Just like all homes, log homes require maintenance to not only maintain their beauty but also structural strength. Based on our experience, there is a lot of damage that can be inflicted on a log that can weaken or destroy its natural properties over time. Elements outside the home, moisture, insects, and aging products, can all impact the wood, which leads to replacement of wood and repairs on the home. It’s important to know when you need log home restoration to prevent a simple repair from turning into an expensive repair. As a long time log home owner or a novice, it is crucial to look for signs of deterioration to help you identify issues that may or may not exist that are affecting the condition of your investment, and you take the necessary steps to maintain the beauty, warmth, and rustic charm of a log home.
Visible Cracks and Checking in the Logs
One of the most common signs of the necessity of restoring your home is observed cracks or “checking” in the logs. A certain amount of cracking is natural and can be expected from the experience of the log moving naturally while it expands and contracts due to changes in temperature and moisture. Large and/or deep cracks are a visible negative sign. At this point, if cracks are allowing water to enter the logs or are wide enough to see through, the home may be receiving or deteriorating from moisture, rot, and possible insect infestation. It’s vital to inspect the ends and inspect for cracks first, as cracks are the most common sites of water entry. If the log feels soft around the crack and/or there is dark chromatic, mold accumulation, or other mildew, don’t wait to restore. Restoring usually involves sealing or caulking, but sometimes professionals will replace part of the log so it stops decaying.
Wood Rot or Soft Spots
Rot occurs when moisture enters the logs, sits inside the log, and bacteria/fungi reproduce. Early indications of rot include discolored patches, a mildew smell, and/or the appearance of white or black fungi. Other indications of advanced rot include soft wood, crumbling wood, or holes visible in wood. Generally, you’ll want to check any areas that are frequently exposed to water, like near the roofline, around windows and doors, or any place where the log is resting or connecting to the foundation. These areas are more susceptible to rot because they come into contact with rain, snow, and condensation. Using untreated wood rot is vital because it can lead to structural issues in the longer term.
Insect Infestation and Damage
Folks who have log homes need to take care of insect pests like termites, carpenter ants, and wood-boring beetles. These insects either feed on the wood or bore holes in it, and cause damage to the structure that is often undetectable until the damage becomes severe. Usually, there are signs of an insect infestation that you can look for, including small holes in the wood, fine sawdust or frass, hollow-sounding wood when tapped, actual swarms of insects, or perhaps you might notice some noise coming from inside the exterior walls. Various insect pests have different active times of the year, with many being more prevalent on or during warmer days. You should be sure to visually inspect around your log home exterior at least once a year and preferably during the spring/summer months.
Faded or Peeling Finish
Restoring the finish that serves as the first line of defense against our environment and provides visual enhancement to your log home is essential. If your home’s finish at its exterior has seen better days — meaning peeling, cracking, or faded — it might be a signal that restoration service is overdue. Environmental elements such as UV rays, rain, wind, and temperature extremes can deteriorate the protective stain with sealant applied to the logs. Once the finish has broken down, the logs become exposed to moisture damage, UV damage (sun damage), and to a further extent, the wood. If you notice discoloration, dullness, or patches where the finish seems to be fading, it’s time for a fresh coat on your home. That kind of restoration usually requires that you remove the old finish, sand the logs, and then apply a new stain or sealer to restore both protection and quality of appearance. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning, re-staining every few years to stay ahead of a restoration project, and when needed, minor repairs, will establish longevity for your log home and maintain its healthy and vibrant look.
A log home can offer as many responsibilities as pleasantries. Knowing what to look for, recognizing the signs your log home has restoration issues – such as precise cracks, wood rot, insect damage, peeling finishes, and high energy bills – will allow you to identify concerns early and protect your investment before it becomes worse. Whether it’s a simple reseal or a more formal structural repair, restoring your log home sustains the beauty, durability, and energy efficiency of your home for you and generations to come.