Gable end of a cabin
Log siding for gables
The gable end of a home is where the roof line climbs above the side of the house to form a triangle. Very commonly log siding is used to finish the gable ends of a home. First the logs are stacked to a height of about 105 inches consisting of 14 to 15 rows of logs. Then the end of the home is framed with 2x4 lumber. Then house wrap and insulation is installed. Finally the log siding is cut to length and nailed or screwed up.
On the inside of the gables typically 1x6 or 1x8 pine or cedar tongue and groove in used.
Log Siding on Gable End of Log Home
Log Homes- Log Profiles
There are three main kinds of round log profiles. The first is a D-log with a double tongue and groove stack, the second a double D (also known as a round on round) also with a double tongue and groove stack, and third a Swedish Cope profile. The D-log is round on the outside and flat on the inside. The double round log is round on the inside and the outside. The Swedish Cope is round on the inside and outside but stacks with the Swedish Cope cut. This cut leaves the top of the log round, and curves the bottom of the log.
Log siding for gables works the best with either the D-log or the double D. The tongue and groove stack makes it easy to get a true match siding for the gables, usually purchased directly from the same supplier your log home comes from.
The Swedish Cope does not work as well in log siding. To get a true match Swedish Cope log siding you have to have a log that is milled this way, cut down the middle. Once you frame the dormer there is not enough room to fit the full log siding up there and still have the logs and the siding line up.
Tongue and Groove on Interior of Gable End of Log Home
Log Siding Advantages
An advantage to using log siding is the decrease of settling. A frame wall holds rigid and does not shrink. With a Swedish Cope home, typically solid logs are stacked to the top of the peak. This looks really nice, but it allows more area for settling. If each log shrinks just a little, then it is magnified when spread across 22 feet than 9 feet. This "accordion" type effect leaves many more gaps and cracks for wind, weather, and insects.
Log homes are "Green" construction, a renewable resource, and very energy efficient. And through such measures as framing and log siding the gable ends a tighter more weatherproof
Thanks as always for reading!
Sue Lemmon
Cowboy Log Homes
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