e-log Siding FAQs

Click on one of the below FAQs for the answer to the log siding question:

1. Why is the e-log system named “e-log”?
2. What is the e-log made of?
3. Tell me more about the Wood Veneer layer.
4. How is the e-log installed on stick built or block construction making it a log home?
5. What is the warranty period?
6. Does the e-log require maintenance?
7. How often do you have to re-stain e-logs?
8. What kind of stain is used on e-log siding systems?
9. Why is the e-log environmentally friendly?
10. What makes the e-log different from typical log siding?
11. Can the e-log be used on a remodel?
12. Is the e-log available in different types of wood?
13. Are there different types of e-log corner options?
14. Are the e-logs pre-stained?
15. What are the dimensions and weights of e-logs?
16. What makes the e-log an energy efficient log siding system?
17. What makes the e-log economical log siding system?
18. How does the e-log compare in price to other log siding products?
19. Why is the e-log easy to maintain?
20. Do e-logs shrink, warp, crack, split, or check?
21. How durable is the adhesive used in making e-logs?
22. Can I hang pictures, Plasma TV's and other household items on the e-log?
23. Is it important to caulk the joints in e-log systems?
24. What kind of caulk should I use on e-logs?
25. How do e-logs match end to end?
26. Can e-logs be applied over cement blocks?

Why is the e-log system named “e-log”?

e-log is appropriately named due to the many efficient features that it has. It is:

• energy efficient

• environmentally friendly

• easy to install

• economical

• easy to maintain

• exact dimensions

• “e”magination is unlimited

What is the e-log made of?

e-log is a laminated engineered log siding product. It is comprised of 4 common materials which are laminated together to form a very durable and long lasting product. The 4 building blocks are:

• Oriented Strand Board (OSB)

• Expanded Polystyrene (EPS)

• Hard Board

• Thick Veneer 

The fact is, many building materials are laminated to make them stronger, stay straighter, and ultimately make them more usable and durable.

Tell me more about the Wood Veneer layer.

The fact that e-log uses a veneer is not bad rather it is a feature of the product.  First of all, understand that this is not thin veneer as typically associated with the term veneer.  The "veneer" that e-log uses is thick, it is as thick as it is possible to rotary peel.  The thickness is a nominal 1/8" upwards of 1/6".  The reason that veneer is an asset for the e-log is that it removes many of the problems associated with solid wood matching the large profile of the e-log siding.  A solid half log with the diameter of 12" -16" would require treatment similar to a full log that size.  There is still moisture trapped in side of the wood that will continue to dry causing shrinkage, cracking and possible warping.  What looks good when first applied may not end up that way after the wood has completely dried and is stopped moving.  There may be large cracks, separation joints where the wood siding shrinks and possibly even warped sections.  The beauty of the thick veneer that is used on the e-log is that the veneer is completely dried and it is firmly bonded to a backing of hardboard and the EPS core.  There will be no movement, shrinking or warping.  What you have when you start will be that way for the life of the system.  Thus making the e-log the most stable log siding system on the market.

Another key fact of veneer is that it allows the e-log to be environmentally friendly.  Many e-logs can be manufactured from one solid log thereby conserving the natural resources around us.  In fact on a typical log used on a full stack log home, the ratio of e-logs per log is typically 80 to 1.  In other words, one solid log turns into 80 e-logs.

In summary, the fact that the e-log looks like a solid log doesn't make it act like a solid log....

How is the e-log installed on stick built or block construction making it a log home?

The e-log is a tongue & groove system. There are 2 different starter systems:

• A full log starter uses a starter strip that is applied first to the wall. The e-log starter simply sits in the groove of the starter strip.

• There is also a half-log starter. This uses an e-log basically cut in half and a cedar “brick ledge” is adhered to the bottom. This is also a very easy system to apply and the e-logs simply follow the T&G method over the rest of the wall. It is applied from the bottom of the log home up. It is very easy to apply with common building materials and skills. Nothing out of the ordinary is required.

