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Replacing Half Logs

Whole Logs | Vertical Logs | Posts  

  • Rot in logs is not always obvious

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    The extent of the rot in this wall became apparent as we removed the chinking.

    Replacing Whole Logs

  • The key is to remove the rot

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    Long-time Edmunds' employee Jed Eichel begins the work of cutting out the outer portion of the log.

    Replacing Whole Logs

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    Long-time Edmunds' employee Barb Katt removes chunks of the half log.

    Replacing Whole Logs

  • Replacing Half Logs

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    We removed the outer half of the logs using chain saws.

    Replacing Whole Logs

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    New cedar logs are fit into place and the wall takes shape once again.

    Replacing Whole Logs

  • Replacing Half Logs

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    Logs are fit and attached to the wall using galvanized screws.

    Replacing Whole Logs

  • Can you tell the new logs from the old?

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    New logs are stained to match the existing home.

    Replacing Whole Logs

  Generally, we replace a log with a "re-facing" or half log if there is at least 50% solid wood left in the section of the log needing repair.  Our replacement logs are dried Cedar or Tamarack. Replacing a half log, or "re-facing" the log, has a number of advantages:
 
Primarily, it is good to save the interior of the log wall to preserve the look of the interior logs. The interior of a log home is very difficult to match in terms of the color and patina of the original wood. Adding to the difficulty in matching stains on the interior is the fact that many times, stains were never used and the logs were simply allowed to age.  So... what we are trying to match is the effects of time, not any certain color of finish.  

Replacing half of the log is a cost savings over replacing an entire log in terms of materials. If the log is more than 50% rotted, we recommend replacing the whole log.
     
When replacing a half log, new replacement logs are attached to the existing building with galvanized screws. Any spaces between the new and the old logs are filled with expanding foam and/or backer rod and chinked or caulked. The heads of the screws are sunk to a depth of aπ inch below the log surface and the hole is filled with caulk matching the color of the log.  

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.  

Contact us to find out how we can take care of the rot on your log home or cabin or call 1-877-378-4403.