The unusually large amount of snow that the mountains of Western North Carolina received the weekend before Christmas 2009 should remind log home owners and future log home owners the things to consider, because of heavy snow, when building and/or living in a log home. Log home lovers know that few things are prettier than a warm log home when surrounded by snow. Enjoying this moment to the fullest also takes planning before the snow arrives especially during the log home building process.

Thousands of homes were without power because of the snowstorm so a backup energy or heat source would be a primary consideration. Can your fireplace be used as a backup heat source?

1.Protecting the log home from snow and other elements is achieved by porches, balconies, and decks. This also creates outdoor living space during the nonsnow months.
2.Knowing the building code and how much snow load the new roof will support can also be important.
3.Large eaves and overhangs will also further protect the logs from the weather including snow.
4.Insulated garage doors on homes with an attached garage will asist in keeping the cold air out of this area.
5.Consider an out buiding to store extra fuel, firewood, or the snowmobile.
6.Invest in energy efficient windows to help keep the log home warm during the cold periods. The extra cost up front will come back as savings during use and at the same time create a more comfortable environment.
7.Consider a backup propane generator.
8.Plan for a pantry for storing the extra food while being snowed in.
9.High quality insulation in the roof system
10.Orientate the log home to the south to capture the sun's heat in the winter.
11.Consider ice shield underlayment in the roof system to protect the log home interior from leaks.
12.Visually check the entire log exterior before winter for possible places for cold air to come inside.

A log homes resource is http://www.davidcraven.com/Log_Homes/page_2191149.html

David Craven
RE/MAX Mountain Realty
David@DavidCraven.com
www.DavidCraven.com