Welcome to the January 2021 issue of The Oak Leaf! For new readers, this is a monthly newsletter that is sent by e-mail to those that have expressed an interest in Gastineau Log Homes. We use this as a way of communicating technical, design and industry information. For more information, check out our web site at oakloghome.com.
Check out our new website! Same address: oakloghome.com but new photos and information! Read our blogs on our website too. Our new Image Gallery has LOTS of pictures that you can view!
Please “Like” Gastineau Log Homes on Facebook!
My goal for the Oak Leaf newsletter is to help you design, build, decorate and maintain a log or timber frame home. This month I would like to take the opportunity to describe to you why you should select Gastineau as the design and material supplier for your new home – why we do things the way that we do.
Trivia Question: Which of these people is responsible for developing the charcoal briquette? Henry Ford, Thomas Edison or Edward Kingsford? (See the answer below.)
#1. We are the world’s leading producer of Oak log homes
However, Eastern White Pine, Cypress and Cedar is also available. We know the pros and cons of building with each species and provide unbiased information regarding your project. Whatever species meets your needs, we’ve got it!
#2. Our Reputation
Since opening for business in 1977, our reputation has meant everything. We have earned national and global trust while shipping homes to all 50 states and 12 countries. Beginning in 1980, GLH has contributed to R&D efforts with the Log Home Council. This research has led to log grading, energy testing, code compliance and loan acceptance. As a result, log construction remains a viable option for new home buyers.
#3. GLH SmartLog™ Wall System
GLH log walls improve with age. In 1993, we launched our own R&D program to explore and
improve log wall construction. The result is our SmartLog™: a profile and joinery system that is a proven game-changer with 28 years of unmatched performance. Additionally, this wall system gets tighter
over time and provides a life time warranty against caulk failure.
Click here for more details.
#4. Full Design Services
Check out the standard plans on our website. If you find something that’s close, but not exactly what you want, we can change it. If none of our standard plans match your vision, send us your ideas. It can be on a piece of paper, a napkin or just call and tell us what you are thinking. We may have something in our 43 year old archives of plans that will work for you!
Our designers have great ideas to help you achieve the “look and feel” that works for you and your family. Our purpose is to design and engineer your dream home that matches your vision and project investment plans.
#5. Quality Assurance Visits
Standard in every GLH package are our Quality Assurance Visits. Both during and after construction, we provide an experienced log home construction expert from our office to visit your job site and inspect the construction of your home. This is a win/win/win for everyone: you know your home is built according to the GLH Construction Manual, the builder is assured that he has built the home properly, and we know that the home will perform as it was designed.
#6. Our logs go around your sub-floor and are bolted to your foundation
GLH is the only log home company that provides extra rows of logs to go around your sub-floor. This detail is crucial, as it allows the log wall to be bolted to the concrete foundation. It also increases energy efficiency by providing an insulated wall around your sub-floor, achieves increased seismic and high-wind ratings, and it looks better!
The detail to the right shows how the logs are bolted directly to the foundation.
#7. Exclusive GLH Wall Guides
Typically, a log home is constructed with exterior log walls and framed interior 2×4 or 2×6 partition walls that divide the living space into rooms. It is critical that these partition walls be attached to the log walls in a manner that allows the logs to naturally dry and settle.
GLH wall guides provide a secure attachment of the partition walls to the log walls while allowing the wall to settle. An added advantage of the wall guides is the strong and stable vertical surface they provide. This minimizes the chances of the log wall bowing over time.
#8. Pre-cut and Splined Window and Door Frames/Bucks
Installing the proper size door and window frames has never been this easy! All the door and window frames for the log walls come from GLH ready to nail together in the sizes specified on your blueprints. Each set of frames is cut to length and individually wrapped and identified by name. Simply nail the pieces together and place at the proper location in the log wall.
The two side pieces of the frame are splined to fit the groove notches cut in the end of the logs. This spline holds the window in place while allowing the logs to settle down the buck. A special sealer is also used at the spline which will provide an air and water seal but not interfere with the settlement process.
Also included with all GLH kits is the gasket that goes above the frame in the settlement space, plus the special profile gasket for each side of the doors and windows. The profile gasket seals off the gaps created by placing a flat exterior trim on the round log exterior.
#9. And last but not least, our facilities and our people
We have the facilities and people to guide, design, manufacture and support your construction schedule. Our offices contain over 180 years of experience and knowledge to advise you through the process!
Open Houses:
The GLH National Model Home Center on I-70 in central MO is back to normal business hours! Come walk through 3 of our homes Monday – Friday 8a-5p, Saturday 9a-5p, and Sunday 12a-5p. No appointment necessary. Click here for more, including directions.
2020 Construction Seminar Schedule:
Click here for information on our one day construction seminars.
At this time, we do not have any construction seminars scheduled but they will be coming soon! If you need construction training, please contact us to schedule an individual training day.At this time, we do not have any construction seminars scheduled but they will be coming soon! If you need construction training, please contact us to schedule an individual training day.
Answer to the Trivia Question:
Actually it is all three! Henry Ford needed a source of timber for his cars. He bought land in MI through a realtor, Edward Kingsford. (Whose wife just happened to be Fords cousin.) The production of the wood for the automobiles produced a lot of waste and Ford suggested it be processed into charcoal. Thomas Edison designed the briquette factory next to the sawmill and Kingsford ran it. Originally the briquettes were only sold through Ford dealerships. In the mid-1930’s, Ford was marketing “Picnic Kits” containing charcoal and portable grills directly from Ford dealerships. In 1951 Ford Charcoal was bought by an investment group and renamed Kingsford Charcoal in honor of Edward Kingsford. In 1973 the plant was acquired by Clorox. Today more than one million TONS of wood scraps are converted into charcoal briquettes.
Quote of the Month:
