Thursday, October 24, 2013

Secrets from the Log Doctor | Checking for Log Rot on Your Log Home

Using quality products and properly maintaining your home is the first step in preventing log decay or rot and eventually log replacement.  It's inevitable though, you may end up with log rot at some point in the ownership of your log home.

Don't panic!  There are plenty of ways to repair or replace logs and when left to the experts it's not really that complicated of a job.  It's not recommended that you try and replace logs on your own.  It's best to leave that to the professionals!

This article is all about checking over your home to determine the condition of your logs.  Checking for log rot often is important in order to catch it at an early stage.  Replacing a small portion of a log or even using methods to repair a small area is always the less expensive option. 

Common Problems That Can Cause Log Rot: 


  • Logs too close to the ground - Be sure to check logs that are in contact with the ground or even within 6-12 inches from the ground.  If the logs seem to be okay it would be best to dig these logs out or try and lower the grade around them.  Make sure water is draining away from your walls and not towards the logs. 
  • These logs are just too close to the ground.  We ended up removing the bottom two logs on this portion of the cabin and installed a block foundation under the remaining logs.  Notice these logs are also lacking stain and sealant and the chinking is failing.  This building needs some major restoration!

  • Shrubs planted too close to the building - This can cause water to splash onto the logs and usually also blocks sunlight preventing the logs from drying out.  It usually creates a wet environment with mold and mildew love.  Make sure bushes and trees are cut back at least 3 feet from the house.  Larger trees in your yard that are away from the house can be beneficial to block harsh sun during the summer but make sure the logs are getting good air flow and that you're not ending up with discoloration.
  • Poor rain gutters - Rain gutters help out a lot on log homes.  The problem is keeping them clean and in good working order.  A leaking rain gutter can cause major problems if water ends up running down a corner or wall on your log home.  Make sure your rain gutters are working properly by going outside in a rain storm.  It doesn't sound like much fun but you will see where the water is ending up and it may be on your logs!
  • Improper flashing around dormers - Make sure you have proper flashing along dormers to prevent water from getting in the wrong place causing major damage. 
  • These logs are obviously discolored and have some mold/algae growth from water.  The flashing is also not done properly.  This house also did not have gutters above this area so water would splash off the roof onto the log siding in this area.

  • Flat surfaces on the topside of logs - Many log homes were made by cutting a flat on the top and bottom of the logs and then stacked on top of each other. For a traditionally peeled log this can create ledges where the logs stick out too far.  It's best to cut these back or make sure they are beveled outward.
  • Vines growing on the walls - This is the same scenario as bushes being too close.  It just doesn't let the logs breathe and the last thing you want is stuff growing on your log home!
  • Sprinkler systems - This is one that many people don't think of.  Are your sprinklers pointing in the right direction?  We have seen this several times where the sprinklers are pointed right at the house.  Although the logs probably stay nice and clean it's not what you want for your log home.  Make sure they are pointing in the right direction.
  • Decks built up against the logs -  We replace logs along decks all the time.  Water comes off the roof and drips down onto the deck splashing back onto the bottom courses of logs.  If you have rain gutters installed you will limit the splashing to a minimum that probably isn't causing any problems. Make sure to check these logs and also make sure your rain gutters are working properly.
  • Water splashing on the deck rotted these logs out.  They are showing significant discoloration too.  Notice the fact that the railing is also cause some splashing and algae growth on the logs.  These logs were not rotted yet but were being affected.

