Repair of a log house. Restoration and renovation of houses from old log houses. Window and door openings
Wood is a living, aging material, subject to gradual destruction under the influence of various factors. Old log house not only will it lose its former natural color, serious structural damage may occur, reducing the comfort of living and threatening the collapse of the entire structure. Repair of old log houses will make it possible to eliminate many defects and give them a second life.
What parts of the building may require repairs?
Reconstruction of the old log house– usually a multi-step process that helps eliminate several defects. Remodeling an old log house begins with a thorough professional inspection that allows you to assess the condition of the structure and outline an action plan. How to renovate an old log house?
Repair of the foundation and lower crowns
If the foundation is damaged and the first crown needs to be replaced, it is necessary to resolve the issue of how to raise the old log house. To do this, all furniture and household items are removed from the building; it is also necessary to remove door and window blocks and disassemble the floor. The foundation is excavated along the entire perimeter of the house to assess its condition and see the most vulnerable places.
The building can be lifted using hydraulic jacks: they are placed at the four corners, after which you need to very slowly begin to lift the building. During this work, it is important not to rush: the lifting is carried out a few centimeters at a time, after which the building is installed on strong temporary supports. This will allow the damaged logs to be replaced one at a time, and then the house will be lowered into place.
The foundation can be strengthened with a new continuous belt: a new concrete belt is poured around the perimeter of the house, connected to the existing one strip base metal pins. The building can be lowered only after the renewed foundation has completely dried, after which a new floor, windows and doors can be installed.
Repairing the walls of a log house
Ancient log houses can stand for a very long time, but over time, cracks form in their walls due to shrinkage. In addition, the gaps between the logs increase, and you have to decide whether it is necessary to insulate an old log house. There are several options for restoring thermal insulation properties:
- The simplest solution is caulking, in which the cracks are filled with natural insulation: moss, jute and flax fiber, tow, etc. Caulking will close the cracks, but the insulation will not last long, and the work will have to be repeated periodically.
- Gaps and cracks in the walls are sealed with special sealants based on silicone or acrylic base. The exterior and interior decoration of an old log house will not be damaged; sealants do not spoil the appearance and allow you to completely restore the strength of the logs. If the gaps are large, insulation is first laid in them, which is then sealed with sealant.
- In difficult cases, to repair walls, it is necessary to completely dismantle a log house and replace logs that are severely damaged by rot, destroyed by insects, or significantly cracked. At new installation logs are laid between them interventional insulation to eliminate cracks in the walls. The advantages of logs are that the log house can be disassembled and put back together, and it will again be warm and cozy after completion of the work.
Exterior Home Restoration
How to decorate an old log house? To restore appearance wooden house there are many options.
The simplest and cheapest solution is to paint the frame after sanding and treating with antiseptics. Modern paints will help preserve the texture of the wood and give it shine; you can also purchase a special bleach for wood, which will restore its natural color.
You can “rejuvenate” a log house using more modern coatings. Finishing with siding, clapboard or block house will hide the darkened wood of the walls, and the building will acquire modern look, however, you still have to carry out full processing antiseptic.
Independent restoration of a wooden house is a rather expensive and time-consuming process, but it will still cost less than new construction. With proper restoration, the old building can serve for many more years, and the family nest will accept more than one generation of residents.
Repair of wooden houses- This is a labor-intensive process that is best left to professional builders.
Have you inherited an old, unsightly house? After major repairs, your wooden house will serve you faithfully for many more decades.
In what cases is reconstruction of a wooden house required?
The roof covering has worn out;
Rotten truss structure houses/frame/log crowns/other load-bearing elements;
Cracks, gaps and cracks appeared between the logs, beams, and box folds during the shrinkage process or due to the age of construction of the structure;
The house does not “hold” heat well or allows moisture to pass through excessively;
The desire to carry out internal redevelopment with the aim of maximizing effective use space;
The desire to add greater architectural sophistication and much more.
Reconstruction of an old wooden house is not limited only to replacing floors and ceilings, installing new windows and doors - it is, first of all, remodeling and rebuilding the log house with the possible replacement of load-bearing elements.
