DeckWood Facts & Care

Outdoor living areas have increasingly become popular for barbecuing, entertaining or simply for relaxing and enjoying nature. Because of the amount of time spent on decks and porches, consumers are demanding higher quality building products for these areas. Beaver Mountain has a reputation for supplying high quality materials, and our exterior decking is no exception.

DeckWood is a hand-selected clear grade of southern yellow pine without knots or wane. The top edges of the 2x6 lumber is rounded for a distinctive look and the underside is milled with double grooves to reduce the tendency of decking to cup. DeckWood is pressure-treated with Wolman preservative and is therefore backed by both the Wolmanized wood lifetime limited warranty against termites and fungal decay and also by the Good Housekeeping Seal.

Beaver Mountain provides screws for DeckWood installation which must be predrilled for the best result. According to Arch Treatment Technologies, manufacturer of Wolman preservative, an effective brand of water repellent should be applied to the decking as soon as the project is finished or, for large projects, as sections are completed. Water repellent should be re-applied every year or two and deck brightener can be used to clean wood which has a dingy appearance caused by dirt, mildew and mold.

For further information, please visit http://www.wolmanizedwood.com/

Pondering Design

Now that fall is upon us and the end of the year is rapidly approaching, I pause for a moment to reflect on several design projects. Whether it's a one room cabin along the river for that fly fishing retreat you have always dreamed of or a 10,000 square foot "Log Cabin" to call home, I've been working on it. This year has truly been all about our "custom crafting" from floor plans to large lathe turned logs and timbers.

As a designer, it's very exciting to design for a company with such a high level of craftsmanship because the possibilities are endless. No matter the size or style of your next project, I look forward to working with you.

John Lanner, Sr. Design Consultant

Thinking outside "THE BOX"

For the past several months I have worked with a lovely couple on their dream home. And while many of our correspondence has been by fax, phone and email- for now "the box" has made a lasting impression on Ken and Lori’s Beaver Mountain building experience!

These attractive and yet sturdy boxes are typically used to mail documents, drawings and other items that otherwise would not fit into an envelope. A few months back when Ken and Lori needed to review some documents, being the frugal, environmentally responsible person I am, I decided to try something different with my nearby neighbor.

I placed the first documents in “the box” and with Lori’s permission decided to drop it off at their house. Lori in turn, left me a message that after they reviewed the documents she too, would leave “the box” on the porch for me to pick up. Over the next several weeks we passed "the box" back and forth many times. All the while our design and engineering department, in conjunction with the builder, collaborated and analyzed the design, materials and site location in order to satisfy NYS Energy Star requirements. They analyzed windows, overhangs, thermal mass, color and type of roof shingles as well as the energy efficiency of the corner styles. As a result, Lori and Ken will be substantially reducing their carbon footprint not only with their design but with the use of geothermal radiant heat and enough photovoltaic solar panels to provide 93% of their electrical usage.

So over the next few months the chronicles of “the box” will quickly draw to an end but the excitement that comes with the delivery and construction of Lori and Ken’s beautiful new “Environmentally Friendly” Beaver Mountain Home will last for many years to come!Debbie D- Building Consultant

For more information on how Beaver Mountain can help you build your dream home call 1-800-233-2770

The Fun is in the Journey; The Pride is in the Home!

I recently went to visit a Beaver Mountain Home under construction. I met the homeowner at the site. Both he and his project manager took me around the property where they explained the plans for the finishing touches of the home such as the tile style, the floor coverings, kitchen pantry area, and master bath fixtures. They removed their unique light fixtures from the boxes they were stored in and they lifted the protective covering off of furnishings that were waiting to be moved into the completed home for me to see. As they moved from room to room, you could see in their eyes the pride and satisfaction that the project was giving them, but more importantly, they were having fun!

Building your dream home, whether it is a 4000 sq ft lake house, or a 1200 sq ft hunting cabin is an experience where the fun is in the planning and the journey as much as in the finished product. At Beaver Mountain we understand this, and we do our best to help you plan, design, and co-ordinate the construction of your new home. We want you to remember your journey as a wonderful experience! We know you will be proud and completely satisfied with your Beaver Mountain Home for generations.

