Why build a log home?
Log homes possess a natural beauty--blending the warmth and charming elegance of the past with today's contemporary lifestyles.

Specific log home benefits include:

• Beautiful natural wood
• Incredibly strong (can withstand high winds)
• Energy efficient
• Chemical free
• Extremely quite
• Made from a renewable resource
• Withstand fire (can be sandblasted and restored)
• Beauty of a log home lasts a very, very long time

What design services are provided?
Heartland Log Homes specializes in custom-designed log homes, and we can transform the vision you have of your log home into reality. Also, our pre-designed standard models and floor plans can be modified to meet your needs and budget. Most log home companies provide only a standard set of blueprints; Heartland Log Homes provides three full sets of custom plans-one for you, one for your contractor, and one for the bank.

What is the best wood species for a log home?
Eastern White Pine-Most log homes manufactured in the United States use Eastern White Pine because of its high R-value, strength, availability, cost efficiency, and natural beauty. Heartland Log Homes can provide other wood species; call for additional information.

How are log homes financed?
Heartland Log Homes recommends that you use a local lending agency. After all, they know you best. Also, our staff can provide information on national lenders who specialize in log home financing. Call for more information.

What construction services are provided?
Heartland Log Homes offers a complete Dry-In Service and also uutilizes independent subcontractors to dry-in homes located outside our region. Dry-in services include the subfloor, log walls, roof system, ceiling beams, gable ends, exterior door and window installation, complete porch systems, and interior stud walls.

Lock-and-key construction is available in designated areas, primarily Middle Tennessee.

Can I build my log home?
Yes, however, most customers prefer to have an experienced crew dry-in their home. For those of you who are brave enough to try building your log home, Heartland Log Homes has construction schools you can attend.

Why should logs be kiln dried?
There are many reasons why logs are kiln dried. Drying logs stabilizes the wood, removes excess moisture, hardens the resin, kills insects and insect larva and eggs.

How does the cost of building a log home compare to the cost of building a conventional home?
Based upon our experience, the cost of a log home is about the same as the cost of a conventional home.

Are log homes energy efficient?
Yes, log homes are very efficient. A study was conducted by the National Bureau of Standards (NBS) for the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Department of Energy (DOE) to determine the effects of thermal mass on a building's energy consumption. Thermal mass relates to the bulk of solid log walls, brick, wood frame, or other types of construction. Test results revealed that the thermal mass of log walls is an energy-conserving feature in construction and that log homes are energy efficient. (Reference: A Field Study of the Effect on Wall Mass on the Heating and Cooling Loads of Residential Buildings, National Bureau of Standards, Washington, D.C.)

What are the maintenance requirements for a log home?
Log homes are relatively maintenance free; however, it is important that logs be properly dried to avoid problems with checking and twisting. Logs that are kiln dried are heated to industry standards; this process kills insects as well as insect eggs or larvae, and kills mold and fungi.

Exterior log walls should be treated at the time of construction with a water sealer which prevents rain from being absorbed into the wood. Sealers should have good UV blockers to prevent the sun from discoloring the wood to a gray shade. Many good water sealer products are on the market. Our staff can recommend quality water sealers.

Based upon the stain/sealer chosen, it is recommended that log homes be resealed periodically. Some sealers will last much longer than others. The darker the stain, the longer the intervals between reapplying sealers. Always follow the stain/sealer manufacturer's recommendations and directions for best results.