To increase the area of the house, you can add a second or attic floor For additional rooms, make an extension to the house for a toilet and bathroom.
This is a great opportunity to make a new and convenient layout premises in a renovated house.
Methods for replacing log crowns.
Currently, there are several ways to repair a log house. More often major renovation required by the lower crowns of the structure. Due to their proximity to the soil and the enormous pressure exerted on them, lower crowns log houses fail much faster. They can be repaired in several ways.
Cosmetic replacement of log crowns. Repair of a log house in this case is carried out by replacing rotten sections of logs without dismantling the entire structure, and without affecting the foundation. The technology for replacing the crowns of a log house in this case is quite simple. In places where the wood is damaged, pieces are cut out and in their place pieces of logs of suitable diameter are inserted.
Major replacement of log crowns. Repairing a log house involves completely dismantling the structure and installing it on new lower rims.
The most productive method is to lift the entire house using several jacks. After hanging the structure, the crowns of the log house are replaced and the log house is repaired in those places where it is required. After all work is completed, the house is installed on its original foundation.
Or maybe you only need exterior finishing of a wooden house? Your home is still strong, but it just needs a good makeover? This requires interior and exterior finishing of the house.
Let's take a closer look at where it starts exterior finishing Houses. Firstly, I would like to immediately note that the exterior decoration of the house will allow you to turn an old, unsightly house not only into a beautiful one, but also, if desired, into a very original one. External, that is, external, finishing of a wooden house includes finishing of the facade using a lathing system.
Then the façade is covered with any modern material: wooden lining, blockhouse, plastic panels - siding, etc. Today there are a lot of different materials on the domestic construction market, so don’t rush when choosing finishing material. Decide how you would like your home to look after renovation and only then accept final decision. Remember, the facade is the face of your home!
TO interior decoration wooden house include: laying flooring, wall finishing, Painting works, ceiling installation, plumbing installation, and lighting installation. In addition, you can order all kinds of decorative elements, as well as the construction of stairs, niches, podiums, steps, etc.
Repair wooden houses will allow you to forget about the rickety old walls. Today, when renovating a home, you can use modern, durable protective and roofing materials. By entrusting the repair to professionals, you will be able to replace the rotten crowns of the house while simultaneously repairing the foundation, repairing roofing roofs, you can replace floor beams, part of the logs under the windows, and completely change the floor.
By ordering your home to be treated with special materials and compounds, you can protect your home and give the wood the ability to withstand the effects of water, fire and external adverse influences.
Overhaul of wooden houses is a real opportunity to extend the life of the house by another hundred years!
House reconstruction - foundation replacement |
Cost of reconstruction and repair workwooden houses
Types of jobs |
Unit. |
Price, rub) |
Cost of concrete and foundation works. |
||
dismantling the old foundation |
From 1500 |
|
development of trenches and pits under the house |
From 1500 |
|
complex installation of reinforced concrete strip foundation under the house |
6500 |
|
device concrete screed up to 10cm |
1000 |
|
installation of intermediate and sub-beam supports (up to 0.6m) |
pos |
1500 |
blind area device with sand and gravel cushion |
1600 |
|
Cost of repairing walls and frame of a house |
||
arrangement of openings in frame/major wooden/ |
900/1800 |
|
installation bottom trim with lags |
||
installation of external wall frames |
||
installation of frame of internal walls |
||
wall covering with clapboard, imitation timber, edged board, plywood, plasterboard, OSB on the existing frame |
||
caulking walls on one side |
pm |
|
raising the house by 5cm |
From 6000 |
|
hanging a house on temporary supports |
From 16000 |
|
replacing crowns in a log house |
pm |
From 2000 |
dismantling wall cladding |
||
installation of guide sheathing |
||
laying insulation with vapor barrier |
||
painting walls in one/two layers |
100/180 |
|
Roof repair cost |
||
dismantling old roofing and sheathing |
||
