Alta Log Homes Blog

Built with the Alta Log Homes new square log, this mixed use 2400 square foot Commercial/Residential log building is located on State Highway 30, Margaretville, NY. Perfect for your business or home, it has great public exposure next to one of the busiest Farmers Markets in the area. Wheelchair accessible and zoned commercial and/or residential, home/retail is 85-90% complete builder option to finish to suit. If you are moving your business, creating a new business or looking for a place to call home, this great location and home could be yours!

Within 10 mins of Belleayre and Plattekill Ski Centers, quaint shops, eateries, distilleries and local events. 

Call 845-586-3336 today to see this property!

NEW YORK STATE COUNTRY LIVING AT ITS BEST!!

4 BEDROOM, 3 BATH, 2600 SQUARE FEET 

Located in the beautiful and desirable Catskill Mountains of New York State.  Only minutes to skiing at Belleayre and Plattekill Ski Centers, golfing, hiking on the Catskill Scenic Trail, fishing, distilleries, breweries, farmers' markets and quaint shops!  2.5 hours from NYC, this opportunity will not last long!

Call 1-800-926-2582 for more information or to schedule a private showing. 

$449,000

CALL ALTA @ 845-586-3336  FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO SCHEDULE A SHOWING

No doubt that sauna's are relaxing but there’s a lot more to them than that. While in the sauna you may feel completely relaxed but realistically, it’s actually a workout!  During sauna use, your heart rate can reach up to an astounding 150 beats per minute! Which makes it not so surprising that regular sauna use is linked to improved cardiovascular health.  Take a look at the excerpt below published by Medical News Today https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/313109.php

Reducing stress levels

As the heat in a sauna improves circulation, it may also promote relaxation. This can improve feelings of well-being.

Improving cardiovascular health

The reduction in stress levels when using a sauna may be linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular events.

One study, conducted in Finland, followed 2,315 men ages 42 to 60 over the course of 20 years. Findings suggested that people who use a sauna may have a lower risk of dying from cardiovascular disease.

Of the participants in the study, a total of 878 died from cardiovascular disease, coronary artery disease, or sudden cardiac death. Participants were categorized by how often they used a sauna, including once a week, two to three times a week, and four to seven times a week.

After adjusting for cardiovascular risk factors, increased sauna use was linked with a reduced risk of fatal cardiovascular-related diseases.

Participants who used the sauna two to three times a week were 22 percent less likely to experience sudden cardiac death than those who only used it once a week. Those who used a sauna four to seven times a week were 63 percent less likely to experience sudden cardiac death and 50 percent less likely to die from cardiovascular disease than those who only used a sauna once a week.

More research is needed to find out if there is a definite link between sauna use and a decrease in deaths from heart disease.

Sauna use may also be associated with lower blood pressure and enhanced heart function.

What have we learned?  That you NEED a sauna in your life!  And guess what?  We have them!!!!  Call and order yours today at 845-586-3336

OUTDOOR

 SUANA

$11,650.00 Fully Assembled

• ·9’ x 9' Sauna (9' x 14' footprint)
• ·  Eastern White Pine Logs
• ·Red Cedar Benches and Floor

Does not include finish stain or delivery.

Check out these helpful tips from our friends over at cabinlife.com

Tips for maintaining your beloved cabin exterior.

Your cabin guests are so overjoyed about spending a weekend at your special retreat (as they should be), that they may not realize how much work is involved in having a place. But your Cabin Living editors know better, and feel your pain. Small efforts make a big difference when preserving and maintaining your cabin, and today’s products make the jobs easier.Some projects are easy to do yourself, such as a simple cleaning and re-application of the previously used wood-protection product, says Barbara Murray of CTA Products Group. Be cautious: If you can’t safely access parts of your home’s exterior, call in a pro, Murray advises. Read on for ways to keep your cabin in tip-top shape.

Drainage counts

Walk around your retreat to inspect the ground around your foundation. The soil should slope down from the cabin to promote adequate drainage away from your foundation. If the soil has compacted near your cabin since construction causing a negative slope, you may need to correct this with several yards of fresh topsoil.

Oversize your overhangs

Eaves that are at least 2 to 3 feet deep will help protect your exterior wood walls from excessive moisture and sun exposure.

