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These Key Elements Set Ward
Cedar Log Homes' Building
Technology Apart

Ward Technology

In the decades Ward Cedar Log Homes has been in business, we have introduced an impressive list of industry firsts, including "D"-shaped logs, the pre-cut round purlin roof system, pre-cut logs, butt-and-pass corners and the industry's first complete materials package.

While no two homes are exactly alike, each has the distinctive Ward Cedar Log Home look and exceptional quality that has become our trademark for more than 80 years. And you'll benefit from Ward's dedication to continued research, development and implementation of improved log construction technology. Whether you choose the Comfort System 5™ (full log home) or the Ward Traditional Comfort System (insulated, log-sided walls that look exactly like a solid log home), you know you're working with a company committed to excellence in the housing industry.

These Key Elements Set Ward Cedar Log Homes' Building Technology Apart

Easy installation of mechanicals for straightforward installation of wiring, plumbing and HVAC systems. Ward homes utilize a conventional flooring system and studded interior partitions so that the installation of wiring and plumbing is as easy as in a traditionally framed house. Any type of heating, ventilation or air conditioning system can be used. Interior wall switches and outlets are also installed in a conventional manner. For exterior walls, wires may be run through holes drilled in the logs and in channels that will be covered by door trim or wall posts. Outlets and switches are mortised into the exterior walls.

The Comfort System 5™ log wall, a technically superior log construction system that prevents air and water from infiltrating the structure. Our team of design engineers developed the Comfort System 5™ — a unique, structurally graded log system that features:

  • Air-dried cedar logs — Milled with an overhanging drip edge to whisk rain down and away from your home.
  • Tongue-and-groove joinery — Provides a mechanical barrier to the elements by preventing air infiltration through the walls and helps to keep your logs walls straight and true during construction.
  • An internal foam gasket barrier — Acts as an additional line of defense to insure your home against moisture and air infiltration.
  • An external foam backer rod — Fits into the profile of each cedar log, which is grooved to accommodate it. This provides a non-adhesive surface so the caulking, which acts like an elastic band that expands and contracts with the wood, will stick only to the upper and lower wood surfaces of the groove.
  • Perma-Chink Energy Seal exterior caulking — Especially formulated to fit in the 1/4" groove on the exterior surface of our logs to protect your home from elements like rain and wind, which can cause problems with air and water infiltration. A thoroughly tested blend of acrylic polymer that dries to form an elastic, durable surface, Perma-Chink requires little-to-no maintenance. It is perfectly textured and colored to blend beautifully with the natural tones of a Ward Cedar Home, and it can be stained just like the logs.

In addition, with butt-and-pass corners, invented by Bruce Ward, logs alternately extend past one another instead of the square log ends butting against the face of each other. End logs fit together in a tongue-and-groove fashion with foam sealant, backer rod and caulking providing superior protection.

The premier pre-cut purlin roof system is created from the finest handpicked spruce logs, which are peeled by Ward craftsmen and sized to specification for each individual home. Pre-cut gables are pre-erected at our manufacturing facility then disassembled to insure the angle of each log has been perfectly cut. Ward also offers the option of pre-assembled conventional truss roof systems for customers preferring traditional flat or vaulted ceilings. Conventional rafter roof systems are also available.

The Ward Traditional Comfort System provides the look of a solid log home while providing a super insulated R-30 home. (And since only the walls are constructed differently than other Ward log homes, the rest of the log home package remains the same.) The Ward Traditional Comfort System features:

  • Northern White Cedar log siding — Air dried to ensure the highest quality and stability, cedar naturally resists the problems associated with moisture and insects and protects your home investment for years to come.
  • Superior energy efficiency — When you're building in areas where energy codes are dictated, the Ward Traditional Comfort System delivers an R-value of more than 30.
  • Exterior look choice — Choose from insulated log walls that look exactly like traditional solid log walls or clapboard-style exterior walls.
  • Interior look choice - Interior walls can be finished just like any traditional interior wall — tongue-and-groove horizontal paneling, cedar half-log siding for a full log wall look or dry wall that allows you to paint or wallpaper areas of your choice.
  • A variety of corner styles to select from — The standard package comes with full-log corners, but you can also choose corner boards to provide a more formal appearance.
  • Proven exterior sealant and caulking system — Ward engineers worked with leaders in foam gasket and caulking technology to create a system that employs thoroughly tested materials and methods, guaranteeing a weather-tight home.
  • Easy-to-understand construction — Builders and contractors everywhere, even in areas where log homes are uncommon, will quickly understand how the Ward Traditional Comfort System is constructed.

With all Ward log homes, you can be assured of easy-to-maintain durability, long lasting beauty and quality.