What is the warranty period?

The warranty is 15 years assuming that the e-log is maintained on a regular basis and the veneer is adequately stained to provide a protective finish. Essentially, with proper care and maintenance, the e-log should never delaminate and should provide a long lasting beautiful look for many, many years …

Why not provide a longer warranty period? The e-log should last for many years beyond the 15 year warranty period with proper care and maintenance. It is the perspective of Pine River to under sell and over perform. Certainly, IF a manufacturing related problem was to surface beyond the 15 year period, we will stand behind the e-log system.

Does the e-log require maintenance?

Yes, everything requires maintenance! The question should be asked, what kind of maintenance is required? Basically, the e-log requires the least amount of maintenance of any log siding or full log system on the market. Since the e-log is built on a very stable foundation, and with the real culprit of solid wood being internal moisture (of which there is none in the e-log) the maintenance of the e-log is basically limited to keeping it clean and keeping it stained. With regular log washing and staining, the e-log will be a very long lasting and stable system.

How often do you have to re-stain e-logs?

Recommendations from the stain company that e-log uses are a re-stain every 3-5 years, depending on the environmental conditions. Walls that are exposed to more sunlight, normally West and Southern exposures may require more attention then the walls that are shaded and protected. It is recommended that the home owner do regular checks of his home and in the spring after the pollen has fallen, do a simple log wash and touch up on areas that may be more exposed to the sun. Each home, house, cottage, or cabin will be different, but with regular care and attention, maintaining the e-log system should be an easy and enjoyable task.

What kind of stain is used on e-log siding systems?

Pine River, Inc., the e-log manufacturer, has entered into a brand labeling of a very efficient and durable stain log siding system from Perma-Chink.  Perma-Chink is a well known and accepted log siding stain company in the industry. Our log stain system is properly named “e-stain” for many of the same reasons that e-log siding is named e-log. Our log siding is a very efficient, environmentally friendly, easy to apply and maintain, economical and enhancing system. The e-stain system is water borne and does not damage plants or wildlife. It is recommended that e-stain log siding be sprayed or brushed on the e-log and trim and log corners. If it is sprayed, it is important to back brush to provide good coverage and the best look.

Why is the e-log environmentally friendly?

• The e-log is extremely friendly to the environment. We all are concerned about preserving our natural resources, whether it is heating and air conditioning fuels or the natural forests that are quickly receding. The e-log is good for both.

  1. The inherent R-factor of the insulating foam that comprises the core of the e-log provides an average value of 8, 9 & 10 over the three e-log sizes of 12”, 14” and 16” respectively. This is additional to what is already in the studded or SIP panel wall system that the e-log is covering.

  2. The e-log saves trees. Since the e-log uses veneer (1/8” to 1/6”) thick it has a conversion ratio of ~ 80 e-logs per every one 12” – 14” diameter tree. What this means is that if one were to build a 1600 SF full stack log home that could easily consume 238 - 12”  logs, with that Pine River can produce ~ 19,040 - 12” e-logs.  Or another way to say this is that if it took 238 e-logs to side a traditional stick built home, that would equal 3 solid logs. This is a MAJOR savings to the environment while yet at the same time provides a large authentic log look that the average home owner can afford.

What makes the e-log different from typical log siding?

The e-log system is very unique. It looks and acts different then conventional log siding. It is the most stable and authentic log system on the market. The large 3 ½” to 5 ½” profile and the 12” to 16” apparent diameter provide the most realistic log look available. A profile of traditional log siding is 1” to maybe 3” with a stack height of 6” to 8”. With traditional solid wood log siding, if the profile is much larger then 3” or so, the siding will tend to have the same problems that solid logs have with the shrinking, cracking, and possible warping. All of these problems are avoided with the e-log system. The e-log is revolutionary in a very mature market place. The authentic large log size, efficient performance and ease of maintenance places the e-log in a class of its own.