Cover your gutters

A mesh cover on top of your gutters and downspouts will help keep leaves and debris out while allowing rainwater to filter through. Screening debris out will prevent moisture from backing up under the eaves and leaking inside. If your gutters need replacing, consider replacing them with ones that have leaf-blocking built in.

Apply sunblock

Like your skin, wood is susceptible to sun damage. Harsh ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause the surface of wood to break down, so consider using pigmented stains and products infused with UV combatants to protect your exterior logs, cedar siding and decking against sun damage.

Be watchful

Twice each year (spring and fall are best), walk around and inspect your cabin.

• Log cabin For log walls, look for upward-facing checks (cracks in the wood), which could collect rainwater and cause damage to the logs. Also, both inside your cabin and out, look for separation in the chinking or sealant. Any gaps could let moisture and air seep in.
• Cedar siding Check boards for rotting, especially those near gutters.
• Windows Open your windows, and then walk around your cabin and thoroughly inspect the framing and sills for peeling paint or worse yet – soft wood that may need repair or replacement.

Just add water

Using a garden hose or a water bottle, spray your exterior wood surfaces – wood decking, cedar siding or log walls – in several places. If the water beads up, you’re assured that your preservative is working. If dark, wet patches appear on the wood, the water is soaking in, so it’s probably time for a fresh coat of preservative. If you own a log home and it has exposed log ends, be sure to do the water test on those, because log ends can absorb water up to 10 times the rate of horizontal log surfaces.

Watch for mold or mildew

Because your cabin’s exterior is exposed to moisture, it’s important to get rid of mold or mildew build-up, which will likely be in the form of a black or grayish-green film. Most preservatives have a mildewcide built in, but regular inspections will ensure they’re doing their job.

Keep an eye on the roof

Whatever type of roofing you have, make sure the material is in good shape, particularly around chimneys and in valleys where rooflines meet, which is where moisture and debris can collect.

Clear landscaping away

Ideally, ground cover and mulch should be at least 3 feet away from your home’s exterior wood. Doing so will keep debris, bugs and excess water away from the walls, helping to prevent mold, moisture and insect damage. Likewise, tree canopies should be kept away from your roof to help keep leaves and twigs from collecting.

Wood Preservation

There are many products used to seal and protect cedar-sided, log and timber-frame cabins. Modern offerings have grown to include time-tested formulas, new colors and eco-friendly options. The table below lists major manufacturers of stains, sealants and other cabin maintenance products. Your local provider may also have recommendations based on your location and climate.

Product Types

Stain: There are three types of stain: oil-based, water-based and emulsions that blend the two. Today’s stains – available in a host of colors from gray to green, blond to dark honey – are designed not only to give a tint to your walls, but they also coat the wood with a breathable layer of protection. Preservative: A mix of chemicals designed to protect against a host of environmental threats, such as mold, mildew, ultraviolet rays and insects. Sealant: A liquid (caulk) or solid (foam or butyl rubber) material used to prevent air or water from passing though joints. Chinking: Chinking is a thick material used to seal the gaps between log courses. Traditional chinking is mortar-based, but modern synthetic chinking is far more elastic, effective and durable. Also, today’s chinking is available in a variety of colors, though most cabin owners prefer a white or light color to contrast with darker wooden materials. Caulk: A sealant used to fill joints and spaces between logs. Often it’s clear or a color that matches the tone of the wood. Caulk comes in tubes or pails, and is applied with a gun in a narrow bead. The soft, moist bead dries to a tough elastic sealant that protects against air and water infiltration. Cleaner: Several products are designed specifically for use on your cabin’s exterior and interior walls. A pressure washer with a fan tip is another way to clean your walls. Just keep the wand moving as you start at the top and work your way down.

Is everybody excited to get outdoors and do some spring maintenance? I know I am!! Follow the link below for a helpful article "Prepare for Log Home Spring Maintenance" published by Log Home Living...

https://loghome.com/articles/article/loghome-springmaintenance

COMING SOON! "Special Putnam" Alta log home currently being built. Just under 5 acres located on a secluded, quiet, dead end road in the town of Middletown, NY this stunning custom ALTA log home features 1,650 square feet of cabin living at its finest! Backed by 207 acres of NYC forever wild property, this little gem will not be on the market long!

