While log rot is a common problem in log homes, it does not have to be. Unfortunately, many log home owners are unaware of the log rot in their structure until the damage is already done.
At first glance, these look like solid logs.
The reality is that by the time you can see the decay in the wood – it is many times too late to do anything but replace a given log. For this reason, it is important to spend a little time getting to know your log home or cabin.
By this I mean looking for places on the home that could potentially be getting wet. It is really very simple. If an area (for example: log end, sill log, or perlin end) is getting significantly wet during a rainstorm… it is on its way to rotting.
Upon closer inspection, there is rot. Click on photo to see how deep the knife sinks.
I want people to understand that rot is like a tide moving in slowly not an earthquake. Rot happens over a period of at least a few years and most times a decade or more.
So… grab an umbrella next time the clouds well up and take a walk around your log home looking for areas of concern. Make note of them so you know which ones to pay attention to when you do your routine checks. Click here for more information on how to tell if a log is rotten.
Related links:
Lower logs getting wet near a deck?
Maybe I need gutters?
Log extending out to long?
