|
|
“Which Log Cabin Foundations
are the best option for You?”
 When it comes down to log cabin foundations, this is an area you must get right the first time! The best option for one log cabin is not necessarily the best for another. The soil type, ground level, size and weight of your log cabin, floor structure and other factors will influence your decision. One thing that remains common to all options though, is that your foundation must be done properly! Any problem in this area after your log cabin is built can lead to very costly measure to rectify it. The levels are also extremely important with log cabins, so we will go over the aspects you need to be aware of.
Log Cabin Foundations – what do you need to know?
One thing that is important to note here is your foundation design needs checking by someone who is an expert in the local ground conditions and knows all about your building regulations or codes for your local area. Some smaller log cabins may not require inspection by your local authority, but most larger ones usually will, and so you must do it in a method which complies with their requirements. Soil types and log cabin designs vary enormously and your foundations must be designed for your specific project. The advice given here is general and will give you a good idea of the options and what to look out for.
Types of log cabin foundations
There are many different types of foundations and lots of variations on these themes. Broadly though foundation types fall into the following categories:
Perimeter foundations
Strip foundations
Raft foundations
Concrete pad foundations
Piers
Modern alternatives
We will reveal the options in more detail so you can make an informed decision. Always remember to view the foundations as part of the overall package. Some foundation types will require more work above ground (i.e. floor structure). Others take more time and cost to complete, but the building above ground is then quicker and less costly.Which ever option you decide to go for the number one criteria is to protect your logs! Also, never be tempted to cut corners to save money when you do your log cabin foundations, as this will ultimately reduce the life of your log cabin! Take a look at
foundations types in more detail here.
Foundation accuracy
The accuracy of log cabin foundations is the key to starting off right when building your log structure. Unlike masonry buildings where inaccuracy in the foundations size and levels can be lost over many courses of bricks or blocks, log cabins can not be adjusted. All your logs will arrive on site, cut to the millimetre and you can not adjust them in any way. Crucially the way your log cabin sits on the foundations will also affect how well the logs fit together and therefore how well they keep the elements out. We will show you
why having a level and accurate foundation footprint is crucial for your log cabin.
Longevity
One thing to bear in mind is whether the foundation type you are going for matches the intended lifespan of your log cabin. If you are only after a temporary short term solution, the choice of your foundation may be quite different to one which you want to last a lifetime. Most people, however, will want to make sure that their foundations will well outlast their log cabin. It is false economy to put in a poor foundation only to have to take remedial action to correct it later. Any work to foundations after a build can be extremely difficult and costly, especially on large structures. Make sure the materials and design you use will stand the test of time. Take a look in more details at
foundation longevity.
Damp proofing and moisture
We’ve already mentioned this on more than one occasion, but keeping damp or moisture away from your logs is essential. Moisture which is kept in constant contact with logs will lead to problems in the long term. This moisture can come from 2 main sources: the ground and precipitation (rain, snow etc). Your foundation design can eliminate these potential problem areas. This is dictated by the relationship between your logs and the surrounding ground levels, the ground type around your cabin and the detail of where your base logs sit on the foundations. Discover more to ensure
your log cabin does not suffer from damp problems.
Cost
Costs will vary significantly, but again be aware of the implications of using the different types of foundations. To re-iterate an earlier comment, please be aware of the overall costs, not just the foundation costs in isolation. If a more expensive foundation type ends up reducing the overall build cost, then it is an option well chosen (all other things being equal). The cost of the foundation will be influenced by factors such as materials, preparation, equipment needed and labour costs. We’ll help to guide you in this area, so that you know
how to compare foundation costs intelligently and make the right choice.
Click here to go from log cabin foundations to the homepage
|
|
|
