How Warm Are Log Cabins ?

By Author: Dyani Ruth
Total Articles: 2
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The suitability of use of a log cabin depends upon it's structure and type - a log cabin house, for instance has to be much thicker than a summer house. But when deciding upon the design and format of a log cabin, you also need to consider how warm you want to be in it.

Now, this may seem like a bit of an obvious point, but it is important and is one we have to consider when advising on a structure. People often compromise on the thickness of a structure, but actually want to be relatively warm when using it. For instance, log cabins are very versatile, and so you might want to consider future possible uses, even if they are not what you are buying one for now. If you are purchasing a cabin as a Summer house, it needn't necessarily be too well insulated, unless you plan on storing items in it. But if, in a few years, you suddenly want to use it as an office, or even somewhere for occasional guests or sleep-overs, the thickness of the structure and insulation are important to consider.

If you are in an office, or somewhere to stay in occasionally the questions you ...
... need to ask are:
Is it warm enough for Winter? Does the cabin have double glazing, insulated roof and walls - is the floor insulated?

Is it too hot in Summer? Obviously a thicker log cabins structure, with insulation is going to be less prone to being like sitting in a radiator when in full sunshine. Careful insulation and plenty of windows - at least on two walls, will help to keep it cooler.
Is it secure? If using as an office or somewhere with electrical items in, such as TVs and radios, does your log cabin have good windows (preferably double glazed, laminated glass) in good frames, and how do they secure. Is the door well secured?

If you do plan on using a cabin as an office or a store for any goods or possessions, you will need to have a source of heat, year round. If you don't there will be times when the cabin becomes damp. This is particularly prevalent as a problem in changeable or wet conditions. The latter is obvious, as dampness in the air will move into the cabin, however, changeable conditions, with sudden cold snaps, or drops in temperature outside, can produce condensation on the inside of your cabin (or any structure). If you get condensation and don't have a source of heat to evaporate it again, this can result in mold build up, ruining your stored possessions.

Finally, a couple of points regarding living in cabins. If you plan on living in one, you will need the get permission to build it. Secondly, although a log cabin is entirely suitable as a living structure, you will need to take advice on thickness, insulation and suitability of building materials. All structures, including log cabins, need to conform to building regulations when you wish to live in them.