Roof Systems for Log Homes
A variety of roof systems are used in log homes. The specific roof system used in a home depends on owner preference, budget, and availability from the manufacturer. Many manufacturers offer more than one roof system. The type of roof system affects both the cost of the finished home and its perceived value.
Conventional
Conventional roofs are made from dimensional lumber assembled just as in conventionally framed houses. Roof framing material consists of either dimensional lumber rafters or pre-fabricated trusses. The framing is covered by plywood sheathing, felt paper, and shingles. The roof is insulated using fiberglass, foam batts, or blown-in-fibers. Roof ventilation is required just as for conventional houses. Because materials and construction are similar, the cost of a conventional roof is no different than in a conventional home. This is usually the least expensive roofing option for a log home.
Built-Up
Built-up roofs offer wooden (usually) ceiling coverings and exposed beams, both features sought after by many log home customers. A built-up roof is built by erecting a framework of timber rafters. Purlins, timbers set horizontally, paralleling the ridge line, may also be used. Solid wood decking, usually of tongue and groove pine or cedar, is secured to the top of the roof framework.
Rigid insulation is placed over the decking and covered with a layer of sheathing. Some systems add a layer of sleepers before the sheathing or use two layers of sheathing separated by sleepers to create an airspace for ventilation.
Because they use large timbers and tongue and groove decking and require more labor to construct, built-up roofs can cost several times as much as conventionally framed roofs. The look created, however, adds significantly to the lodge-like atmosphere many buyers are seeking which can add significantly to the value of the home.
Roof Coverings
Roof coverings used on log homes are similar to those used in conventional homes. Fiberglass or composition shingles are the basic coverings offered by most manufacturers (when they include roof coverings in their package). Other popular coverings include cedar shakes, slate and metal. These add significantly to the cost of a home, just as they would with conventional construction.
Trim
Log homes usually have more trim, particularly on the exterior, than conventional homes.
The quality of trim and its installation can affect the perceived quality of a completed log home. Because log home packages, styles, and owner preferences vary, there is no standard for trim. Also, since home owners often install trim themselves, it may reflect their abilities rather than the quality of the structure itself. It is important to not judge all log homes by the quality of trim work found in some.
Log home trim varies from plain dimensional lumber (usually pine or cedar), to the same pre-fabricated trim used in conventional housing, to custom made trim from a variety of woods. Trim may be supplied ready to install or may arrive from the manufacturer as dimensional lumber to be cut and shaped on the job site. Log home interior trim is often stained and varnished rather than painted, a feature that would add considerably to the value of a conventional home.
