Alta Log Homes Blog

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

If you live in or near the woods, you probably have a variety of rodents that also occupies your surrounding area. Most rodents like to gnaw on wood and if your log home is accessible to them it may become the target of their gnawing activity. Although field mice occasionally work on the exterior of a home, most of their effort is devoted to finding a warm place to spend the winter. If you seal up all of the potential entrance points, especially around the foundation, you will prevent their taking up residence inside your home. Just remember that they can squeeze through unbelievable small openings so you need to do a thorough job.

Check out the article below shared and posted by Permachink Systems.  Alta Log Homes is a proud supporter and supplier of all Permachink products!

https://www.permachink.com/blog/wildlife-damage

I tried this Flood product on my fence this past weekend, I am literally blown away at how well it worked and with such minimal effort! All you need is a pump sprayer and a garden hose to rinse, that's it!!  In stock at ALTA, stop by or call us today to get yours, 2.5 gallon only $19.99 + tax

Pro Series Wood Cleaner's deep-cleaning formula restores the natural look of wood, concrete, composites and other surfaces.
-Ready to use; no mixing required
-Works in 5-10 minutes
-Cleans a deck in half the time it takes to power-wash
-Removes mold and mildew stains
-Removes 4x more dirt than water alone

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)

It is virtually impossible to prevent logs from developing cracks and checks as they age and dry. That’s because as a large piece of wood seasons, mechanical stresses build up until the surface stress becomes so great that the wood cracks. We call these stress cracks “checks.”

Stay Cool With Late Summer Savings! http://bit.ly/2w9m29P

Only a few weeks left!  Call or stop in today to lock in your set of free customized blue prints (Reimbursement credit applied to the cost of your home package) Call 800-926-ALTA, stop in or email

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

As an Authorized Alta Log Homes Dealer, ​you will be providing your clients with one of the most elegant and energy efficient Log Homes in the industry today. 

Alta Log Home Dealer Program Includes:

One of the most completely engineered, pre-cut log home packages in the industry with detailed construction drawings for each house.
One of the best design and engineering services available for both custom designed homes and commercial applications. Our interlocking building system is known for its flexibility that allows us to design a wide range of structures.
We agree not to put another dealer within your defined territory.
Competitive pricing, with an excellent dealer discount.
A factory trained representative will supervise and train you or your builder and crew in our construction method – up to three days on first days on the ​first home purchased.
Sales aids, ad mats, national and regional advertising, co-op advertising program, and sales leads from Alta’s national advertising program sent to you bimonthly.
Be our guest at Alta for a two-day sales training program.

The next step in becoming an Alta Log Home dealer is to complete an application. Upon receipt of completed form, ​a dealer builder development specialist will contact you for an interview. You will be sent a complimentary Alta Log Home “World Class Living” Plan Book.

Fill out our dealer application http://www.altaloghomes.com/find-a-dealer/become-a-dealer

Ready to build your dream log home? ALTA log homes is excited to announce that we will be returning this year to host a table at the 9th Annual Catskill Forest Festival! We will be on hand to provide literature and answer any questions you may have from building your dream home to additions to garages! We have your log needs covered! Stop in and visit our table, we love people! 

Event will be held in the Margaretville Village Park (Bridge Street, Margaretville, NY 12455.  Event is held behind Freshtown supermarket).

Go to www.catskillforestfestival.com for additional information on the 9th Annual Catskill Forest Festival

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!!

In Honor of National Flag Day this Thursday June 14, we here at ALTA thought we would take the opportunity to both honor as well as to spread a little knowledge of "Old Glory".

National Flag Day is when Americans celebrate the meaning of their nation's flag, honor the traditions associated with its care, and educate those around them to its significance. The Flag of the United States is to be honored. After all, it carries with it a rich history and a long standing tradition. On June 14, 1777 the Flag Resolution was signed, making the current stars and stripes the National Flag of the United States of America. On May 30, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson called for the nation-wide observance of Flag Day. In 1949, President Harry S. Truman signed congress' decree, making June 14th of each year National Flag Day.

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!