installation rafter system(by roof area) |
||
Installation of step/solid lathing (OSB) |
130/210 |
|
installation of slate/ondulin roofing/metal tiles and corrugated sheets/soft tiles |
250/350/400/ |
|
installation of roof windows |
pos |
6500 |
laying steam windproofing film |
||
snow retention device |
pm |
|
installation of gutters |
pm |
|
installation of drainage pipes |
pm |
|
cornice filing |
||
Cost of repairing floors and ceilings |
||
dismantling of floors/ceilings |
||
installation of joists and load-bearing beams |
pm |
|
installation of subfloors |
||
one-sided treatment of subfloors with an antiseptic |
||
installation of a finished floor made of tongue and groove boards |
||
laying laminate with surface preparation |
||
laying linoleum on a prepared surface |
||
filing the ceiling on the prepared surface |
||
installation of a frame for installing ceiling cladding |
||
installation of skirting boards |
pm |
|
installation of hatches up to 1m2 in the floor/ceiling |
pos |
From 500 |
Cost of repairing windows, doors and other carpentry work |
||
dismantling a window or door block |
pos |
|
installation of a window or door block |
pos |
2000 |
metal door installation |
pos |
3000 |
installation window slopes and low tides |
pm |
|
installation of platbands |
pm |
|
installation of window sills |
pm |
|
installation of metal window bars |
pos |
From 2000 |
shutter installation |
pos |
From 2000 |
installation interfloor stairs with fences |
pos |
From 35000 |
installation of porch fencing (crosspieces, balusters) |
pm |
1300 |
External cladding |
||
installation of siding with 50mm insulation / without insulation on a guide sheathing |
520/450 |
|
installation of soffits without insulation |
From 550 |
|
blockhouse cladding on lathing with 50mm insulation |
From 480 |
|
installation of sills around the perimeter |
pm |
|
installation of basements plastic panels on the sheathing |
||
Plumbing and sewerage |
||
laying water supply and sewerage pipes indoors |
||
laying pipes along the street with laying in the ground (up to 1.5m) |
pm |
1100 |
sink/toilet installation |
pos |
2000/2500 |
water heater installation |
pos |
3000 |
installation of a pumping station/pump in a well or borehole |
pos |
5000 |
shower tray installation |
pos |
2500 |
shower cabin installation |
pos |
from 8000 |
installation of a septic tank for pumping (up to 4 well rings) |
pos |
From 8000 |
Rice. b. Replacement
logs under the windows
in the usual way
.
In the usual way, work is carried out like this (Fig. b). They take out the bindings and disassemble the boxes. The rotted wood is cut out along a strictly vertical line. Scores are punched along the ends of the sawn logs, excess wood is sawed off and cut down to obtain ridges at least 5 cm thick. Pieces of new logs with selected grooves are placed on these ridges. It is recommended to take new logs of the same thickness as the old ones and connect them with tenons. Replaceable logs are placed on caulk material (tow, hemp, flax, moss, etc.).
Rice. V. Replacement
logs under the windows with
setting up racks.
The walls are repaired using racks (Fig. c) in the following sequence. The ends of the remaining old logs are held together with racks. New pieces of logs are inserted. Worn areas are carefully caulked and the box is assembled. A piece of roofing felt is placed under the window sill board. The lower sides of the side bars and the place of the window sill board on which the box bars are placed are drying oil, dried, covered thin layer window putty (more liquid) and put the bars in place. This prevents the walls from leaking water from windows.
It is best to replace the pads without lifting the house, but by slightly disassembling the top of the foundation. The length of the lining on one side of the house is first measured and prepared accordingly. They disassemble the foundation and remove the old lining. Lay antiseptic caulk material on top of the new lining or under the bottom two or three layers of roofing felt, cut into strips of the required width. Raise this lining to the frame crown and press it firmly with wedges. You can immediately restore the foundation by firmly wedging stones in mortar between it and the lining. The foundation can be restored even after all the pads have been installed. The linings on the remaining sides of the house are restored in the same sequence.
The logs of the casing can be replaced either individually or completely, depending on their condition.
The first logs of the frame crown are replaced like this. They are dismantling under one particular log top part foundation to such an extent that the log, alone or with a lining, sank and could be freely removed. A new frame crown log is prepared according to the one taken out.
