Build #2 - The Log Cabin

[M C Toyer]

Thomas -

We test the spring water regularly and it is safe to drink. The spring flows year round and has for centuries. We carbon dated the water to about 1360 CE but will need to do the same with other sources to positively identify the aquifer.

I've made several trips down the Trinity by canoe and kayak - no sweat and no smell.

Everything you need to know about the Great Trinity Forest is right here: http://dallastrinitytrails.blogspot.com/

I'm camping on private property but the spring itself is now owned by the City of Dallas. We are in the process of defining Historic Landmark and Conservation Easement overlays. The spring is adjacent to the Texas Horse Park currently under construction and not publicly accessible at present.

Future plans in the vicinity will include an RV Park and Canoe Launch Site in the old Roosevelt Heights Addition near US 175 and Bruton Road. In the meanwhile there are a number of established trails and trailheads where you can access the Forest on foot, bike or horseback. There is also the Trinity River Audubon Center. http://trinityriver.audubon.org/

[2bits]

Ahh yes I know exactly where you mean, I've been to the Audubon Center before too! Cool info, Insaw a site once about canoing the Trinity once too. Cool info!!

[Junkboy999]

Wow you really did a great job, love the siding.

Just got one thing. I helped a friend tow a concession stand build on a trailer with standard roofing and Flashing. We only got it to 45 Mph but lost the flashing in two places. Make sure the front edge is secure. Hate to see that get lifted off.

[M C Toyer]

Thanks Terry -

That was definitely a concern. This drawing shows the detail. The clearances are exaggerated for illustration.



The cleats are screwed through the deck into the rafters holding down one edge of the pan which is laid on top. There is fiberglass reinforced EDPM underlayment over the deck.

The hemmed u-shaped seam cap slides up from the eave catching the hemmed leg of the pans. The eave edge of the pan is folded over and crimped to the hip flashing. The seam cap has a rivet under the ridge cap and another at the eave. The flashing is similar.

The ridge cap (not shown) is in two pieces; the base screwed through the pan to the rafter and the cap slides over the base. I will fold the ends of the ridge cap over the flashing and screw through both into the rafter. The is a rubber seal under the base that matches the profile of the pans and seams.

The design and material is rated for 120 MPH winds.

The steel siding has some limitations and presents some challenges but is strong, durable and maintenance free. The ends and corners are flashed and overlapped to permit drainage but prevent infiltration.

[Tobit]

This build is awesome and gives me hope that I will be able to build a tiny cabin that is 8x16' that weighs less than 5000 lbs. I have a trailer from a 1995 Fleetwood with dual 2800 lb. axles.

[kriellian]

Fantastic build, especially the Murphy bed and rafter treatment with the 1x4's.....has caused me to reconfigure my 7.5 x 14 really THOW
Am curious if you ever got the cabin weighed when it was finished? I know you thought 1200 - 1500 lbs, maybe up to 1800....still in that ballpark?
Again - great inspirational build.

[kriellian]

Found the cabins weight in a post from June 2014 ("sub 5000lb cabin" thread) at 2800 lbs.....again, great build thread on the log cabin.