Log Cabin Roofing – Things Everyone Needs To Know

Suppose that you have put in the required hours and have finally put up an incredible log cabin in your ideal location and all that is lacking now is a roof atop your head. It may look like an insignificant thing, but the truth is that a roof can affect the aesthetic appeal of your home.

With this thought in mind, it is therefore crucial that the design and fit you choose for your roof be simple to maintain and sturdy. The first step to undertake in this case is to get to know what the building and planning codes in your locality are, as they significantly affect what kind of structure you can construct.

Regulations often influence the height of the log cabin as well as the materials you can use. So before you go any further, have a chat with the relevant agencies else you may find yourself demolishing the structure a few months down the line.

Factors to consider when building a log cabin roof

Now that you are clear on what’s acceptable and what’s not, you can get cracking on the decision-making process. Have a look at some of the determinants that can influence your design, stability, utility and costs and the reasons why.

Type of roof

In this case, you can go for a flat roof or a pitched one. Weather conditions play a crucial role in this decisions as well as what you find pleasing to the eye.

What is in a pitched roof?

A pitched roof is any roof with a gradient larger than 10%. The steep of the roof affects how fast rain and snow slough off the roof, thus making steeper roofs more suitable for wet weather conditions. With this kind of a roof, it is less likely that rain and snow can get caught in the roofing materials, resulting in low maintenance costs.

The downside to this kind of roof is that the steeper the gradient, the more expensive the construction becomes. You will incur a lot of expenses on labor and materials and may experience objections from local authorities on the same.

Take caution when constructing such a roof in an area prone to strong winds as they can move under the overhang and lift off the cabin roof. This roof is quite aesthetically pleasing and will be a great addition to your surroundings.

Reasons to go flat

If you have a tight budget, this kind of roof is more suitable when compared to the former option. Not only will you use fewer materials but you can also cut your construction time in half. You can even put up this roof in a day if you wish.

Though often referred to as flat roofs, these kinds of cabin roofs have a slight gradient to them, allowing water and snow to run off smoothly. The extra room you get on top upon installation can come in handy when installing solar panels, putting up a living area or other improvements in the future.

These roofs do have their limitations as they are more prone to water leakages when compared to pitched types. Leakage often occurs in wet regions, hence the need to factor in location when putting up a roof. Flat roofs can also cave in under the pressure of snow weight during winters.

They are also quite unstable when used to roof large sections, and they are more suited to small spaces. All, in all, these roofs are excellent options for small cabins located in dry regions.

Materials used

When it comes to roofing a log cabin, you have a wide array of materials at your disposal. Feel free to let your imagination fly. Determinants that come into play include energy efficiency, the cost, individual preferences as well as appearance.

In my tips, I will take you through the six conventional roofing materials and the suitability of each for your home.

Wood shingles

I find this material to be aesthetically pleasing, thanks to the traditional feel that it gives to a cabin. Shingles made of cedar are by far the best as they are long-lasting. They also go through a series of stages as they age which see them change hues from red to grey.

Metal sheets

Most commercial log cabin projects make use of metal sheets in their construction. If you do decide to go down this road, pre-insulation of the metal sheets is an excellent idea for temperature regulation and prevention of disturbance from the rain.

However, some people choose not to insulate as they do love the sound of rain as it falls hard on the metal sheets. Once again, preferences come into play.

Rubber Roofs

This kind of material works best for flat roofs and is very easy to use. With this material, you have options to play about with it to fit your required dimensions, thus making leakage very hard.

If you are a DIY diehard, you will love the fact that you can do the roofing with just the rubber and suitable glue paste. As long as you brush out the air pockets and nail down the edges, you are set to enjoy a durable roof for a reasonable price.

You will be happy to know that you can schedule repairs every five to ten years.

Thatch

If you are going for a stunning look, this material will give you just that. Though shunned by many for its complexity and high expenses, it will provide you with durability and aesthetic appeal.

With this kind of roof, be sure to have a slope of at least forty degrees to ensure that snow falls off. Otherwise, things could go very wrong during winters.

Felt

For a cheap yet long-lasting option, felt is a great idea. It lasts an average of between five to ten years, depending on the maintenance, and is very easy to replace. They come in various hues, enabling you to choose one that matches your home.

The downside to these roofs is that they require a lot of maintenance and have low resale values.

Felt shingles

This roofing material is much thicker than felt and can last up to two decades before the need for replacement. They come in various dimensions and colors, allowing you to have a wide range of choices.

Green roof

If you wish to blend in with the environment altogether, get this done. Though not easy on the pocket, it pleases the eye and is energy efficient.

Take caution when it comes to roofing with this material as the weight of the soil can pose a threat to stability. Ensure that your design makes room for dirt saturated with moisture during wet seasons.

With these tips at hand, you are set to start your construction process. All the best of luck to you!