Come to the Mountain and see our model homes, check out our web site for plans, ideas, and information or call 1-800-233-2770 for information or to make an appointment.

COME TO THE MOUNTAIN... IT'S FREE!

Did you know Beaver Mountain has (3) model homes that have been described by industry experts, “as one of the most impressive displays in the northeast?” And did you know that Beaver Mountain's manufacturing facility is affectionately called, “The Cabinet Shop?”

We know these things very well and we would like everyone to know about them. The best way to do that is to schedule a personal consultation or sign up for a mill tour and seminar! We are so confident that you will love what you see that we are now offering a “Travel Reimbursement Program” to make it easier for you to Come to the Mountain! If you make the trip to see us and purchase a Beaver Mountain Home, we will reimburse you for the costs of travel and lodging. To learn more, contact your Beaver Mountain sales consultant for all the details!

1-800-233-2770

"The Devil is in the Details"

Recently I received a wonderful letter from a customer currently building their log home. As a Sales Consultant here at Beaver Mountain, I try to convey this philosophy to people repeatedly. To hear (read) it from a client is the ultimate validation!

“Until I built a log home I didn’t have a complete appreciation for the importance of choosing a manufacturer. Log home construction is unique. We chose quality and we have throughout the process but I mean the right manufacturer is not only about appearance but about structure, structure, structure. Beaver Mountain Log Homes are battleships in their structure surrounded by some of the finest detail work I have ever seen. Structure not done correctly at the start can never be corrected and in a log home the logs are the structure, the insulation and the appearance. They say the devil is in the details and they are correct. I was astounded in the milling tolerances, in a fifty four foot wall with multiple openings (doors, windows, etc), each opening was perfect."
- Excerpt from John C- Beaver Mountain Customer 2008

SATURDAY, APRIL 18th: FACTORY TOUR!

Please join us and see for yourself the details and the precision craftsmanship of our pre-cut log walls, panelized components, and timbers.

Call 1-800-233-2770 for more information!

Explaining Log & Timber Checks

From my experience in the log home industry, the number one question ask by customers viewing their home dry stack is about log and timber checks.

According to the Standard on the Design and Construction of Log Structures, a check is "A radial crack in the log that occurs as the wood is seasoning". The definition goes on to say that a check is "...a natural an unpredictable result of the seasoning process that generally does not affect the structural integrity of the log."

As a timber dries, the cells at the outer surface lose moisture more quickly than those at the center of the timber. This process causes stresses in the timber which is relieved by a check occurring. This happens whether the timber is air dried or kiln dried. Generally speaking, a larger timber will produce a larger check. Here at Beaver Mountain, our combination of air drying and kiln drying, work to remove the majority of moisture from our timbers. This, along with our grading procedures, mean that although logs and timber joists will have checks, the amount and size of checks is controlled as part of the production process.

This process starts during milling. As we run material through the planer, we try to orient any existing checks up and down so they are not exposed on the inside or the outside of the home. If the stock material does not allow for this kind of orientation, we try to place the existing check to the inside so it is not exposed to the weather.

Next, because we pre-cut every home, we are able to remove any check that does not meet the Wall Log 53 Grade, which is a structural grade. However, we go a step further and visually grade out unpleasing checks that are structurally sound, but may not be visually appealing. We make every effort to place logs that do have checks in areas of the home so as to be less noticeable, such as behind kitchen cabinets, in bathrooms and closets. Logs that have checks on the outside top half, can be placed under overhangs and porches and thus not exposed to the weather.

Remember, checking will occur during the timber drying process, so a timber with no checking may not be dry. It makes for a nicer home when check size and location are controlled, after all, checks are part of the natural beauty of wood.

Rick Hamm, Production Manager

Dan & Jean's Design Process

While working at the Syracuse Home & Garden show this past weekend, I was asked the same questions over and over……..Do you sell pre-designed kits? What if we have our own floor plan? Can you custom design? These are all valid questions of which you will receive many different answers on throughout the log home industry, so I would like to give you our answer on “Design”. At Beaver Mountain we pride ourselves on custom designing your dream home to meet not only your wants & needs but your project budget as well.

