5 life hacks from our ancestors, with whom wooden houses did not rot for a hundred years

When it comes to wooden houses, when comparing modern options and preserved historical buildings, one cannot help thinking that construction technologies have noticeably deteriorated. This is because the log houses of the 19th century are still standing, and today's builders give a guarantee for a wooden house on average for only 25 years. This means that the methods of working with wood that have been practiced in the past are quite effective. We would like to bring to your attention the "five" life hacks from our ancestors, thanks to which their wooden houses did not decay for a hundred years.

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1. Wood processing methods

For better wood preservation, it is better to choose an ax rather than a saw. / Photo: stroy-podskazka.ru

Even in the days of Ancient Russia, one extraordinary method of preparing wood before direct construction was practiced. They didn’t saw the tree, they only resorted to cutting the logs. The thing is that the saw opens the wood fibers, thereby exposing them to the harmful effects of oxygen and water, which leads to an acceleration of the decay process. But when using cutting with an ax, the situation is exactly the opposite. The one who does not saw, but cuts - literally "ramps" the wood fibers, as if sealing the log. That is why the operating period of a hewn hut will be longer.

2. The right choice of logs

Another life hack from our ancestors is associated with the choice of logs directly: a log house will last longer if twisted logs are used during its construction. Their structure itself is more durable and less prone to decay. Although at the same time twisted logs are more difficult to process - wood is stronger. And in order to reduce the amount of work, only the lower crowns were often built from twisted logs. However, in northern latitudes, where there is much more moisture, huts were often completely erected from these stronger trunks.

3. Waterproofing materials

Our ancestors knew a lot about waterproofing. Today they use roofing material or ceresite, but centuries ago they used a much more affordable and multifunctional material. We are talking about ordinary birch bark, which is also an excellent moisture insulator. It was not in vain that even containers for liquid were made from it. Of course, it is not as durable as the same roofing material, however, it is more environmentally friendly and easier to find.

4. Burning wood

Another popular way in the past to increase the durability of a wooden house is to use the technology of lighting, that is, burning wood. The thing is that neither bacteria nor insects are capable of multiplying in a wood treated with fire. In addition, the layer of soot on the wood also insulates it from contact with oxygen, which also slows down the decay process.

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5. Wood impregnation

Perhaps anyone who has been involved in the construction of a wooden house knows that wood is additionally treated with special substances that save it from rotting and mold. But before such solutions did not exist, so oils were used for the same purpose. Linseed oil was considered the most popular in this regard. Apparently, it worked, because the houses stood intact and for more than one century.

In addition to the topic: How a 139-year-old house was moved to a new location by simply removing it from the foundation
A source: https://novate.ru/blogs/020421/58424/

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