A NOTE ABOUT LOG SETTLEMENT

Don’t be discouraged by all the discussion on log wall settlement. It is rare that any adjustments to the second floor system are ever made after construction is complete. The logs have usually done most of their settling by the time construction has been completed. However, as the old adage says, “better safe than sorry.” All safeguards against log settlement damage should be employed.

Before sheetrock installation and before the home is trimmed out completely, (adjustable screw jacks are still exposed), the second floor system should be carefully checked to see that it is level. At this time all adjustments to lower or raise the center of the second floor should be made. The center of the floor supported by the 6x12 girder should be set 3/8-inches low (lower than the log walls) using the adjustable screw jacks. A 3/8-inch drop from log wall to girder beam is not noticeable. This action will allow for even further log settlement without noticeably affecting the levelness of the second floor. If the logs settle even a full 3/4-inch more after this, the center girder will only be 3/8-inch high, which is not a noticeable amount. However, if further settlement does cause the center of the second floor to be noticeably high, simply access the screw jacks and lower it to its proper level.