Are garden log cabins rainproof is a question we got asked all the time here at -.
The short simple answer to your query is a resounding yes!
Why would they not be?
Well,let’s take a look at some of the possible troubles with a timber cabin which would make the log cabin not rainproof and quite frankly not fit for purpose.The main thing to look at immediately is the roof,that’s where you would visualize the main issue would commence (this is not always the case but that’s where we will commence today). The main issue with the roof would be to have the felt or shingling to not be mounted correctly. This is quite easily done if this is something you have never done before and why it should always be tackled by a professional most especially if you are spending a lot of your hard earned money on a timber cabin.
• Make certain that the overlaps are overlapping in the proper way. You should always commence felting at the bottom of the construction and felt upwards. By doing this you ensure that the felt overlaps on top of the piece of felt that is further down the roof. This will ensure there is a natural run off of the water,if you commence felting at the top of the roof and you put the overlie from the bottom pieces over the top of the felt higher up when the rain operates off it will operate under the felt and therefor result in a leak. This is exactly the same when doing shingles,make certain you set up from bottom upwards.
• Make certain the overlaps of the felt/shingles are quite generous. You don’t want them to be just barely overlapping because this could result in rainwater to get between the felt sheets and this will result in a leak
.• Make certain you use more than enough felt nails. Ideally you want to be spacing the felt nails around 6 inches apart from each other. Always do this on both sides of the felt and dependent on the quality of the felt you are using possibly put another row of nails in the middle,possibly two rows but again this depends on the quality of the felt. Failure to put enough felt nails in there could result in the felt blowing off during a bad storm which would then leave your construction exposed to leaks.
• It is additionally essential that when you reach the overhang of the construction with the felt you tack the felt to side of the roof but DO NOT tuck the felt under the overhang of the roof as this limits the natural run off of the water. This can result in early rotting of the construction and in some scenarios result in the roof to leak around the top corners of the construction as water could build up.
• Make certain you use the correct size fixings. If the roofing boards on your construction are let’s say 10mm,you don’t want felt nails of 16mm. Doing this would result in the felt nails to come completely through the roof. This would not look cosmetically appealing and would additionally be a real option of a leak in the construction. They way felt is now designed,there should be a watertight seal around the nail but throughout the seasons with wear and tear this may fail resulting in a leak.
• The most commonly neglected area on a timber cabin construction is the felt or shingles on the roof. This is typically because we can’t see it most of the time and it’s a lot more difficult to get up there and have a look,but this is exactly what you should do and I would suggest at least once a year or if you notice a leak. Because log cabins are not built as high as the typical house and the felt and shingles aren’t quite as tough and durable as a normal house tile they require a little more focus. They are exposed to more elements on a daily basis because they are lower,this can result in a number of things from falling debris from trees,or another example would be a kids’s toys getting thrown up there which would all result in damage to the felt/shingles. Not to mention lots of bird droppings can rot the felt if it is in an area where natural rainwater can not penetrate it to create a natural run off and cleaning system (for example if your log cabin sits under a tree).
- set up all of our log cabins,we do this because we know you are investing a lot of money into a timber cabin and you want it to be around for a long period of time. So the best way we can ensure this happens is to take care of the installation and make certain it is mounted correctly. We’ve been out to repair log cabins in the past built by non-skilled people and if the construction is not put together correctly then number one it won’t be safe but additionally it could result in a failure in the construction to be rainproof.
A prime example of this would be that the logs haven’t been constructed correctly on the walls. This would then result in the log cabin to differ from the design as it was intended to be. At this point when the roof was mounted there might be openings between the roof and the wall. Voids could additionally appear on the walls of the log cabins themselves and in some situations if the initial build of the log cabin was so bad you would have no choice but to take down the log cabin and rebuild it.
This is why - set up all of our log cabins so you don’t have this to worry about. As you can visualize if there is a void in the wall or a void between the roof and the wall this would leave the cabin open and it would most definitely leak which is what we want to avoid at all costs.
I additionally want to bring focus to the floor surface a second. Having your log cabin mounted on a proper ground base is a must. That could be a Timberdise ground base,cement base or a paved area. As long as they’re flat,level and solid you should be ok. Be mindful of where you put the cabin,don’t put it anyplace that is at risk of flooding as just like the house that you live in. If the water level rises and there is no getaway for it then the log cabin will flood,that is regardless of how thick and tight your logs are.
Lastly let’s talk about sealants around the windows and doors. Make certain after you have treated your cabin you fit the relevant sealants around the doors and the windows. The log cabins don’t come with these fitted as standard,this is so you can treat the cabin first and then apply the sealants afterwards. By not fitting the doors and windows with sealants then there’s a chance rainwater could penetrate the inside of the cabin,which again is easily fixed by applying sealants.
In addition,occasionally most especially during the winter months,condensation can happen inside a cabin. This is typical due to the log cabins not having any insulation fitted,it is not a leak and can be quite typical. We recommend at Timberdise to get a dehumidifier if you have electrical access in there and leave it running during the cooler months. This will help take moisture content out of the air and further increase the life of your cabin.
If you adhere to all the above ideas you should have a leak free cabin for the duration of its life which can offer limitless enjoyment and relaxation.Keep in mind prevention is more desirable than the cure.