Any opinions on the safety of log homes in earthquakes? I’m an eastcoaster, so it’s not something I’ve ever thought about, but I’m moving to California, and seeing “Cedar Homes” for sale. The literature says they are great in earthquakes, and I can definitely see why they would be structurely better able to survive. But on the other hand, I can see some drawbacks to being buried in a very large log pile if one were to come down. And does anybody have any other feelings about drawbacks or advantages to “cedar homes”? Thanks, Michael
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"Cedar homes" in my area of California are typically stud construction. They may have plywood exterior, or have cedar planks applied as siding. This might be because true log homes don't behave well in quakes, or it might be because making a tight log home is very laborious. All the wall penetrations have to be sliding joints to allow the logs to shrink as they dry, and plumbing and masonery need to accomodate it too.
Edited 4/6/2003 5:02:00 PM ET by JAMIE_BUXTON
There ain't no way a well built log home will fall apart in a earthquake.
Gabe
If I had to choose among the various kinds of building to be in when an earthquake occured, a log home would be at or near the top of the list.
You might do a Google search and try to locate one of the Log Home Forums or log home design sites or...use your imagination to find an unbiased source and I think you'll find the facts bear me out...as long as the roof structure is built properly.
I keep seeing that phrase, "properly built" here. Not picking on anyone and I don't know much about siesmic loading but it might be worthwhile identifying some things that make log homes better or at least good in an earth quake.
There are log homes and there are log homes - lots of different methods used.
One thing that I can think of is that most modern log walls are built with threaded rod or lag screws tying logs together and to the foundation.
Another is that nothched corners would have more integrity than in a framed house, as long as gravity still works.
Excellence is its own reward!
Proper roof connections and the rods Piffin mentioned will definitely help in an earthquake. Round logs with curved seat joints and chinking will allow a log home to sway. A deep at the seat would bring the logs back to the original position (especially with rods driven through them)....that's not a mistake, it's rustic