Log Replacement
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Back Splash Problem
This is a typical problem area where rain off the roof splashes back from the deck and constantly wets the logs. Because of the constant moisture, Mother Nature provides a perfect environment for carpenter ants. After repairing the logs, cleaning and neutralizing the wood, applying a high-quality sealer and chinking between the logs, with yearly maintenance this home will last a long time.
click above images to enlarge
This photo illustrates a number of concerns: The logs rot under the windows because of construction issues, the roof overhang doesn't extend far enough to protect log ends, and the log home was built without allowing for shrinkage. In addition, the rain from the second floor roof falls and splashes back from deck, drenching logs as high as five feet above. Also, the bottom log at the deck level is attached to first floor joists, making it difficult and expensive to replace the bottom logs.
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Beetle larva
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Insect Damage
Note the
size of this wood boring machine compared to the size of the
claw hammer. A beetle lays its eggs or larvae into the bark
of only dead logs. The eggs hatch and this boring machine spends
two years digesting the integrity of your log home. (You can
actually hear them chewing.) This type of damage is caused by
several factors: Log home manufacturers have to remove the bark
as soon as they receive the logs. The logging companies also
can not stockpile logs very long or the beetle will lay its
eggs. (The beetle does not lay eggs into live trees.) Once the
tree is cut, Mother Nature again starts the process of quickly
returning the wood to the earth.
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Ant larvae damage
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Wood-eating insects
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click above images to enlarge
There are
many wood destroying insects in log homes. After years of restoration
we find that insects are only located in logs that contain water.
Water is a problem where logs receive constant back-splash from
rain off roof onto decks, railings, stairs and bulk-heads. With
the right protection from water, we can eliminate the invasion
of insects.
click above images to enlarge
Best Way Out
This log home was eleven years young. The builder did not allow for shrinkage and installed fiberglass insulation between the logs, which sucks in moisture and holds it against the logs causing them to rot. The builder had installed a deck that would splash rainwater onto the logs causing more decay. Portions of this log home were severely damaged. Economics dictated the following restoration procedures: We removed the rotten deck and the decayed lower log wall while replacing it with a conventional stud wall. We performed our time tested cleaning and preservation methods on all exterior wall surfaces. Next season a new deck will be installed with an extension of the roof to protect the existing wall from the same occurrence. We saved this log home.
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Before
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What happened to this American dream?
This was planned to be used as a retirement home. After 17 years, see what happened. Let's say between finances, physical health and the incompetent sealers and construction that were used, they lost this home. They sold and moved to a trailer or apartment. This is sad, because they lost their asset. They had to sell the land that this log home was on at a low price, because the new buyer would have to invest to remove this deteriorated log home. Because they lost the shell of this log home, they lost the land, the well, full basement, plumbing, electrical, fireplace, etc.
A young couple, from Kansas, through the HUD program, had us restore this log home in 1997. It is now their American Dream. This was a few years ago, and we never took an "After" picture. The asset is returned and the log home is protected. With proper maintenance, it will last a long time!
Historic Log Home Restoration
New Construction Preparation and Maintenance
Interior Finishing and Restoration
Log Replacement
Log Home Restoration
Cedar-sided Homes
Testimonials
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