The preservation and need for permanent shelters became a necessity as the human civilization grew from ancient times. From very early on in the development of history, log homes and structures originated where forests and trees provided the primary source of building material. Today, we have log homes for our comfort and aesthetic enjoyment.

Log construction and preservation is known to have begun in ancient history around 700 BCE in Eastern Europe. During this time, several techniques were recorded that were used to make the wood last for extended periods of time with no decay. Some of these include, special gouges at the ends and corners to drain rain and water, organic applications that stunted fungal growth and waterproofed as well as stone foundations that protected the logs from insect decay.

This brief history gives an ancient perspective of log maintenance and the relevance to today's log homes in maintaining the logs and protecting them from decay. When considering designing, building, and living in a log structure, understanding your wood home on a microscopic and organic level will give you the basics to understanding its function and maintenance.

There are a few important facts to know about wood before you begin planning to own or build a log home for yourself. Wood must be professionally maintained and protected or you will have some unwanted, expensive repairs. There are a couple things to know about your wood's effectiveness. Your geographic location is primary. Weather determines how your wood will react to a climate. For example, humid weather will expand wood but dry weather will preserve it. Secondary to climate, are the biological agents specific to your region that can deteriorate wood such as termites or other forms of bugs. More factors to think about are the local building codes and rules on local practices and unique situations that have been favorable to others in your area.

Now we will focus on wood, the material that our dream homes are made of. Wood is a cellular substance that makes up the bulk portion of a tree. Its cell cavity is made up of alkaloids, oils, starches, gums, waxes and water. Wood is like a honeycomb composed of hollow, tubular cells that give it its amazing strength and allows it to hold onto water, oxygen and other nutrients. This honeycomb structure is also an insulation material.

Wood decay form bugs is unavoidable once a tree has been cut from its nurturing roots. Of the many bugs that may cause its decay, termites are number one. Wood is their primary source of food and shelter. Termites as well as several other species of beetles, eat at the cell wall of the wood structure so that they can lay their eggs inside. They colonize the wood and emerge after the eggs hatch. To avoid bug infestation of your wood, you should make sure your wood has been fully treated by the lumber company you purchased it from. You can also treat the wood yourself by using a wood preservative, a chemical soil treatment or the placement of physical barriers such as metal or plastic shields in areas where termites are a problem.

Another common source of wood decay is Fungi and mold. These are living organisms that feed on the nutrients inside the cell structure of the wood, causing it to become discolored to look like black, gray, blueish-green, or white. It makes the wood become more porous and increases the chances for moisture to enter the wood conducive to more decay. Some wood has a natural resistance to fungi and mold due to its own production of natural preservatives and oils present in the wood (e.g., cedars, redwood, cypress). Preservatives that are EPA registered are designed to make the wood as an unsuitable food source for fungi and insects. These preservatives kill any insects already infesting the wood. As a homeowner or builder of a new wood home, you should make sure topical treatments of preservatives have been applied before delivery.

Now you have an idea of how some tiny organism can destroy a huge log! With an understanding of wood's biological make up and the necessary preservatives, you can stop this process and prevent new infestations. Don't forget to get some advise from a local construction company or consult your representative on the wood treatment practices in your local area. Remember, if you live in an area of dry weather, it's a form of a preservative. Just keep in mind the cellular structure of your wood, its strengths and weaknesses, and you will be successful in maintaining and protecting your wood.

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