Your construction contractor may mention foundational support requirements and the shrinkage of logs when discussing an impending log home addition on your residential property. Building out or upward are two ways to expand your home. Consider the following criteria to determine which type of expansion you favor more.

Support Materials

If you decide to add another story to your home, the existing foundation will need to be strong enough to support the additional weight. Weight-bearing walls are also one of the primary materials that will need to be assessed before this type of expansion. Your contractor may call in a structural engineer to inspect the structure of your home.

An outward expansion will require the pouring of a cement foundation. This foundation will be located next to the existing one but will be responsible for supporting all of the new materials that are being used to enlarge your home.

Adding another story to your home will likely cost more than an outward expansion. This type of upgrade will involve removing all of the existing roofing materials. The inside of your home may be exposed to the elements for a long duration. You may be required to leave your home until the construction is complete.

Log Shrinkage

Solid logs shrink over time. The reduction in volume may be minimal, but it could affect how new logs look next to the ones that have been exposed to the elements for years. Your contractor can use a couple of techniques to match the new logs to the existing ones.

They may recommend that trim or edging is installed between the sections that will be joined together. This will break up the log pattern and make it less noticeable that the logs are not exactly the same. Because the new logs will be at full capacity when they are first installed, you will not be able to determine how much shrinkage will actually occur. It may take several years for the new walls to settle. 

Another option is to use log siding. Log siding can be installed over framing or insulated panels. Log siding contains a reduced moisture content in comparison to solid logs. As a result, this type of material will not shrink much. If you choose siding panels, they can be matched to the size and color of the logs that have been used to construct your home. 

For more information, contact a log home material supplier in your area.