Yes, we most definitely do. All logs will shrink radially (in diameter) as they dry out and this results in the log walls settling in total height by up to 75mm in the first few years of the home as it dries out and stabilizes.
Most species of logs will also crack open slightly as they dry, the crack can go as deep as 1/3 the diameter of the log but does not compromise the strength of the log in any way. Within the industry, this cracking is known as ‘checking’. At Alpine Log and Timber, we use the industry best practice of ‘double cut long groove’ and ‘saddle notches’. This method of construction works well for Douglas Fir timber, which, although it is one of the strongest timbers, is also prone to checking as it dries.
The double cut long groove method enables us to control any checking in the log to be where we want it to be, that is in the top of the log – where it will never be seen, and where it will also cause the long groove joins to tighten up.
The saddle notch allows for the radial shrinkage in the logs, as well as for compression of the wood under the load of the logs stacked above. Saddle notches lower down in the wall, are ‘under-scribed’ more than those above, to allow for the extra compression they will have due to the weight of the logs stacked on them.
We have specialized methods of construction to allow for shrinkage over the windows, doors, all the support posts and internal stud wall frames in your home.