F.A.Q. © Copyright Alaska Log Structures 1973-2011 Q. How long does it take to construct the log shell at your building yard and reassemble onsite? A. To give you an example, a 30' x 40' plan would take us approximately 8-10 weeks to construct in our building yard, ship to your site, and fully reconstruct. Q. Do you build outside of the United States? A. Yes, we will consider any location in the world. Q. How do log homes hold up in earthquake zones? A. Earthquakes mainly affect all buildings with lateral movement depending on soil conditions.  With log construction and the use of interlocking corners and full length logs they will generally out perform other types of construction.  When a major earthquake hit South central Alaska in 1964, the "Spit" in Homer was hit hard.  The only building left standing after the quake was log, the world famous Salty Dog Saloon. A Local longtime Alaskan, Art Sheets, had done much of the insurance work in 1964 for damaged homes and recalls how log and timber frame homes out performed all other forms of construction. Q. Are your log homes energy efficient? A. We will put the performance and energy efficiency in our homes up against any againstother type of home.  The secret to energy efficiency is the precise fitting of the logs, careful placement of insulation in the lateral grooves and saddle notches. Another key element is to have a properly insulated/vented roof system with the right R value insulation for your area. The main reason our homes are energy efficient is because of our massive logs and their ability not only to store heat, but then radiate it back into the room.  According to the Log Homes Council Energy Committee, log homes retain heat 44 percent better than conventional homes.  Their finding was based on a test by the National Association of Home Builders that compared 8 log houses with 8 well-insulated foam houses in upstate New York and Montana. Q. Do you allow for settling, and how? A.  Yes.  For most species of log we allow 5/8 inch per wall foot. Special settling jacks are used for vertical log posts.  Slide by trim is used above doors and windows.  Special spline cuts are used to install rough framing for doors and window openings.  Special fittings are used for plumbing between first and second floors. When you come to see our work in person we show you in detail how settling is dealt with. Q. What general information is covered with a visit to you model log? home? A.  What will be covered in your visit to our model home  Log Joinery  Insulation  Electrical/Plumbing  Design  Estimates  Scheduling Q.  What services are provided with the log portion of construction? A.  In our log portion we provide the following:  Hand select logs  Pre build log work in our yard  Disassemble and load logs on trucks for delivery  Provide crew to reconstruct logs on your site  Doors and Windows cut in on site  Drill holes for electrical outlets (907) 230 5008 Alaska Log Structures Contemporary Design - Commercial Structures - Luxury Homes - Custom Cabins