Call today for more information or to setup a walk through!  845-586-3336 or 800-926-ALTA (2582)

Thanks to the folks over at loghome.com for providing this helpful information!

loghome.com/articles/article/sealing-the-air-penetration-places-throughout-your-log-home?utm_campaign=log+home+living

Is this what your log home dream house looks like? This special Cambridge model offers the perfect combination of comfort and elegance. Its formal entry leads to both a massive great room with soaring cathedral ceilings and/or access to the downstairs sleeping wing. The great room is open to the large kitchen island/dining area and has outdoor access from this room, the dining area and one bedroom making it the perfect open air entertaining space. Upstairs the master bedroom with bath is located just behind the large loft that has impressive views through striking triangular windows, another room on this level can be used as guest bedroom, office or whatever suits your fancy! Check us out at www.altaloghomes.com to see this floor plan as well as many more! Give us a call today at 845-586-3336 or 800-926-ALTA

July is National Log Home Month—a celebration of our nation’s love affair with log cabins.   

-Log homes are very weather resistant.  A properly sealed and built log home is going to be able to hold its own against mother nature; it is not uncommon to hear stories of log homes still standing after hurricanes, earthquakes or harsh wind storms.  If you live in an area that experiences dangerous weather conditions, going with logs could be a very wise decision. 

 

These are just a basic few reasons that a log home could very well be the home of your dreams but hey, don't take my word for it, stop in and visit our model home at 46966 State Highway 30, Halcottsville, NY 12438 or checkout our floorplan section of our website and give us a call at 800-926-ALTA and our experienced team will be glad to answer any question or concern you may have. 

 

In honor of National Log Home Month, ALTA is pleased to announce that we will be giving away a FREE ALTA T-shirt (valued at $12.00) when you call in to place an order for our World Class Living and/or Designer Series Planbook which are available for $6.00 each or both for $10.00 which includes shipping, handling and tax.

But wait, there's more! In addition to this free T-shirt, simply provide us with your name, phone number and email and you will be entered in for a chance to win a FREE set of standard blueprints valued at $300.00!  

Give us a call today at 800-926-ALTA, Happy National Log Home Month! 

Guess what??.....It's featured home of the month time again!

Not only do we have a feature, we have a little something extra to offer you this month as well ?

In today's times, "tiny homes" are taking over, but did you know that we here at ALTA have had our own version of a "tiny home" for over 47 years now! (We are old, we know hahaha, we take that as a compliment so bring it on lol)

If you are looking to go off the grid or to keep things simple and go back to basics, then the Altan I was designed just for you! At 400 square feet, its the perfect weekend getaway or full time living cabin if you are trying to leave a smaller footprint on the planet. Only your imagination limits you to all the things you can do with this house. With a starting price of just $22,575.00 (Classic Log Profile), you can let your imagination run wild! Shell package includes windows, door, rafters and T&G roof base decking.

Take a looksy.....

ACT NOW, One time offer! We have ONE and only ONE Altan I display model available now for a one time purchase price of $14,575.00!!

Did you know that log homes were originally designed and built to be mobile? Early settlers to both the US and Europe were constantly on the move seeking new land and  better settlements.  To avoid building a new home from scratch every time they moved to a new settlement, they made sure to create homes they could move with them (brilliant!).  Since each log in these versions of log homes were notched to fit together similar to a puzzle, settlers could rather easily take apart, pack up and rebuild their cabin on the new land when needed.  

Our log homes of today have come a long way since the early settler days, todays log homes are more focused on convenience, comfort, reliability and energy efficiency but this tradition still holds true for companies such as ourselves who do the manufacturing here onsite and then have it brought to your lot for assembly! 

Ahhh the Sagamore....one of our all time customer favorites here at Alta Log Homes. A classic and timeless design featuring a spectacular expanse of glass.  The warmth of wood and windows combined with an efficient layout leaves no question as to why it quickly became and continues to be one of our most popular models. This home defines elegance and exudes warmth and comfort all at an affordable cost.

Alta Log Homes Premium Materials Package Price (Standard Shell): Log Packages Starting at $86,043.00 Classic Log/$90,976 Frontier Log

Call (845) 586-3336 or stop by today to request additional information or to schedule a tour of our Sagamore Model located onsite at 46966 State Hwy 30, Halcottsville, NY 12438

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT LOG HOMES

1. 1. What kind of logs do you use and why?