If the log is laid on a lining, then the bottom is cut evenly, or even better, planed. Then the log will fit tightly to the lining, on which two or three layers of roofing felt, cut into strips of the required width, are additionally placed. Caulk material is laid on top of the laid log and lifted to the remaining logs, pressing tightly with wedges.
The foundation is restored immediately or after installing the second first log. Before removing the wedges, the foundation should be restored in some places by tightly tamping down stones, bricks or other durable material. The following logs are replaced in the same sequence.
The crown molding is completely replaced in strict order. The top of the foundation is dismantled to the desired height.
On one side of the house, where the second logs of the frame crown are laid, they are chipped or sawed down corner connections both logs (first and second) in such a way that the second log can fall onto the foundation. This log is removed, replaced with a new one and replaced alone or with a backing, preparing them accordingly. Caulking material is laid on the top of the log and the log alone or with a lining is lifted up and firmly pressed with wedges driven between the foundation and the lining. If desired, you can immediately restore the foundation.
In the same way, on the other side of the house, the second log of the casing is replaced. Having replaced the second logs of the casing, they begin to replace the first logs, as described earlier. It is necessary to remember that to replace crown molding, without lifting the house, should only be done in this sequence.
A house made of wood always evokes some sense of calm and stability. Having such a home away from the bustle of the city is the ultimate pleasure. But let’s not talk here about the beauty of nature and a great vacation. Let's leave all the lyrical moments to the poets and writers and look at the log house from a purely practical point of view. It, like any building, requires careful maintenance, proper repairs and, possibly, reconstruction. But log houses in this regard have a huge advantage over the same panel or brick buildings. And two or three skilled people can carry out all the repairs of an old log house in a short period of time.
External inspection of a wooden structure
We start everything with a thorough inspection of the structure and drawing up a list of necessary repair work. Do not be afraid that houses made of wood quickly deteriorate and their repairs can cost a very decent amount. This is far from true. After all, houses were built with the expectation that it would serve more than one generation of descendants. Everything was done for oneself; defects or hackwork during construction were absolutely not allowed: everything was sound and thorough. The need for repairs in such houses can only exist due to a violation of the integrity of the material. This is what you need to pay attention to when inspecting the building.
Danger of moisture in the attic
We begin our inspection from the roof of the house. The first thing that should not make you particularly happy or alert is the air humidity. Dry air in the attic of a log house indicates that moisture did not get here and all Basic structure The roofs are in perfect order. But it’s worth being on the safe side: a visual inspection and tapping of the rafters should confirm your hopes. Usually, wooden structures the attic of the house should have almost the appearance of fresh lumber. Direct sun rays not here, that's why wood has such appearance. Moist air in the attic always indicates that moisture is getting in there.
Finding a “weak” place is not at all difficult: darkened rafters, sheathing, insulation, or the appearance of fungus will tell you. If fungus is present, then you will have to reconstruct the entire roof and replace (possibly) part of the ceilings. This procedure is not a simple one, but it cannot be ignored, since such a house will only last a couple of years.
Log house and its walls
Tools needed for work: hammer, building level, chisels, jacks, stepladder.
Next we inspect the walls. Durable logs have a long sound when struck. The old ones don’t “sound” at all. Yes, even without tapping they are easy to notice by their external differences from the general texture of the log house. Most often, walls deteriorate in places where the log frame contacts the foundation or under window openings. They are the ones who have to be replaced. For all proposed work you will need following tools and materials:
- lumber and round timber;
- chainsaw;
- axe;
- staples;
- jacks;
- cement, crushed stone and sand;
- chisels;
- hammer;
- building level;
- roofing felt;
- ladder.
Renovating an antique log house should also begin with the roof, if necessary. However, there is no need to rush to secure the slate or other covering more firmly. When moving the walls during the replacement of the frame wreaths, it is even good if the nails slightly loosely press the slate to the rafters.
