GOT LOG ROT? LOG REPAIR VERSUS LOG REPLACEMENT
How do you know if your log home has rotten logs? One method is to knock on the logs. This method is not always a fool proof way to locate rotten logs, but it works 90% of the time. The healthy logs will sound solid. If there is a hollow or soft area in the log, you will experience a noticeably different sound. Don’t forget to tap on the logs directly below the windows. This is one of the first areas to show signs of rotting. Looks can be deceiving, because even though the exterior of the log appears solid (pic- above right), the interior may be in decay (pic-below left).
Log ends are also common areas for log rot, especially if they stick out past the overhangs of the house. Excessive checking, or cracks, may be an indicator that the log is starting to decay. Once a problem log is located, place a piece of masking tape to mark it for repair. DO NOT start tearing or digging out the surface of the log to determine how deep the rot has gone. This is the point to call in a professional.
Once the rot has started, it goes through several stages. Fungus may begin to grow either on the outside or the inside of the log, often leaving a hollow cavity. If the decay has not progressed to the point where it structurally affects the log, the log may be treated from the inside out, restoring the structural soundness and preventing further decay. This also allows the exterior of the log to remain intact, and therefore, keep the overall consistency of the home’s aesthetics.
If the log cannot be saved, it must be removed and replaced. This involves shoring up the wall, systematically removing the rotten log and replacing it with a new log (pic-right). The nearby logs are then treated to prevent any spores from spreading to previously undamaged logs. If a log needs to be replaced, Alpine Blue is able to match almost any log profile. The next step is to stain the log in order to get as close as possible to the original patina.
Maintenance is not one of the more glamorous aspects of log home ownership. Fortunately, with planning and vigilance, you can keep your investment beautiful and secure with little cost and effort. Simply by ensuring that the proper stain and application method are used and regularly maintained on your log home is the best defense for avoiding these types of log repairs.
PREVENTING LOG ROT IN YOUR LOG HOME
Being a log home owner doesn’t mean log rot has to be a part of your life. There are many ways to prevent log rot, the best one being during the design phase. If you are just starting down the path of building a log home, ensure the overhangs are properly designed to provide the best protection. They shade the upper log walls from the damaging ultraviolet rays of the sun, and keep rain away from the logs. Also, try to avoid having log ends stick out past the overhangs. This will prevent the waterfall effect that occurs when water from the roof splashes down onto the top logs and runs all the way down, eventually causing the whole corner to rot (see picture).
If you already own a log home, here are a few tips to help prevent log decay, mold and mildew:
• Maintain the caulk and chinking between courses and around windows and doors. Only use sealants made for log homes, as these products have the elasticity necessary to move with the natural expansion and contraction of the logs.
• Protect your log home from the elements with only log home preservatives, as they allow the logs to breathe, unlike deck preservatives which are meant to seal the wood. Additionally, log home preservatives usually contain chemicals to help prevent mold, mildew and decay.
• Know the right product to use and understand the manufacturer’s application procedures, as the wrong product or improper application will eventually cause more harm than good.
• Keep shrubs and other vegetation at least 12 inches from log walls to supply adequate air circulation.
Think you may already have log rot? Read our next blog posting in two weeks entitled, “GOT LOG ROT? LOG REPAIR VERSUS LOG REPLACEMENT.” We’ll tell you about an easy method you can use to help determine if your logs are healthy, or may need to be repaired or replaced.