  • Short roof overhangs - You want a minimum of 24" overhang on your log home and more if you can have it.  The bigger the overhang the less water will be exposed to your logs.  Gable ends can get hit the worst with weather since the roof overhangs can't protect the entire wall. 
  • Not having proper sealant - Make sure you are keeping up on the maintenance of your log home.  Once the sealant fails you are going to be more more at risk for log rot.  If your stain has been failing for many years you might have several logs that are rotted.
  • Chinking failures - Chinking and caulking are important to not only save money on heating and cooling but also to prevent water from getting in between the logs.  Chinking around the log ends on your home is an important place since water can hit the log ends and travel down the logs from there.
  • Insect damage - Generally, insects like wet wood so if you have wet logs or water damage you may attract bugs.  Bugs will also get into a log home that does not have water issues as well.  Doing a good borate treatment to your logs using a product like Shell-Guard is a great way to prevent insects from entering your home.  If you notice ants or beetles its a good idea to check the logs around the areas where you see them.  You could have a moisture problem.
  • Log ends protruding past roof overhangs - These will always get hit with the most weather causing the stain and sealant to fail and then ultimately they will rot.  You can keep log ends cut back so they are under the roof overhang to protect them better.  If you have log ends that stick out make sure to check them for log rot. 
  • These log ends need to be replaced.  The top one on the left had already had a new piece attached.  These need to be cut back under the roof overhang to protect them.  Notice the snow sitting on the log end on the right.

  • Mold, mildew and discoloration - Make sure to look for discolored logs that are either very dark or have mold or mildew on them.  Mold and mildew can be green, black and white and can also have many different shades.  

  • These are several issues that logs homes can have which in turn can cause log rot.  Make sure to check over your log regularly by using the above list as a reference.  If you notice you have a problem then you'll need to check the logs to determine the extent of the damage.

    The Hammer Test - Checking Logs for Rot:
    I like to use the "Hammer Test" to determine if logs are rotted or not.  This is the method I use while checking log homes during my site visit to provide estimates for clients.  All you have to do is tap on the logs lightly using the hammer.  Listen for a hollow sound or feel for a spongy feel.  All indications that the logs are rotted.  If you're having a difficult time determining if the logs sound hollow or feel bad then its a good idea to go to a place where you know the logs are solid.  Try under a porch or logs on the inside of your home.  This will give you a good source of comparison.

    I always put a piece of painters tape on the logs that I think sound hollow or rotted.  If you go around to all the areas checking and marking the logs when your finished you can go around and count up how many logs you have that are showing signs of rot.  This is great information to provide to a log home repair specialist and can give them a good sense of the extent of the damage on your home.


  • Logs too close to the ground
  • Shrubs planted too close to the building, which causes poor air circulation
  • No rain gutters or the gutter are too small to handle water
  • Improper flashing around dormers
  • Flat surfaces on the topside of logs
  • Vines growing on the walls
  • Sprinkler system wetting the house, especially when wind conditions are right
  • Decks built up against the logs
  • Short roof overhangs
  • Not having proper sealant
  • Chinking failures
  • Insect damage
  • Logs not borate treated
  • Room beams and log ends protruding past roof overhangs
  • Door and window trimming not properly installed
  • Soil grading sheds water toward the house
  • Improper venting in the crawl space
  • Lack of maintenance
  • - See more at: http://www.logrepair.com/log-home-restoration-inside-look#sthash.BTA6KiTY.dpuf


  • Logs too close to the ground
  • Shrubs planted too close to the building, which causes poor air circulation
  • No rain gutters or the gutter are too small to handle water
  • Improper flashing around dormers
  • Flat surfaces on the topside of logs
  • Vines growing on the walls
  • Sprinkler system wetting the house, especially when wind conditions are right
  • Decks built up against the logs
  • Short roof overhangs
  • Not having proper sealant
  • Chinking failures
  • Insect damage
  • Logs not borate treated
  • Room beams and log ends protruding past roof overhangs
  • Door and window trimming not properly installed
  • Soil grading sheds water toward the house
  • Improper venting in the crawl space
  • Lack of maintenance
  • - See more at: http://www.logrepair.com/log-home-restoration-inside-look#sthash.BTA6KiTY.dpuf



  • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQeMmou5KBELogs too close to the ground
  • Shrubs planted too close to the building, which causes poor air circulation
  • No rain gutters or the gutter are too small to handle water
  • Improper flashing around dormers
  • Flat surfaces on the topside of logs
  • Vines growing on the walls
  • Sprinkler system wetting the house, especially when wind conditions are right
  • Decks built up against the logs
  • Short roof overhangs
  • Not having proper sealant
  • Chinking failures
  • Insect damage
  • Logs not borate treated
  • Room beams and log ends protruding past roof overhangs
  • Door and window trimming not properly installed
  • Soil grading sheds water toward the house
  • Improper venting in the crawl space
  • Lack of maintenance
  • - See more at: http://www.logrepair.com/log-home-restoration-inside-look#sthash.yB04e5c4.dpuf

    Tuesday, October 8, 2013

    Intermediate Lake - Log Siding Project

    This client contacted us last winter for a unique project.  Their initial request was to have half log siding installed on a recently purchased home on Intermediate Lake.  I soon found out that the home they purchased was actually already a log home.  In fact, it was an original late 1800's cabin constructed and possibly moved to the site.  From there many additions had been added, some with different style logs and then finally conventional stick built portions.  You can see in the photos how the cabin had expanded over the years.
    The original cabin made with hand hewn squared off logs.  You can see the round logs and even some log siding installed on the left side of the home and a stick built porch on the front.
    A conventional addition was added onto the back.
    The clients goal was to give the outside of the cabin a more uniform look.  The first thing we had to do was replace a few of the original logs that had rotted out.  After the log replacement was completed we quickly got to work adding window bucking extensions and framed out some of the uneven walls and transition points.  Next, we were ready to start installing the log siding.  The owner wanted to use our hand crafted log siding style so we began running the logs full length where possible and notching the logs on all the main corners.
    Installing the log siding with saddle notched corners.
    Once the logs were installed the contractor came back to redo the roof and extend the overhangs.  On any log home its important to have big enough overhangs to protect the logs from the weather.  The contract even added some additional headroom around the main entryway and on the dormers.  After the logs were cleaned, stained and chinked the project was complete.
    The client can now enjoy the nice uniform look of the cabin on the exterior but can still enjoy the unique characteristics of each room on the inside, one of the things the owners liked most about the cabin.
    Before
    After


    Wednesday, April 10, 2013

    Log Home Restoration - Preservation Nation Magazine


    American Log Restoration was recently asked a question about historic log home restoration. The question was specifically pertaining to historic chinking mixtures. Click the link below to here what Ryan Sigsbey of American Log Restoration had to say:


    Check out the "Preservation" online magazine for the National Trust for Historic Preservation for more questions and answers about log home restoration and other historic restoration information.

    Wednesday, March 6, 2013

    The Pro File: Ryan Sigsbey, Log Doctor

    Check out this article about Ryan Sigsbey of American Log Restoration written on www.mynorth.com. Ryan talks about some of the common problems with log homes and the best solutions for log home restoration. Click the link below to read the article.


    Let us help you with your log home restoration project. Call today! 1-877-788-5647

    Thursday, February 21, 2013

    American Log Restoration & M&M Log Home Care Now Have Thermal Imaging!


    Are you tired of paying too much to heat your log home? Are you feeling a draft from between the logs on your home? These are all very common problems with older and even some newer log homes. Many log home companies advertise a “chink-less” design style where a tongue and groove or foam gasket take the place of tradition chinking or caulking. Even these homes can settle and leave you with air spaces. The smallest gaps can let in lots of cold air and cost hundreds of dollars in heating costs.


    American Log Restoration and M&M Log Home Care now have the technology to help you determine where you’re loosing heat! Themal Imaging has helped to save log home owners hundreds of dollar in heating expenses. We can determine the problem areas and find solutions to turn your log home into a more efficient home.
    Contact us today and turn your home into a more efficient place to live!

    Wednesday, January 16, 2013

    American Log Restoration-News Update

    American Log Restoration has joined Facebook and will be updating photos and project news from current projects. See what were up to and make sure you "Like" our page to keep up to date. You can find the page by clicking: American Log - Facebook Page

    Call us today for an estimate for your log home repair project! 1-877-788-5647