The following is just one example of a typical design process here at Beaver Mountain, but I thought it would be nice to lay a project out for you from the start. Since this project is not yet complete and the design is often times a multiple step process I will be posting updates as things move forward……..

The design process for Dan & Jean Marie:

I first met with Dan & Jean Marie back in December for a preliminary design consultation where I learned they wanted to build in two phases. The first phase was going to be a two car garage with living quarters above, carriage house style, and then when they were ready to move up full time, they would attach a house as phase two. After reviewing their ideas, we soon realized it would be best to merge the two phases and build the house and garage all as one structure. This would reduce the overall footprint of the home and take full advantage of their site. We discussed a few options for positioning the house and decided it would be best for me to visit their site. We set a schedule for a site visit as well as a follow-up appointment to get the design started.

I made my visit to the site early one morning in December & took several photo’s of the area we all discussed locating the house. Based on the natural slope of the property and the beautiful country views, I felt we were in a great spot! I headed back to the office and put some of my initial ideas on paper to share with Dan & Jean Marie during our next scheduled visit.
The New Year arrived and Dan & Jean came back for the preliminary design session where we sat down at the computer and began the house design. We located the garage space below the house in the daylight basement area to take advantage of the natural slope of the land. Also planned for this space would be an entry / foyer with timber stairs up to the main living areas, laundry room, full bath and a utility room. The main floor was blocked out with the great room, kitchen & dining overlooking an open meadow to the west. To the east we planned for a master suite, (2) guest bedrooms and a full bath with the master suite capturing the sunrise over open fields separated by a wonderful tree line. The design session went well and gave us the info we needed to begin the estimate process. We discussed getting back together once they had a chance to review the preliminary design and we had a chance to run some numbers.

Watch for my next posting on Dan & Jean's design process the week of April 20Th.

John Lanner, Senior Design Consultant

The Beaver Mountain Promise

We at Beaver Mountain, are proud of the level of customer service we provide. This high standard begins with The Beaver Mountain Promise.

Our Promise states that "... the materials provided to you as listed on the material specifications attached to your Purchase Agreement will be of the kind and quality specified, pre-cut as specified and supplied in sufficient quantity for their intended purpose." Further, "... if it is determined that materials were inadvertently missed, pre-cut incorrectly or shipped in deficient quantity, Beaver Mountain will provide the materials to you at absolutely no cost...".

You may expect this kind of service from all log home manufacturers, but this is not the case. I have read the fine print on competing companies material lists. One such list states that "... materials are figured to the best of our abilities, any overages or shortages are at the expense of the purchaser." Not something many people want to hear when making a large investment.

The Beaver Mountain Promise details our commitment to our customers and builders alike. In the Promise, it states that "... our goal is to deliver customer service that is Second to None." As part of the Customer & Builder Relations Team here at Beaver Mountain, I have worked with hundreds of homeowners and almost as many builders. We have always done our best to work together to find a solution to any situation that may arise. The bottom line is, we try to do the right thing.

For more information about The Beaver Mountain Promise, contact your sales consultant.

~ Michael Santamaria, Customer & Builder Relations

Recipient of the Builder Friendly Award

Building Systems Magazine has announced Beaver Mountain Log and Cedar Homes as one of the seven recipients of the Builder Friendly Award.

This award recognizes the log manufacturers who offer extraordinary supportive services such as design, log grading, a construction manual, construction training, warranties in writing, on-site construction assistance, and furnished construction drawings, to name a few.

Charles Bevier, editor of Building Systems, explains that, "to qualify, companies have to meet a rigorous list of requirements - more than 20 categories of business development, collateral material and training. These are among the first in the log home industry to not only meet but surpass these requirements. With the Builder Friendly designation, contractors can rest assured that the relationship between a log home manufacturer and builder will be comprehensive, detailed, and - above all - professional."

