Notes

Problems With Log Homes
Log homes are energy efficient, absorbing the sun’s heat during the day and radiating it at night, reducing heating costs. They also have good insulating value.

Log and timber homes are much easier to visually inspect for problems than conventional stick framed houses. This allows you to catch issues such as mold, mildew and insect infestation early.

Insects and Critters

Log homes need to be carefully inspected for wood pests. This includes regular walk arounds of the exterior and interior of the home to look for signs of infestation such as small holes, sawdust or the actual insects themselves. Wood-eating pests such as carpenter ants and wood bees are especially attracted to log homes and can cause extensive damage to the structure of your home. Preventative measures such as applying a biocide treatment and ensuring that your logs are well-drained should be taken to prevent this.

Another issue with log homes is that they can be more prone to rot than other types of construction. In the winter, moisture collects in the lower portion of the log and if it isn’t properly drained this can lead to mold, fungus and other types of decay. This can be prevented by a well-draining foundation and using a product such as Shell-Guard RTU or M-Balm to treat the logs and keep them dry.

In addition to the wood-eating insects mentioned above, termites can also be a problem for log homes. While they can be expensive to repair, prevention is the key – apply a termite barrier at the time of construction and reapply as directed.

Stink bugs are another problem that log home owners face, but they can be easily controlled with the use of repellents such as Phantom and regular inspection of cracks and crevices in your home to see if they are leaking.
Moisture

Moisture is log homes' biggest enemy. Rain, snow, humidity and damp places can cause moisture damage to logs which eventually results in rot, mold, mildew and other problems. Moisture damage is also one of the quickest destroyers of log homes and a major reason for problems such as check rings and wall cracks.

Fungi love moisture and will rapidly attack logs in your home. The best way to prevent fungus in your log home is to regularly apply borax. It takes a little effort but it can stop the progression of fungi and help to keep your home dry and safe.

Wood rot caused by excessive moisture in your log home is an ongoing problem that can be very expensive to repair. The first sign of rot is dark discoloration of the wood. This is most noticeable at the ends of the log where the end-grain absorbs water faster than the rest of the surface. This is also where chinking is often located so it is important to keep chinking in good condition.

Sunlight can also damage your logs by bleaching them. This makes the wood look lighter and can cause brittleness which in turn attracts insects such as termites.

Settling is a natural part of the process of owning a log home. However, it is important that you know the process and the signs of settling so that you can deal with any potential issues before they get out of hand.

Settling can be minimized by building a home with a proper gutter and drainage system. This will carry rainwater away from the roof and log walls and onto lower parts of the land. You should also avoid planting bushes or other plants close to log walls as these can easily absorb water which will damage them.
Sediment

While most people envision traditional rustic styling when they think of log homes, architecture with logs is actually very flexible. Bespoke wooden structures can be as modern, clean lined or minimalist as you desire. However, it’s important to remember that the architectural style of your log home will impact how well it ages and its ability to be sold in the future.

For example, if your log home is built close to the ground, it could be vulnerable to soil and water intrusion that can lead to fungal growth, mold, mildew, moss, and rot. It’s best to have a foundation that’s at least 2 feet tall. Also, consider planting bushes and other vegetation 3-5’ away from your log home so that dirt and debris don’t collect.

Woodpeckers can also cause damage to a log home by pecking at the surface of the logs looking for insects, worms and other prey. To keep woodpeckers from damaging your log cabin, be sure to have a fake or natural predator like owls around your house and place bird feeders high off the ground.

You should also regularly clean your log home’s exterior and apply a fresh coat of stain to keep it protected. Stains should be “breathable” to let the logs breathe and prevent moisture from seeping in. A simple test is to take a piece of masking tape and rub it against the logs of your home, then pull it off to check how much of the tape is covered in stain. If you notice a lot of the tape is covered, it’s time to re-stain.
Mold and Mildew

Mold and mildew is a common problem on, and in some cases inside, log homes. It is the precursor to rot and can be a very unsightly issue. This is particularly true in areas that get moisture and a lot of sunlight. It is important to take steps to prevent the growth of mold or mildew and if it does occur, quickly treat it.

Mildew is a common problem in and around log homes and can easily be taken care of with a simple cleaning of the area. Mold is a more serious problem and should be addressed immediately as it is the beginning stage of rot. Mold can be removed with bleach, a scrub brush and water. It is important to test for mold before applying any cleaning product. A Q-tip dipped in household bleach and applied to the affected area will tell you if you are dealing with a surface mold or something more serious.

If the bleach takes off the discoloration right away, it is a surface problem and should respond to a quick cleaning. If Home wellness corners doesn’t, it may be a deeper issue and should be treated by a professional before it gets worse.

If you do find that your log home has a problem with either mold or mildew, it is best to call in a professional. They will be able to determine what is causing the issue and help you fix it so that it does not return in the future. They will also be able to advise you on what stain would be best for your log home to help keep the problems at bay. It is important to use a penetrating stain and not a non-penetrating product such as polyurethane or varnish.
Rot

Log homes need regular maintenance, just like any other type of house. This includes cleaning, re-staining and caulking. This is more than just keeping your home looking good, but also protecting it from moisture and insect infestations. Insects such as carpenter ants and beetles can damage the insulating foam of log walls, causing them to weaken and rot over time. They can also tunnel through the logs themselves causing structural problems and creating openings for future rot.

Moisture is the most common problem that log homes face. It needs to be controlled in order to prevent rot, but even the smallest leak can cause significant problems in just a few years. That’s why it is so important to regularly inspect your log home and take action if necessary.

Look for areas that retain moisture such as window seals, logs touching the ground and areas with direct sunlight. These are major contributors to rot. Make sure your logs are chinked and sealed properly and that you have a roof designed for a log cabin with proper drainage, flashing and gutter systems. Also, be mindful of areas where vegetation is too close to the logs – if it is constantly getting wet then this will affect how quickly they dry and may lead to rot.

Keep an eye out for upward facing checks in the logs, which can transmit water from behind the trim into the check and then the interior of the log. These need to be treated with a borax product and re-caulked every year in order to protect the logs from decay fungi and prevent rot. Also, if you know there are leaks in your roof or upper outside log walls these should be repaired immediately.

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