Scribe Fit Log Homes

^{Nicola LogWorks}

WE USE THE OVER-SCRIBE TECHNIQUE...

The key to the structural integrity of all log house is in the fit of the notches. Any good handcrafter of scribe fit homes can produce a  building with very tight notches and laterals at the time of construction. However, buildings which are tightly scribed during construction, start with about 15-20% weight in the notches and the balance in the lateral grooves. As compression and settling occur most of the weight shifts to the lateral lengths of the logs which allows notches to open. Once the notch is loose it no longer locks the log in place and allows it to twist in the wall.

For a building to function properly 60-75% of the structure’s weight should be concentrated in the notches, allowing logs to lock in position and maintain the structural integrity of the building.

To anticipate successful settling we use the "Over-Scribe" method.

Over-scribing, a technique implemented by Scandinavian builders many centuries ago, was rediscovered by Del Radomske, a log builder and teacher in search of answers to the problem of opening notches and twisting wall logs. 

Over-scribing is more labour intensive and uses three separate scribe settings so that the building starts with 80-90% of the weight concentrated in the corners.

The weight of the walls and roof add compression; the logs start to dry, the laterals close up and start taking some of the weight eventually stabilizing with tight notches carrying 60-75% of the weight of the building. By choosing to invest in over-scribe log work, expensive remedial solutions can be avoided.

About Scribe Fit Log Work

Scribe fit log work, also known as Swedish Cope has it’s origins in Scandinavia. The techniques for crafting this type of log work result in a tight log on log fit that requires no caulking or chinking.

Essentially a contour map of the log below is scribed onto the log above and a lateral groove is cut on the underside of the upper log removing the wood so that the contour meets the log below.

We go a step further and mill a ledge to accommodate an expandable gasket, on both sides of the lateral groove. The gasket acts as a secondary air barrier. To anticipate and direct checking, a kerf is cut along the top lateral of each wall log. We use a shrink to fit saddle notch.

Nicola LogWorks, Box 1027, Merritt British Columbia, Canada V1K 1B8 

Tel: 250/378-4977    Fax: 250/378-4611    E-mail: logworks@uniserve.com