtain due to the common locations log cabins reside. As a result, “This is particularly so if the log home is in a rural area, where fire risks are high.”(The Pros and Cons, 2018). In the end the positive attributes and negative drawbacks of a log cabin are manageable. Especially if a person is willing to put in hard work and dedication toward an eco-friendly lifestyle.

References 1. What You Need to Build a Log Home: A Definitive Guide. (2018). ThomasNet News, 49. https://eds-a-ebscohost-com.unm.edu/eds/detail/detail?vid=51&sid=e5855ac9-f359-44ab-be2d-13d511a2ff84%40sessionmgr4008&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWRzLWxpdmUmc2NvcGU9c2l0ZQ%3d%3d#db=bwh&AN=131841704

2. The Pros and Cons of owning a Log Cabin. (2019, March 12). Instablogs.com. Retrieved from https://link-gale-com.unm.edu/apps/doc/A578715848/ITOF?u=albu78484&sid=ITOF&xid=8736d3ca

3. Jonas Hochstetler, P. (2020). [Reclaimed Wood Photograph]. Appalachian+Woods. https://www.appalachianwoods.com/

4. Sterling International, Inc. (2020). [Carpenter and Bumble Bee Photo]. Rescue Smarter Pest Control. https://www.rescue.com/latest-buzz/helpful-hints/how-to-tell-a-carpenter-bee-from-a-bumble-bee/