Log Cabin Costly Mistake

When I built this log cabin in 2013 I made a dumb mistake! I failed to put tar paper or ice/water shield down on the roof sheathing before nailing on wood shingles. The shingles do shed water but they also absorb water and it will migrate into the roof sheathing and eventually cause rot. I chose to cover the roof with corten metal roofing. I waited until the roof was bone dry to do the work.
Felt or synthetic felt should normally be used under a metal roof because moisture can condense under the metal. It is recommended. I chose not to on this little cabin for several reasons: I live in a dry climate, there is good airflow under the metal, the cedar shingles protect the sheathing, the ceiling is insulated with closed cell foam which prevents any moist air from flowing up through.

[@cabinman]

Stunning property and views...goodness! I do think the metal is the best choice for longevity. Shakes look better but like you said not good in a fire.

[@OnBeaverCreek]

This summer I plan to build a barn with hand hewn logs on our homestead here. I will make some videos of that.

[@cabinman]

@@OnBeaverCreek that will be amazing to watch! Be sure to get those mountains in the frame! 😆

[@TheBeardedCarpenter]

Howdy Sir- I had to put a metal roof on the first cabin I built about thirty- five years ago. The cedar shingles gave up after thirty years. I’m glad you were able to get your cabin recovered without too much work. Nice cabin by the way- beautiful scenery also. God bless you

[@OnBeaverCreek]

Thank you Paul!

[@micjam1986]

I was taught Wood shingle are supposed to have a furring stip underneath so they can breath. Such a nice cabin!!

[@butternuthillfarm1599]

I really like the corten metal roofing. I think I'll put that on my cabin. John B. Just got my jig plans!

[@OnBeaverCreek]

Me too. After only a few weeks the roof looks like it has been on there for 20 years. I have Corten on my shop too and it is a nice rusty color after about 2 years. Corten is heavy gage and formulated so that it will rust (for aesthetics) but will still last a long long time.

[@Kathy_Is_Blessed]

Such a beautiful place you have! The cabin fits the land perfectly. I saw where you said you bought the property sight unseen....what a brave but excellent idea. Congratulations!! Subscribed so I can see what happens next. 😊🙏

[@OnBeaverCreek]

The property shown in this video ("..Costly Mistake") is on the property where I live. I did not buy it sight unseen. The remote mine property was the one I bought sight unseen. Thanks for watching the vids.

[@lachlanandres9371]

i guess im asking the wrong place but does someone know of a way to get back into an instagram account? I stupidly lost my password. I would love any assistance you can offer me.

[@ahmedmiles4580]

@Lachlan Andres Instablaster ;)

[@lachlanandres9371]

@Ahmed Miles Thanks for your reply. I got to the site on google and Im trying it out atm. Takes a while so I will reply here later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@lachlanandres9371]

@Ahmed Miles it did the trick and I finally got access to my account again. Im so happy:D Thanks so much you saved my ass !

[@garywilser7802]

Nice job on the roof ! In 2000 I put a “temporary “ asphalt rolled roof on my cabin. Just finished a green metal roof this past spring. Hopefully it will outlast me !

[@OnBeaverCreek]

I bet it will. Thanks for watching!

[@harvdog5669]

When are you going to put a vapor barrier on roof ? Are not the panels going to sweat ..seems like to me you would strip off old roofing, then install gorgeous pine tongue and groove ,then put a water berries, then furring strips and then new metal with screws that have a rubber washer on them and put up a rain gutter to guide water away from cabin walls..you could put a thin insulation board up there too.. when all done, you will have a nice warm ceiling to keep heat in.. just a thought on my part..

[@OnBeaverCreek]

I agree that vapor barrier should be used under all roofing.

[@sandravanlankvelt6537]

You should only wear tennis shoes on any metal roofing saves you from slipping and also scratching the panels. Don't forget your drip edge flashing on the gable ends and sides of your metal roofing it is very important.

[@АлексейЗахаров-ч7ш]

Молодец, отлично делаешь и обьесняешь, good!!!

[@OnBeaverCreek]

Спасибо моим русским друзьям

[@wayfaringrider972]

What a great place - the only thing I´m missing is a horsebarn and horses... 😊

[@OnBeaverCreek]

I have plans to build a horsebarn this summer

[@roypeavy3542]

Beautiful place.