Can the e-log be used on a home remodel?

The e-log is perfect for remodeling your home or cabin converting it into a log home or log cabin of your dreams. Its light weight and easy to install process allows for people to install on ladders and light scaffolds. Heavy equipment and special tools are not required. The insulation properties provide additional insulating characteristics on existing structures. Finally, the dream log home or log cabin that one desires doesn’t require a tear down anymore. Simply apply the e-log and see the transformation.

Is the e-log available in different types of wood?

Yes, the e-log can be constructed using White Pine or multiple types of hardwood thick veneer including; Maple, Red or white Oak, Hickory, Aspen, Cherry, Tulip Poplar, Beech. Basically any type veneer can be used to make a beautiful log siding system. Hardwoods are especially suited for interior applications where a clear coating provides the required protection allowing the beauty of the hardwood grains to show through.

Are there different types of e-log corner options?

Yes, there are multiple types of corner options for the exterior corners and the interior corners. All of the corner options are made of solid logs or dimensional wood. The options are:

• Exterior Corners

  1. Round Vertical – ranging from 10” to 14” in diameter to match the effective look of the e-log siding.

  2. Saddle Notch – provides the most authentic look of real stacked log construction. The Saddles are available in 16” lengths but can also be ordered as long 30”

  3. Square Vertical – similar in functionality as the round vertical but with a rough squared appearance.

  4. 45 degree Vertical – especially good for smaller buildings and dormers where size & weight can be a concern. The e-logs are beveled to fit 45 degree corner.

• Interior Corners

  1. Square dimensional wood ranging from 4”x4” – 6”x6” to work with the appropriate e-log size.

  2. e-logs can be mitered at a 45 deg angle to form their own corner as well.

Are the e-logs pre-stained?

The e-log siding system is factory primed to provide a solid foundation for the final top coats of Pine River’s “e-stain” that will be applied in the field after the e-logs are applied and caulked on the building. This primer base is a clear coat with a number of additives added in to provide protection against natures harshest environments. This primer is intended to provide protection of the e-log during the shipment and installation phases, application of the final e-stain top coats are required to provide the log siding color and long term protection of e-log system.

What are the dimensions and weights of e-logs?

The e-log comes standard 8’ long and is very light weight and easy to handle. Ease of shipping, handling and installing all contribute to the economical value of the e-log siding system. The following table gives the specifications of the e-log:

What makes the e-log an energy efficient log siding system?

The insulation characteristics of the internal foam core of the e-log make the e-log a very unique insulated log siding product. The average r-values of the 3 different size e-logs are r-8, r-9, & r-10 for the 12”, 14” & 16” e-log respectively. This additional r-value adds long term value to the e-log log siding system above and beyond the initial installed price. As a log cabin or log home owner, not only is the e-log providing beauty and great curb appeal it is providing an energy payback in lower heating and cooling bills.

What makes the e-log economical log siding system?

Insulation, lower installation costs, light weight requiring no heavy machinery which also preserves your natural environment around your log cabin, higher resale value, improving property values, adding great curb appeal are just a few of the many factors that make the e-log siding system an economical solution to your log home or log house siding project.

How does the e-log compare in price to other log siding products?

More then likely, the e-log will not be your lowest priced option for log siding. HOWEVER, it will be the most unique and offer the highest payback then any other log siding product. With the insulated log properties, the large diameter log look, the stability of the installation along with the most authentic log look, the log home owner will have the best value in the long run easily out weighing the potentially more expensive up front cost. With a purchase of any kind, the initial price of the product or system seldom if ever equates to the final cost. One must take into account the many factors that add cost along the way AND subtract from the initial price the efficiency paybacks. When this analysis is completed with the e-log siding system, e-log hands down is the product of choice for your new log home construction or for your log house remodel project.

Why is the e-log easy to maintain?