Log replacement procedure
It is better to start replacing logs in the walls of a house from the bottom of the wall. There are two ways to replace logs. The first method involves dismantling part of the foundation in the place where the log needs to be replaced. You should not be afraid that the walls of a log house will “lead.” The design of the walls is such that all the logs in it are tightly connected and form a monolith. It’s just that the load in this case will be mostly distributed to the remaining parts of the foundation. The entire foundation does not have to be dismantled: it is enough to reduce its height by a quarter of a brick. Next, the log that has become unusable must be sawed in several places and pulled out.
Based on the size of the wall, you will have to select a new log of suitable diameter and give it the appropriate profiling. Do not forget that it is not recommended to use fresh wood for construction. It can easily become deformed under load. And the humidity of the wood can lead to the fact that very soon a new wall repair will be required.
If you have fresh logs available, then after preparing them you will have to dry them in a dark and well-ventilated place. The process is lengthy, so the preparation of the material must be taken care of long before the repair begins. You can work with dry material almost immediately. It is not always possible to fit a log into a wall on the first try. Arm yourself with patience and attention: the new log in the wall should fit perfectly, without holes or bulges. And only after this can you begin to restore the foundation.
Repair of the foundation of a wooden house
We lay bricks in the usual way using ordinary mortar. Just remember that there must be a reliable layer of waterproofing between the foundation and the log house. For these purposes, ordinary roofing felt (3-4 layers) is used. The renovation doesn't end there. You still need to caulk the seam in the area of the wall where the log was replaced.
The described method of foundation repair is simple, but not the most optimal. The disadvantage is that after a short period of time, a small gap may appear between the foundation and the wall, and this is no longer desirable, since cold and moisture will begin to enter the house. This means that it is necessary to consider another way to replace the log in the lower part log walls. In this case, jacks will be used to repair the house with your own hands.
We place the jacks at a distance of about a meter from the corner of the house. If the house is very long, then we use more jacks. They must have reliable support and be positioned vertically, otherwise at the most inopportune moment a heavy house will simply squeeze them out from under itself. We raise the house to a height of 1 to 5 cm. The log houses of even old log houses are ready to withstand greater lifting, but you don’t need such an extreme. Well, then, again, we prepare the necessary log, put it in the desired position (for waterproofing) and lower the house.
The heaviness of the entire structure will not allow gaps to appear, and the house will be guaranteed to be warm and dry. Just don’t forget to caulk the seams of the walls. By the way, it is recommended to use dry moss for this. It’s not for nothing that only this material has always been used in the walls of log houses.
Window and door openings
The wall of a log house may have leaky parts of the frame near the window or doorways. Here repairs can be carried out much easier. It is enough just to calculate the dimensions of future windows and make window openings according to them, while removing the weak parts.
After installing the windows, these brackets should simply be removed.
After replacing the logs (or even several wreaths), the wall will look somewhat ambiguous, so appropriate finishing of the outer part will be required. This is especially important if a more detailed reconstruction has been carried out. Can be used to decorate a house with your own hands various materials. There is an opinion that wooden lining is best suited for this. There is no point in insisting, since everyone can refine their log house according to their personal desire and taste. But you definitely have to secure the slate on the roof of the house more tightly: after the previously described repairs, all the fasteners may not be very tightly connected at the joints.
Completing repair work
Any repair of walls and any reconstruction of houses must end with finishing and insulation of the foundation and the formation of a good blind area. Near the foundations of houses, a layer of earth is removed to a depth of about 10 cm and a width of at least 30 cm and the resulting trench is filled with concrete. You can't say what it is the most important stage reconstruction, but you shouldn’t forget about it. This measure significantly strengthens the foundation, protects it from rapid freezing and can withstand moisture.
This is very important for log houses. A wall that is not exposed to excessive moisture will last much longer. Such concrete pouring near the foundation is destroyed by moisture, so you should make sure that rain or melt water from the roof is drained away from the foundation. But we subject the casting itself to ironing: apply dry cement onto the wet concrete with a brush. Durability will be guaranteed.
It is clear that the reconstruction of the external part of houses has never been done without cosmetic repairs indoors. But this process can be carried out slowly at any time. The main thing is that during the reconstruction you received a reliable log house, and the house was warm and cozy.