Tips for living in a wooden house in winter
Wooden houses are made for winter. Think about it: a nice, crackling fire in the fireplace. Snow falls gently outside. A twinkling Christmas tree in the corner. Everyone drinking hot chocolate and singing Christmas carols. It’s an image that is deeply ingrained in the consciousness of many, and for good reason.
But you don’t have to rent a ski cabin to get that feeling. You can find it in your very own log cabin, beautiful and valuable real estate that is perfect for anyone who wants that year-round serenity and calm.
Wooden houses are taken care of a little more during the year. So here’s what you need to know before you buy your own log cabin, so you’ll be ready once the weather turns cold.
Consider the local weather
Not everyone has extreme weather where they live. If your winters aren’t especially harsh, then you can probably get away with minimal preparation and be fine. But if you live in an area that gets very humid or cold, you will have to be very careful not to damage the wood, something that is very easy to do without the proper wood treatment.
Heat is another factor, so if you live in a very hot climate, be sure to take the same precautions every year. The sun can be just as damaging as the humidity.
Don’t worry, even extreme weather can’t break down the strength and beauty of wood, as long as you take care of it. With proper intervention, a wooden house can be passed down from generation to generation.
Make sure the fireplace works
That roaring fire in the image above? That may be the reality of it, but you have to make sure that your fireplace is in perfect condition. Any poorly maintained fireplace is, of course, a risk. But in a wooden house you have an additional threat if sparks ignite, so don’t skimp!
Make sure your home is zoned for a fireplace. Keep the chimney clean and sweep it every year before the cold months when you will use it the most. Put a good damper that can be easily opened and closed. That will allow you to open it to use it, but keep it closed when not in use so air doesn’t rush out. It also prevents creatures like birds, bats, arachnids, insects, and small mammals from roaming inside and causing a major headache.
Be ready to stain and seal
A log cabin should be maintained every three to five years to keep the wood in good condition. It’s well worth the cost, as your home is an investment worth far more than what you spend on upkeep.
If you don’t preserve your home, the wood will crack, warp, and even rot. Replacing logs is expensive and difficult, often requiring an experienced woodworking contractor to come in and do it for you. Staining, on the other hand, is a DIY job that most people can complete on their own. It can cost you anywhere from $1500 to $5000 depending on the size of the house and extensions (like wooden garages), but for an expense every few years it is relatively low.
The weatherstripping is your best friend
Even without gaps in the wood, leaks can occur in log cabins. Like any home, there are drafts around windows and doors, or in attics and basements. This can be frustrating for homeowners who want to keep the cold out of their home, but worry about the high energy costs required to do so. Some resort to firewood to keep warm, but that is of no use if it escapes through the cracks.
Weather stripping is inexpensive and easy to do yourself. You can seal the windows and doors to prevent air leaks and keep that warmth in with your family. Most hardware stores have kits with full instructions, and YouTube has great informational videos showing the process.
It even helps once summer hits, keeping that cool air inside!
Extra insulation makes for a cozy cabin
If you don’t mind a heavier project that requires a little more time and expertise, you may want to consider adding some extra insulation to your home. Insulation helps prevent air from escaping like weather stripping does. It is especially useful in wooden houses due to the drafts that pass through the logs.
The attic is one particular area where additional insulation can completely change the way your home conserves energy. Hot air tends to move upward, so if you have a drafty attic space, even if it’s a small crawl space, you can let a lot of it out. Adding some insulation will keep you trapped inside the most leaky part of the house, which keeps you in the rooms where you and your family live.
Heavy curtains make a big difference
If insulation isn’t possible, or if you just want an extra tool to keep your house warm, heavy curtains may do the trick. Thick enough to block out light, these babies also keep heat out of the window. The better the fabric, the better the warm air will stay where it belongs, in your home.
You can use a lighter shade if you’re worried about reinforcing the rods enough to hold something heavier in place. Just be sure to add a layer or two to provide the highest possible barrier around your windows.
keep those bugs out
Finally, you have the problem of creatures. Insects, arachnids, small mammals like rats, mice, and even raccoons… all of these are potential dangers to your log home. Termites can eat through the wood, and other creatures can scratch and gnaw at the wood.
Be prepared to seal your home each winter, and consider spraying for pests before the first snow falls. That will keep the problem at bay before it gets out of control.