Log Home Restoration: Before Restoration Comes Consideration (Before You Build or Buy)

Log Home Restoration is a matter of time. Time before that existing finish, caulking, chinking or other woodwork will need attention. Some of the problems that occur that require restoration could be avoided altogether if the potential log home owner knew what to look for before purchasing that dream home. Consider the following before building or buying your log home. 

While water is a major issue with log homes, the sun is just as much a concern, if not more so than water. The sun (UV rays) can cause irreversible damage to the logs and any wood for that matter in a relatively short period of time. Wood before it is cut down and milled has  moisture in the form of water, sap, oils, etc. in it. Once cut and milled it begins to dry out. As it dries, it will shrink and split causing “checks” or cracks. 

 This is where the trouble can start. Once the checks have opened up, water can get in and over a period of time mildew and mold will begin to grow and eventually the wood will rot. Also, wet and rotting wood is food for insects. Rotten logs are the homeowner’s biggest problem and greatest expense.  To avoid these problems, a few things should be considered when building or purchasing a log home. 

 Every log home, without exception should be built high enough off the ground so that water can not “splash back” onto the logs. A minimum of three feet from the logs to the ground should be sufficient. But, even higher is better. Next, roof over hangs (eves) should be no less than 24 inches to help keep rain water off the logs. The ideal log home would be one that had a wrap around porch on all four sides. This would keep the two biggest enemies, sun and water, away from the logs. 

One of the biggest problems with log homes is splash back off of decks onto the logs. There really is no good solution to this problem other than putting a roof over the deck like mentioned earlier with the wrap around porch. This will solve the problem but in some cases it may not be practical or the homeowner may just enjoy sunning out on the deck or looking up at night and seeing the stars. 

So if a roof is not an option, then it is imperative to make sure the logs have a good coat of stain constantly. At least every year re-apply a good quality stain and allow the wood to absorb as much of the stain as possible. Inspect these areas often and at the first sign of wear or of a mildew problem, address it immediately. 

Another important area of the log home to watch are the log end corners. The ends of the logs should not extend past the roof overhang. If they do, when it rains, water will be constantly running on them. It would be a good idea to have the ends cut back far enough so that the runoff from the roof will not affect the logs and become a problem. Log ends are very porous and the water will absorb or “wick” very easily into the end grain. There are products made to seal the log ends that work well, but if these are not used, a good coat of stain should be applied annually. Gutters are an option as well. However, gutters only help and are not a “cure all.” 

Finally, anything laying up against the logs or standing within a few inches should be moved away. Many times I have seen firewood stacked up either on a porch, deck or on the ground next to the house. Termite heaven! Get it away from and off the deck or porch.

Gas propane tanks, charcoal grilles, yard furniture or anything that can cause water to splash onto the logs or cause poor air circulation should all be removed and stored elsewhere. It is much easier not to mention cheaper to find a suitable place to put yard items and the such than it is to have someone come and remove and replace rotten logs. 

There are a host of other things that can damage your log home. These are just a few to think about. Although these are common sense issues, they may not always come to mind when you are considering purchasing a log home. Take time to educate yourself about the difference in log homes and conventional homes. After all, at first glance, they look somewhat indestructible. But looks can be deceiving as they say.