Replacing half logs in Northern Illinois

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For this project, we traveled from Wisconsin down to Northern Illinois to work for the Follett's near Marengo, IL. The Follett's have a 1980's log home built of "standing dead" Lodge Pole Pine from Montana.

Lodge pole logs pose some unique challenges. The first thing we think happens with many of these lodge pole log homes is that the logs used to build them were "standing dead" too long and had begun to decay before they became a log home. This can be the fault of the log homebuilder in many cases.

It is important to be picky about the logs used to construct a log home.   While it is impossible to tell 30 years later what has caused rotting with 100% certainty, logs that have begun to decay are not desirable to be used in a log home.

The other common problem we see is that these lodge pole timber homes tend to hide rot. What happens is that lodge poles typically rot in the core of the log first so once it becomes noticeable that something is wrong on the surface - many times it is too late to save a given log. Often when we go to replace one log, we find additional rot in that same area in other logs.

In the Follett project, we replaced logs, treated the logs with a borate preservative (BoraCare), cleaned the building in preparation for stain and finally applied Lifeline brand stain to the entire home. (Lifeline is a PermaChink product.)

If you need your rotted logs repaired contact us or call our toll free number 877-378-4403.

If you don’t know if you have rotted logs, see our common problems page to diagnose your specific problem areas.  

If you have small holes in your logs and dust piles forming on the surface of the logs, see problems with insects.

To learn about the benefits of treating with borates to prevent rot, click here.
 
To learn about why logs rot - click here.  
 
     Edmunds & Company can repair all types of log  home problems.
     Contact us to find out how we do it or call our toll free number 1-877-378-4403.