Log homes builder in Illinois

Large reversible fans circulate the heated air and change the direction of the air-flow at regular intervals to help maintain a consistent drying rate throughout the kiln.  The moisture laden air is removed from the kiln by way of an automatic ventilation system and large dehumidifiers.  The drying rate of the timbers is carefully monitored because the outside perimeters of the cants naturally tend to dry faster than the centers.  Uncorrected, this imbalance would cause severe checking (cracking), so the final stage of kiln-drying large timbers requires a steaming process.  This adds moisture to the outside portions equalizing the moisture throughout the wood.