Answers to frequently asked Questions

"How much does it cost for transport

In the LAURENTIEN HOMESA, transport is approximately LAURENTIEN HOMES$ 4.25 per loaded mile in the LAURENTIEN HOMESA.

Can homeowner builder get financing on Log Homes

Financing on log homes is readily available through Credit Unions, Trust companies, Savings and loans and through some banks and more and more institutions are specializing in the financing of log homes.

Financing on log homes is more difficult with the banks but this is an individual thing. Banks prefer to have houses built by accredited builders but in recent years we have seen relaxing of some banks requirements as their need to make loans increases. More and more institutions are now specializing in the financing of log homes.

Where is LAURENTIEN Log Homes located

Our manufacturing is in Val-Morin (Quebec), 45 miles North of Montreal.

How long have you been in business

The original mill started in Wakefield, Quebec around 1954. We have been manufacturing in Val-Morin since 1974.

What is your fax number

We do not publish our fax number in order to reduce the overload of junk advertising coming into our offices. Our fax number will be available at such time as you wish to send us your plans. In the meantime, please contact us by mail or phone. Dealers may give out their personal fax numbers if they choose.

Who puts your kits up

The kit is designed to be owner built and each log is pre-cut and numbered. However, your builder can easily install a LAURENTIEN Log kit.

Can I build it myself

A handy man with some help from friends who are able bodied and willing to work hard can build most of the kits. The kits are actually designed for owner builders.

Are these houses accepted everywhere

Most municipalities approve log homes although there are a few who may resist. We do meet the national building codes but some areas have their own particular variations.

What do you put between the logs

We have a zero tolerance between the logs. Our method is a wood on wood locking tongue and groove. There is no need for anything else between the pieces although we do put a caulking joint of a flexible joint material along the exterior joint to ensure 100% air and water tightness.

Do you use special nails

We use a special of 10" spikes in and 6" logs and 12" spikes in the bigger logs. No ardoxed (twist) or treated nails which inhibit proper settling. We also use a variety of other types of specially designed attachment mechanisms.

How heavy are the pieces

Any of the log wall pieces can be handled by 2 men but the main beams can weigh as much as 800. So they require a small boom truck or crane or 6 - 8 men.

Do we need a crane to put this up

It is advisable to use a small crane or boom truck to put up the roof beams on bigger houses.

What kind of foundation is required

Almost any sound foundation can be used. This is more a function of the building site soil than a special requirement for the log structure. Any foundation which meets local codes can easily support a log building. We will verify this when the plans are drawn.

What type of heating do you suggest

How do you compare your houses to conventional stick built homes

It is possible to build a superb conventional structure as well as a log structure. Price, quality, maintenance, durability and pride of ownership are all of different importance to different people. The comparison has to be made by the buyer according to his tastes, needs and interests. To force someone to live within the confines of a conventional home when their life long dream is to live in a log home is a disaster. The homeowner who realizes his dream of a log home and who participates in it's realization and sees to its proper construction has an exclusive lifestyle ahead in the enjoyment of a dream come true.

Where does the wiring go

What are the major problems encountered with these structures

Problems that occur are generally when our information and instructions are overridden by overzealous friends or carpenters or general contractors. The customers with the least expertise who build for themselves are often times those who build the best because they follow instructions and become well informed.

What kind of wood do you use

We use primarily Northern white pine heartwood which is straight grained, has minimum shrinkage, is a good insulator and takes a nice finish. Other woods available are Eastern White Cedar which is a slightly better insulator but which will have a lot more end joints in the wall because of its short lengths and Western Red Cedar which is much more expensive and is very dark.

What kind of wood are the beams

Most of the beams are also white pine but the large and long beams are western hemlock or fir.

Can we keep the wood natural

On the inside the wood can be kept completely natural however on the outside it requires a protection from the sun's Ultra Violet rays. The best protection from the sun is color. This means it can be fairly natural and transparent but not quite as white as the interior.

What products do we use to treat the wood

On the outside, we use Oil based transparent stains with preservative included as well as Latex stains with boron or Borax preservatives, with UV filters. Inside we use Clear breathable Latex finishes.

Do the cracks affect the wood

The wood cracking and checking is minimized by the expansion joint. A certain amount is to be expected and should be verified on the outside for any cracks which might have a tendency to hold water these should be caulked or filled with stain during the regular maintenance schedule of the house.

What is the slot for in the Bouvètriple® design

The slot relieves tension in the wood to minimize checking, cracking, twisting or bucking.

What shrinkage can be expected and what is done to avoid problems of shrinkage

Laurentien Log Homes pine wall structures are heart pine only (boxed heart) and for this reason we have a shrinkage factor of 1/4 inch per vertical foot with our 6"x6" logs. This is not to be confused with other manufacturers of other types of logs, or even manufacturers using white pine logs, who will have their own specifications for their products. Our staff is very aware and up to date at overcoming any shrinkage problems. We give you our considerable expertise in matters such as log wall shrinkage, preservation and structural integrity when you become one of our valued customers.