Concrete log-look siding is already a favored housing option in more mountainous or rustic regions of the country, but the relatively new innovation is quickly catching on in other areas as well. The costs for maintaining these properties are substantially less than the traditional wood-sided log homes.

Homeowners choose concrete because they want the appearance and appeal of logs without the upkeep. Many opt for ClearCreek high-quality log-look siding. Not only does the finished product offer a stunning aesthetic but high durability and extended longevity.

Understanding Concrete Log-Look Siding

Unlike traditional wood log siding, concrete won’t shrink, warp twist, or decay. It’s resistant to common issues that are typical with wood such as pests, fire and mold. The logs are engineered to mimic the rustic charm of logs without the tedious care and upkeep that comes with wood.

While maintenance costs are substantially lower for concrete compared to wood since concrete comes with far less upkeep, there is basic care to be performed for its integrity and beauty.

• Routine inspections: Concrete siding is highly durable, but it’s still essential to conduct routine inspections to check for signs of potential wear of possible damages. It’s unlikely with high-quality products offered by premium companies.
• Cleaning: Over time, dust, debris, and grime can accumulate on concrete A basic cleaning using a solution of mild soap and water is typically enough to keep the material looking good.
• Cracking/chipping: It’s important to pay attention with tractors, tools, and other garden essential to avoid inadvertently cracking or chipping the siding.

Benefits Of Building a Concrete House

Aside from minimal upkeep and incredibly low maintenance costs, concrete homes are favored for their durability, longevity, and potential for customization. These homes can be found in areas with varied climate and extreme weather because they tolerate harsh environments with minimal effects.

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Maintenance-free

Concrete walls and siding are virtually maintenance-free. Homeowners have no methods for preserving, restaining, or sealing on an annual basis. Log home restoration businesses indicate that homeowners spend roughly $750 each year on materials and labor to upkeep wood-sided log homes.

These homeowners must also pay approximately $6000 more every three years for preserving, restaining, and sealing for protection from pests and weather. The savings in maintenance costs for concrete log-sided homes can range into the thousands of dollars over the lifespan.

The objective is that homeowners enjoy their house instead of spending much of their time maintaining the property.

Fire resistance

Wildfires are striking more frequently and fiercely making concrete homes a more viable choice for homeowners who live in fire danger zones. Thousands of homes are destroyed by wildfires leading to people having to rebuild and start from scratch.

Concrete log-sided homes have superior fire protection and lower premiums from insurance carriers compared to wood-sided log homes. This is due to their safety ratings and known fire resistance.

Pests

Pests are a common hindrance for traditional wood-sided log homes and stick-built homes. Many regions throughout the country are prone to wood-eating insects that invade the household, such as termites. Wood needs much care and upkeep to prevent damage and destruction from these pests.

Insects and other critters such as woodpeckers, have no satisfaction when trying to infiltrate a concrete log-sided property. Ultimately, they give up and go in search of real wood, leaving the homeowner who chose concrete with nothing to repair or replace.

Less maintenance means more free time at home and fewer incidents of repairs or premature replacements. Read here for costs associated with log siding in varying materials.

No settling or shifting

When deciding on a new construction property and the materials to use for the build, it’s essential to factor in settling over time, and its tolerance to the climate. Wood logs naturally settle and shift, twist and shrink once construction is complete because of their natural property, such as inherent moisture content.

Concrete homes are low maintenance, require no adjusting, nor do they need to be restructured. They are stable and not prone to shifting or settling and no shrinkage or twisting. A concrete property can save homeowners from significant expenses, such as reducing utility costs since the homes are highly energy efficient.

Mold and other decay

Many locations throughout the US deal with mold and other fungal growth. Wood log siding is susceptible to these issues due to the way it holds onto water. Concrete on the other hand does not hold water and is completely resistant to mold growth and other forms of decay.

Because mold and other fungi can lead to severe health concerns, the process for professionals to remediate and properly dispose of the materials can be expensive. Fortunately, concrete homeowners save from treating these issues and are assured of an extended lifespan compared to wood.

In that vein, concrete houses do, in fact, offer a healthy environment, one where fewer airborne allergens and toxins than most wood-framed homes by limiting infiltration of outdoor allergens into the home. With its mold resistance, homeowners are not exposed to health concerns those in a wood property are

These include severe respiratory infections, headaches, and immune system disorder.  Concrete also emits less VOC – volatile organic compounds which can irritate the nose, eyes, and throat when exposed. VOCs will also lead to headaches, nausea, and can potentially damage the central nervous system, liver, and kidneys.

Eco-friendly

Concrete house construction involves minimal waste because the manufacture can be more precise with the volume for the project. Builders can also break down concrete for recycling for use with other construction project. Consider the following green benefits concrete houses offer.

• Concrete production consumes less compared to wood and also steel production
• The material uses less energy to heat and cool
• Absorbs CO2 throughout its lifespan, helping to reduce homeowners’ carbon footprint.
• Local sources acquire and manufacture materials, reducing transportation costs.

Energy efficiency

Tightly sealed and insulated concrete walls prevent drafts, instead, creating an airtight, efficient, and high-performing property. Concrete mass slows heat movement through walls compared to wood.

This means a house constructed of concrete will stay warm in winter and cool during the summer compared to a wood log-sided home with the same type and amount of insulation. With concrete, air leakage is limited. Air leakage in wood homes is the primary culprit for energy loss.

Economic advantages

A concrete log-sided house might cost more to build than its traditional wood counterpart, but the upfront investment offers many returns in savings over time. These include little to no maintenance costs and reduced utility costs due to high energy efficiency.

When the heating and cooling system is not stressed or strained due to overworking, you can expect optimal comfort and efficiency not to mention and extended lifespan for the components and the system overall. That can mean fewer repairs and less chance for a premature replacement.

These homes are resistant to severe weather, fire, pests, and break-ins. Because the houses are built safe and optimally protected, insurance carriers offer policies with lower premiums than those with wood constructions.

As a homeowner, you may at some point decide to put the concrete log-sided home up for sale. Fortunately, considering the increasing popularity for these houses, homeowners can anticipate a higher resale value than a wood-sided neighbor would see.