Builders and customers of Beaver Mountain homes appreciate our extended efforts for total log care and construction ease. Below is a list of just a few:

• Window buck construction to provide a secure, energy-efficient fit
• Dry stacked home to ensure a quality fit and allow customers to view their home before delivery
• Pre-cut rafters to save time in the field
• Pallets to further protect the logs
• Notched floor joists to offer an accurate fit

You can learn more about Beaver Mountain by visiting www.beavermtn.com and read more about this award on Building Systems' website.

Meet Patti Smith

Title: Director of First Impressions
At BM Since: 1998

Background: Worked for an Insurance Company

Best part of the job: “Greeting people on their first visit here at Beaver Mountain, my co-workers, the atmosphere…it’s a real family-oriented business that trickles down to all who work here.”

Interests: Going for walks, reading Scripture, spending time with her family and new granddaughter, traveling to see her son play college football, having friends and family over for dinner, arts and crafts, photography, fellowshipping with the adults and youth of the church she attends and is involved with

Q: How do you handle the logs?

A: With TLC. Total Log Care.

It starts at the kiln. Once dried, they are covered by a thick tarp to our manufacturing facility. Here they are unloaded and stored under cover in our large storage buildings, designed specifically to ensure the materials stay dry. Our logs are graded to Log Wall 53, a rating above the industry's standard.

After being cut to exact specifications inside our mill, the logs are drystacked and taken down being reverse stacked onto protective pallets. Once packed, the logs are wrapped with lumber wrap for further protection from the elements. All of the materials are then stored under cover in our shipping yard. Every Beaver Mountain home receives a designated storage bay so that all components are kept together.

When the materials are all loaded on the truck to be shipped, everything is tarped again (rain or shine) and ready for the journey to your construction site. The homeowner is then responsible for keeping the logs and other home components away from the elements on the site.

We find that the extra TLC we put into every log ensures that your home will be a lasting legacy for generations to come.

The Difference is in the Details: Drip Cap and Window Buck

A specially designed window buck and drip cap system is another standard feature in all of our solid log home building systems. The materials are pre-cut to ensure a tight, energy-efficient fit that securly fastens into the double tongue and groove logs. It is an example of the focused care we put into our product, making it one of premium quality.

Take a closer look at the drip cap and window buck system - one of the many samples displayed in our Showroom. We are located on Route 17 six miles west of Hancock, NY and open Monday-Saturday 9:00am-4:00pm. Don't hesitiate to call 1-800-233-2770 for more information.

Q: Can I build a log home during the winter months?

A: Yes! And there are definite advantages of doing so!

Scheduling:
Many contractors and subcontractors are more readily available in the winter months, making it easier to coordinate schedules. Also, due to their lesser workload and time demands, there is a better chance of getting the construction finished on time.

Preparing the site:
Site excavation can occur in up to 2' of frost with new equipment able to go even deeper, with the frozen ground providing a solid base for the heavy machinery. Ground water levels are also lower in the winter (outside of coastal areas) prohibiting the excavated sides to slump.

Building the home:
As winter is an overall drier season and snow is easier to clear away than water or mud, the job site will have a tendency to remain clean and neat. Futhermore, the sun hangs lower in the winter sky so the logs are exposed to less direct sunlight during construction. Therefore, the logs will receive less fading and sun damage than they would receive in the summer. After the exterior walls are built, if the house is not heated while its interior is being trimmed and finished, the logs will be able to better acclimate to the site conditions before the furnace is used.

Things to consider:
Regardless of the amount of snowfall, the driveway has to be clear for the delivery and contractors' vehicles. There also needs to be ample dry, clean storage space for the materials.

Meet Rick Hamm

Title: Production Manager, Safety Coordinator
At BM Since: 2003

Background: Attended the Management Institute Program at Broome Community College along with completing a variety of business and technical courses; 26 years in production manufacturing: 11 years experience as a precision machinist, and 15 years experience in production management in two different industries, steel and log homes; experience in linear and cellular manufacturing, total cycle time reduction, quality control, problem-solving techniques and project management.

Best part of the job: “There are two things that really make me enjoy what I do. One is the satisfaction I get from seeing the highest quality manufactured log home completed and delivered on time. The second is inspiring and motivating employees at being the best both personally and professionally.”

