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Old Log Homes... Be Aware

By Tom Heatherington

Services for Real Estate Pros with The Webunet Group

February 22, 2009 12:26 PM

If you or a client are considering buying an older log home, you will want to make sure that the wood used in the construction of the home was not treated with harmful or carcinogenic chemicals.

Over the years, the building industy (including log home manufacturers) have used different chemicals and wood preservatives to treat and preserve wood. As technology advanced and awareness of potentially deadly side effects became known, harmful chemicals were abandoned in favor of more healthy and eco-friendly solutions. Read the entire article, If you live in an old log home, heed this...

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Patricia Kennedy

RLAH@properties - Washington, DC

Home in the Capital

Tom, I have this living in a log home fantasy! These posts are really helpful.

Feb 22, 2009 12:31 PM

Mary Kent

Five Star Real Estate - Grand Rapids, MI

Grand Rapids to the Lake Shore

Tom-Great to know. Never really thought about what could be lurking in older log homes. Best to you~

Feb 22, 2009 12:37 PM

Mike Klijanowicz

Cummings & Co. Realtors - Perry Hall, MD

Associate Broker @ Cummings & Co. Realtors

Thanks for the info, I was considering building my own custom 10,000 square foot log home, NOT!

Feb 22, 2009 12:52 PM

Edward D. Nikles

Ed Nikles Custom Builder , Inc. / Nikles Realty , Inc. - Milford, PA

Thanks Tom , I remember building retaining walls out of old Creosoted Railroad Ties back in my landscaping days ! We switched to P.T. ties , which then became considered harmful ! I never even thought about log homes ! Keepin' it Green !

Feb 23, 2009 10:58 AM

Tamara Perlman

Referral Network Inc. - Truckee, CA

Tom--Another issue with older log homes is dryrot. Here in the High Sierra with extreme weather conditions (we sometimes get horizontal snow...), the finishes would wear off and moisture would sit over the winter, despite what the manufacturer would tell you about the channeling of any water that "might" get in... There have been several in our area that have had to have some major work. Just another tidbit for that "charming" log cabin.

Feb 27, 2009 12:43 PM