With the understanding that EVERYTHING requires some form of maintenance or another, the question should read how much and what kind of maintenance is required? The e-log system will require less and easier maintenance than any full stack log home or any other typical log siding that provides a similar diameter appearance. Since the e-log won’t shrink, warp, develop large cracks or have any other type of movement, maintenance to correct for this type of occurrence is not required with the e-log. All that is required is simple log washing and re-staining on a regular interval to maintain the beauty and long term protection of the wood exterior. Is maintenance required? YES, but it is easy to maintain …

Do e-logs shrink, warp, crack, split, or check?

No, the e-log will not shrink, warp, split or develop major cracks and checks. Since it is wood, it may develop minor fissures in the veneer. Some e-logs have a tendency more then others to develop these small fissures. This is normal and not something to be concerned about. However, this is why an active coat of stain is important. The stain will fill in the minor checks or fissures providing a good water seal and UV protection.

What is very important is that the e-log will not change shape or shrink causing movement or pulling away from caulk joints or other pieces of the log siding or the home structure leaving air leaks or other problem areas. The construction of the e-log makes it the most stable log siding system on the market.

How durable is the adhesive used in making e-logs?

This is a common question and is quite easy to answer. The e-log is constructed with the most aggressive moisture cure adhesive on the market. When the glue cures it becomes 100% water proof forming a water proof barrier between the joints of thick wood veneer exterior and the hardboard as well as between the hardboard and the internal insulating foam core. Once the curing process is completed (2-3 hours) the adhesive chemically bonds with the two surfaces it is adhering to, actually becoming one common component of a very strong and durable laminated product. Once joined together, the adhesive will not weaken or degrade over time as long as proper care is provided so that exterior wood does not physically become rotten and become the failure point.

Can I hang pictures, Plasma TV's and other household items on the e-log?

Yes, the e-log is able to support almost anything you would want to hang on it.  It is important that you use a minimum 4" preferably 5" screw (for the 12" elog) that will engage at least 1/2" into the OSB backing of the e-log.  If you have the 14" or the 16" e-log the screws that you will require would be minimally 5"-6" and 6"-7" respectively.  Also, if you angle the screw with ~30 degree angle will help with load support.  With proper screw angle and being sure that you are in the OSB backing, each screw should be able to support a load up to ~150 lbs.  We recommend that for heavy items, using 2 or more screws will help distribute weight.  If you are unsure of the type of screw to use contact us and we will ship you the proper screws.

Is it important to caulk the joints in e-log systems?

Yes, it is important to caulk the “vertical” joints of the e-log system. Every joint that is running vertically, whether it is between e-logs or corner logs or trim, needs to be caulked. The horizontal joints between e-logs do not need to be, unless there seems to be an unusually large gap or if the log home owner wants a caulked or chinked look. As with any log application, proper caulking will help preserve the life of the entire system and maintain its beauty.

What kind of caulk should I use on e-logs?

Pine River recommends that the log home owner use the Energyseal caulk product manufactured by PermaChink. A good color selection to use is the Natural Pine as it matches the color of the pre-primed or pre-stained e-log as it comes from the factory. After you apply the e-log on the log house, caulk all the joints and then apply your two coats of energyseal. The energyseal caulk will take the stain very similar as the e-log does so you will minimize the caulk seam.

How do e-logs match end to end?

A 1/8” thick foam spacer is supplied with the e-log system that is to be applied between the e-log joints. This forces a small gap between the e-logs for caulk to be applied. The foam spacer is the same shape as the e-log and acts as a backer to support the caulk from filling in the entire gap. This is very important as there needs to be enough caulk applied to maintain it’s integrity and to cover the end grain of the wood exterior of the e-log.

Can e-logs be applied over cement blocks?

Yes, apply furrier strips over the concrete blocks on 24” - 36” centers to provide screw connection points. A pack out on the corners may be necessary for the corner systems and some additional work around windows and doors, but overall the e-log can easily be applied over concrete or cinder block structures providing a very dramatic new log home look.