Real or Not?

Christine DeOrio speaks with Stewart Hansen, president of EverLog Systems, to learn more about concrete logs, an exciting alternative to natural logs. For the full story, see the August issue of Log & Timber Style, August 2005

LTS: What is an “EverLog” made of?

Stewart Hansen: EverLogs are a patented combination of concrete, steel reinforcement, insulation, and fly ash. When we say “concrete,” don’t think about the stuff used to make sidewalks. Our products have the exact look and feel of wood. However, because we use concrete, we offer unique benefits unmatched by wood.

LTS: Describe some of those benefits.

SH: EverLogs offer the log and/or timber look without the problems of costly maintenance issues, fire concerns, insect and mold infestation, higher insurance costs, and expensive and extended construction times.

LTS: Do EverLogs offer more design flexibility than natural logs?

SH: We can create just about any log imaginable in terms of size and shape.8-inch D-logs, 12-inch round logs, 8-inch timber logs, 16-inch hand-hewn logs, board and batten profiles, just about anything. The same holds true for color and texture. Our structures don’t require any on-site modifications (resizing door and window openings, fitting butt joints, connecting two logs not long enough to span a certain distance, etc.). Architects and builders like these benefits as well as the resulting cost savings.

LTS: Compare the cost of building with EverLogs with that of real wood.

SH: The cost of the log package is comparable to that of wood logs, but we include erection costs with every package. Most wood log homeowners can expect to pay between $15 and $25 per square foot to erect a wood log home. That is in addition to the cost of the logs. For a 3,000 square foot home, we save our clients an average of $60,000.

LTS: How much less time does it take to construct a home from EverLogs than from natural logs?

SH: In most cases, it takes us a fraction of the time to erect the exterior of our buildings. For example, we can erect a 2,400 square foot building in two to three days. Comparable wood log construction may take four to five times as long.

LTS: EverLogs have a 3-hour fire rating. Does the reduced fire danger result in lower homeowners’ insurance premiums?

SH: Absolutely. Our structures are less prone to fire damage than those built from natural wood, which results in lower insurance premiums. This can amount to considerable savings over the life of the structure.

LTS: Are EverLogs more energy efficient than natural logs?

SH: We estimate that the average homeowner will save between 30 percent and 40 percent on their energy bills. We build extremely well insulated and air-tight structures, so there are no energy leaks.

LTS: Have studies been conducted to measure how EverLogs fare in areas that experience seismic activity?

SH: Yes, our building system has been certified for the most extreme seismic areas. This includes a high snow load on the roof combined with a severe seismic event. Our structures exceed all design requirements for this kind of event.

LTS: Does the structure experience any changes in the first year or so, such as settling or shifting?

SH: No, our logs don’t shift, settle, shrink, or twist. There is no need for homeowners to worry about these troublesome and costly problems.

EverLog Systems is headquartered in Missoula, Montana, (877) 257-5647.