Interests: the outdoors, camping, target shooting, paintball, watching his son playing high school football, summertime barbeques, computers, wood working, holidays enjoying family, and a good James Paterson book

The Difference is in the Details: Drystacking

At Beaver Mountain we pride ourselves on the quality, craftsmanship, and preparation that goes into each one of our homes. After custom-crafting the logs to meet the exact specifications and desires of each client, the home's log walls are pre-assembled (or dry-stacked) in our mill! This allows us to perform another quality assurance inspection of the logs to ensure a proper fit and structural integrity, in addition to aesthetic beauty. Ultimately, it proves that every pre-cut piece of the home fits together flawlessly before it arrives on the building site. Every log is labeled to indicate exactly where it belongs down to its appropriate wall, direction, and row. The house is then disassembled with the logs coming off in reverse order right onto Beaver Mountain pallets so that they will be in the proper order for construction. By paying attention to these details, Beaver Mountain ensures a builder-friendly construction that leads to a higher-quality, tighter and more energy-efficient home.

When the logs are dry-stacked, we invite the clients to our manufacturing facility to see their home prior to delivery, a procedure that is unique to Beaver Mountain. During this time they can personally see their dream home forming!

The Difference is in the Details: A testimonial of Beaver Mountain's integrity

"We wanted to thank you and the rest of the crew at Beaver Mountain for all your guidance and consideration. Throughout the process of identifying a company, designing and modifying a plan, and soon to the final construction of our home, you have all shown great respect for our needs and desires.

In particular, we commend you for a terrific on-site program. Over the years, we have attended several seminars and been through four or five other mills and facilities. We can honestly say that we know your competition. Two things set Beaver Mountain apart from the others. First was the way in which everyone responded to our questions. Answers were clear, direct, and to the point. There were no assurances that ‘oh, we never have problems like that here.’ Instead, we were told how you try to avoid them and then, if they occur, how you resolve them. Our recent contacts with several builders and customers reinforced that claim.

Second, and even more important was the integrity displayed throughout the facilities. Sales persons, mill workers, designers all reflected pride in the product and an absolute refusal to bad mouth the competition. When asked why another company may use a different system of quality control, grading, sealing, or whatever, everyone simply explained the differences and why they felt Beaver Mountain has a better way of doing things. This has become a rare quality in American businesses and we are glad to see it carries on in your company.

Again, you have our thanks and great respect."
–Dennis and Gail Dragich

Corner Styles

One way to make your log home look distinctive is through the corner styles you choose. Following are the five solid log corner styles we offer at Beaver Mountain, each possessing outstanding structural stability and a unique aesthetic.

Butt & Pass Corner, Dovetail Corner:

Saddlenotch Corner, Interlocking Corner:

Posted Corner:

Meet Chris Weyer

Title: Sales Manager

At BM Since: 1999

Background: BA degree from Binghamton University, secondary education, sales and sales management

Best part of the job: "I derive a great deal of satisfaction and pleasure in managing and coordinating a successful home building project. There is nothing better than helping someone take their vision of a dream home and then working together as a team to make it happen!"

Interests: Relaxing with his wife and two little boys, camping, fishing and hiking. He is also an avid sports fan/self proclaimed baseball fanatic who loves heading out to the ballpark to catch a game - a summer tradition he started with his father and now carries on with his sons.

A Beaver Mountain hilltop paradise

"After purchasing property, we explored many building options. Marni's brother referred us to Beaver Mountain Log and Cedar Homes. He had been impressed by the beautiful display of model homes on the hillside along Route 17. Our excavator also recommended Beaver Mountain.

We had a very specific vision of the goals that we wanted to achieve for our home. The first time we visited Beaver Mountain Log and Cedar Homes we met with Joan Decker. As we discussed our concepts, Joan immediately brought insight to our project. She quickly grasped our vision and enthusiastically worked with us to translate it into a beautifully designed country home that met all of our goals.

From its inception to completion, the process of building our home was a fabulous experience. Joan and everyone at Beaver Mountain did a great job of designing our house and providing us with quality materials."

-Marvin and Marni, Beaver Mountain customers