Primarily eastern white pine. It’s a species that grows abundantly in northern New York and has great insulating properties. A renewable resource (trees are harvested after 40 years).  We use the box heart (center) of the tree where it is stronger and a more dense wood.

2.  How do you dry your logs?

Alta prefers the natural way, air drying for 18 — 24 months. We make sure the logs are 19% or less before we accept them for crafting into an Alta log for your home.

However, we do offer kiln drying to 19% moisture content and heat treatment for export or upon request.

3. Why do some of your logs have cracks in them?

Small cracks, sometimes referred to as cheques, are a natural result of the drying process. On the interior of the home, you don’t need to do anything.  On the outside, if a crack looks like it may collect water you should fill it with caulk and backer material. (Ask for a detailed application guide as needed.)

4. How long does it take to build my Alta Log Home?

Typically, once you have your building permit, a medium sized home (1,800 sq. ft.) could take between 90 — 120 days to complete from excavation to move in.*

*The weather and size of the home or skill of the crew will have an effect on the timeline above.

5.  How much does the Alta Log Home cost per square foot?

The Premium Materials package averages $52.00 per sq. ft.

If you mean the complete house ready to move in: There is no exact answer to that question, however, experience has shown us when you divide the final cost of the finished home by the square footage of living space, the average has been $190.00 per foot house on an unfinished full basement. This includes the log home materials package price, but not the costs of land, well, septic or excavation. (See estimate to construct Sagamore for example.)

6.  Can I modify a standard design?

Yes. Alta has over 50 standard plans which can be modified to reflect the way you dream of living.

7. 7. Can I design my own Alta Log Home plan? I have my own plan.

Yes, we can start from a clean sheet of paper and work with your plan and help you design your dream home. See our designer series for ideas.

8. 8. Is there a charge for custom design?

Yes, there is a design fee based on $1.00 per square foot with a minimum $1,500.00. This allows you to use our design department to help you create your custom hone and prepare the 1/4” scale floor plan and elevations. Once you have decided on your design and ordered your Alta log home package, we will credit 50% of the design fee to the cost of the package. And prepare construction blueprints for you to be able to submit to subcontractors for bids.

9. 9. Do you provide financing?

We work with many local and national lenders who specialize in providing you with the financing you need and understand the special nuances of log home construction. We can put you together with one of these lenders.

10. 10. How do I find a contractor to build my log home or who will build my log home?

The local Builders Association is a good place to start. Alta can supply you with multiple names you can choose from. It is imperative to select a reputable, experienced builder to construct your log hone.  Always ask for references.

11. 11. What if I have my own builder, but he’s never built a log home before?

We will be happy to provide your contractor with on site supervision for up to 3* days. They can meet with us in advance, tour our factory and ask any questions they have. Alta log homes are pre-cut and engineered for ease and efficiency in construction.

*Depending on size and/or design.

12. 12. Can I act as my own General Contractor, build it myself?

Yes. We offer you the same assistance we would offer a builder who has never built an Alta log home before. We provide up to 3* days on job site assistance to help get you started putting your log home package together.

*Depending on size and/or design.

13. 13. What kind of foundation can I put my log home on?

You can use the same foundation you would use for a frame house, e.g.: block, poured concrete (ICF) insulated concrete form, full basement, crawl space, piers or slab.

14. 14. Can I build my home on a slab foundation?

Yes, depending on where your building site is located. A slab is not        usually recommended in the north east, except for detached garages, due to the frost line. In the southern climate zone you could use a poured slab.

15. 15. Is a log home energy efficient? Or what is the R-value?

Logs are an excellent insulating material because of the cellular structure of the wood, which traps millions of microscopic air pockets that slows the transfer of heat (thermal mass). This keeps your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. According to the national Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), log structures performed 40% better than a well insulated frame building in the intermediate winter and summer months.

Alta is one of the first log home manufacturers to build log homes to ENERGY STAR® standards which save 30% more energy than building to standard codes. And Alta built the first log home in the United States to receive certification from the U.S. Green Building Council LEED for Homes (Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design).

Classic R-19= performance value

Frontier R-22 = performance value

Roof insulation has to meet code (as of 1/2013 the Alta roof system with 6” of rigid urethane is R-39 to meet code in NY State.)

16. 16. How often do I need to stain my log home?

This depends on the product you use.