Of Log Cabins and R value

[John P.]

I was talking with somebody about my barn project, and was telling them about one of the threads on here regarding inspectors and not allowing a cabin to be built in Michigan (my state too) up north. Well, evidently, she was not able to have a traditional log cabin built either. The code inspector would not let them build because... the R-value was too low. They ended up building a conventionally framed building and used log veneer.

[D L Bahler]

Why could you not build a log cabin, apply a thermal envelope on the inside with an attractive wood panel wall? I think this would be a nice solution. It is done frequently in the Swiss Alps, both for the renovation of old homes and new construction.

Such a structure performs very well and is thermally quite stable.

Of course the answer to this question might just be 'because michigan says I can't'
O dear Michigan, why can't you be more like your neighbor to the south? (Sorry, just have to push those old state rivalries)

[starmac]

The r value is deceptive in a log cabin or house. They heat way easier than the posted r value, compared to stick built or most other types of construction of the same r value.
There are lots of log cabins and homes up here heated easily even at 60 below temps.

[John P.]

Why could you not build a log cabin, apply a thermal envelope on the inside with an attractive wood panel wall? I think this would be a nice solution. It is done frequently in the Swiss Alps, both for the renovation of old homes and new construction.

Not too sure! I'm guessing their builder or they didn't know enough to research it more? It could have been quite a few years ago before wide access to the internet, I didn't ask when.

Thankfully, I'm only building an accessory structure for storage, not part of the house. But hearing this sort of stuff discourages me to a point - it is too bad code doesn't allow for a homeowner to reduce certain non-safety standards (r-value) with the stipulation that it be recorded for future buyers of the property. Based on past experience, I understand the value of code - especially when you scratch your head wondering how the HECK the builder got away with such a terrible job. But I guess code isn't to ensure overall quality :P

Another 'funny' story. One of the twps in my area told a builder that the 3-season room he was building for some homeowners had to pull a permit for a 4-season room because 'future owners' could fully enclose it in. Nevermind that it was a screened in deck, with no real foundation or insulation below it.

[Autocar]

Let me get this straight you own the land you pay the taxes and they tell you what you can or can't build  :-\.

[D L Bahler]

Again take lessons from your neighbor to the south, we have a nice old law that states if you do the majority of the work yourself, on your own land, then building codes cannot be enforced. It's an old law dating from settlement days and aptly called the 'log cabin law' having to do with the fact that Indiana achieved statehood well before most of it was settled.

[John P.]

Again take lessons from your neighbor to the south, we have a nice old law that states if you do the majority of the work yourself, on your own land, then building codes cannot be enforced. It's an old law dating from settlement days and aptly called the 'log cabin law' having to do with the fact that Indiana achieved statehood well before most of it was settled.

Wow - wonderful. I googled it and came up with this gem:

"... In its early stages, this country's frontier was moved westward by pioneers who moved onto land and built houses made from the materials at hand. Since then, home owning has become an essential facet of the "American dream". It may be argued that ordinances such as those contemplated by Indiana Code IC 36-7-8-3, which establishes construction specifications and require permits and inspections for residential construction projects, interfere with the ability of some individuals to build their own home and thus to pursue the American dream.

Sigh. I'm happy in Michigan, but maybe if we could just annex part of Indiana and adopt that rule! We could even give you a piece of MI to be fair about the matter. If only these sorts of laws worked like offshore business tax shelters...

[ChrisGermany]

I truly despise intrusive laws and ordinances like that. If I own my land and want to build my own house...then I don't see that anyone has a blessed thing to say about it.  :

If I want a drafty floor with face-nailed hardwood boards and no plywood subfloor, power to me. If I want board and batten walls with no vapor barrier or insulation, again ...it's my house.

Gets me about as angry as seatbelt laws, but that's another rant entirely.

Anyway. Pardon the griping! A log house can be just as snug and warm as any house. R-value is just about worthless when talking about the ability of big, thick logs to hold and disperse heat. Building codes tend to overlook traditional methods and materials in favor of what's latest and greatest.

[Mooseherder]

A couple posts had to be removed.  Violence isn't the answer.

[Magicman]

Thankfully I can still build whatever I want on my property.  The county only wants the additional taxes.   :