[@OnBeaverCreek]

Thanks

[@fhagerber4079]

Mistake no 2 no water barrier between shingles and iron roof what about condensation under iron roof now with iron roof the water is trap there. Mistake no 3 no airflow between iron roof and shingles your problem is not solved you still have water on your shingles good luck to you sir

[@OnBeaverCreek]

I live in a really dry climate and there is lot's of airspace under the corrugations. The cedar won't be harmed by what little moisture might condense from time to time. It will not penetrate down to the sheathing. So, I chose not to add a barrier. You make a good point though that a barrier is needed in most cases.

[@timcisneros1351]

I disagree. The corrugations should provide plenty of venting.

[@gary24752]

@@OnBeaverCreek Since you do not have an underlayment to stop the transmission of vapor thru the structure the likely hood of the dew point being reached on the underside of the metal roofing is probably going to happen causing rust on the underside of the roof panels.

[@OnBeaverCreek]

There will be no vapor coming through the structure. The cathedral ceiling is insulated with foam and is airtight.

[@gary24752]

​@@OnBeaverCreek what type of foam did you use? If open cell or polyiso with no facing did you install a vapor barrier?

[@MsJhook]

Nice

[@dustindusten]

Great job 👏🏽

[@OnBeaverCreek]

Thanks 💯

[@llew777]

Great vid thank you, out here on the west coast because of rain much more aggressive overhangs on sides and both ends

[@OnBeaverCreek]

Agreed. This location is at about 8000 feet and sees a lot of snow but not so much rain.

[@llew777]

@@OnBeaverCreek Thank you for reply appreciated

[@bernhardmichaelfux308]

Are you sure, that you didn´t just close in the moisture now? I think it would be better to remove the shingles and screw 1x2§s onto the roof before the metal sheeting! Thas the only way the Boards can dry out over time! My conclusion: You just made the second expansive mistake! I am sad.I love your channel. But it makes me sad to see you doing this!

[@OnBeaverCreek]

There is plenty of air space between the corrugations and the cedar shingles. Any condensation will dry out. This is a very dry climate. Best practice though would be to use a vapor barrier. Thanks for watching.

[@bernhardmichaelfux308]

@@OnBeaverCreek I want to believe you, but I have my doubts! I think that´s our best compromise, isn´t it lol... So, I really wish, that it will turn out good for you! But, being educated as an engineer, I always doubt and try to see where a plan lacks and has its weak points. And in terms of Water and wood, and Condensation, I have seen a lot during my 4 decades of working (before I had to retire due to health problems...). That said, I always try to avoid any problem that may appear in a structure - even in such a small structure as a log cabin. So, my best wishes from A>ustria, a Land where building quality is done at the highest performance level. (which you can think due to our Climate here). A typical American House here in Austria would rank as a Shed. Especially the American Windows are unthinkable here www.josko.com/en/products/windows/topas/ There you can see a technical drawing of a plastic window we use here.

[@markgoode4109]

A lovely cabin and a beautiful setting. I'm sure it's a real pleasure to spend time here. Best wishes. :)

[@OnBeaverCreek]

Many thanks!

[@stevenkirby7478]

Beautiful cabin.

[@OnBeaverCreek]

Thank you!

[@georgeshotrodbarn2113]

I am looking to buy one of you patterns and i like the one you used to build that cabin. i was thinking eight by twelve with a two inch gap how close is that one to what i am thinking about thanks

[@OnBeaverCreek]

Yes, that is a good size. You can order from my website at logdovetailjig.com

[@1elvin]

That is an absolutely beautiful spot for a cabin. Should be proud for that.

[@OnBeaverCreek]

Thanks. Believe it or not, this is the 3rd location for this cabin. I have moved it two times over a period of 4 years. Once about 10 miles east and then 10 miles again. I lived in during those years. Maybe I should do a video about that.

[@1elvin]

@@OnBeaverCreek You should. Is that your property?

[@homesteadprepper]

Looks good!

[@OnBeaverCreek]

Thanks! Hated to cover up those wood shingles though!

[@JoseLopez-sx7re]

Saludos man. Hermosa cabaña. Y y q buena ideas

[@gardenia73mccready79]

So was that you with the horse at the end - such a useful & beautiful animal to have around

[@OnBeaverCreek]

I lease horses in the fall. That was me riding.

[@chuckblack9410]

another mistake based on video, built cabin in close proximity to all the trees, unless you intend to remove them