Repairing Guides

how to repair logs on log home

by Prof. Sheridan Witting V Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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  • First obtain a suitable replacement from a supplier that handles the same log type as found in you home. ( www.WesternLogHomesuppy.com can manufacture replacement logs for your home. ...
  • Then cut out the offending log using a saber saw with a blade made for cutting metal. This will cut through the spikes or log screws holding the logs together. ...
  • If the logs are tongue and groove type then the new logs will have to have the tongue removed on top of the new log so that it can slipped ...
  • The final touch is to use a good grade of chinking to seal the joints between the new logs and the existing logs in the log home.
  • Now apply a wood preservative or to the affected area (preferably the whole home) and then refinish the home. ...

How to Repair Log Rot
  1. Make a vertical cut on either side of the soft spot to the depth of the soft wood.
  2. Then use a coal or vibrating chisel and hog out the rotted wood until you reach solid sound wood.
  3. Level out the area to a flat surface.
  4. Coat the area with Shellguard RTU (borate) to prevent further expansion of rot.

What to expect in a log home restoration?

What To Expect From Our Restoration Process?

  • Specific Tailored Instructions for Each Restoration Project - Our log home restoration crews benefit from the knowledge we've acquired from restoring over one and one-half million feet of log home ...
  • Restoration Project Start and Finish Dates
  • Price Guarantee
  • Sample Coatings Applied for Your Approval
  • Written Daily Exterior Cleanup Procedure

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How do you maintenance a log home?

The average maintenance cost for a 2,000 square feet cabin is around $1,350 per year:

  • $150 for 5 gallons of mild cleaning detergent
  • $767 for 35 gallons of log cabin stain every three years
  • $230 for caulking
  • $75 for general maintenance (e.g. foam gun, guttering, downspouts).

How do I restore my log home?

To restore your PC to an earlier point in time

  • Swipe in from the right edge of the screen, and then tap Search. ...
  • Enter Control Panel in the search box, and tap or click Control Panel.
  • Enter Recovery in the Control Panel search box, and then tap or click Recovery.
  • Tap or click Open System Restore, and then follow the instructions.

How do you repair logs on a log home?

  • First obtain a suitable replacement from a supplier that handles the same log type as found in you home. ...
  • Then cut out the offending log using a saber saw with a blade made for cutting metal. ...
  • If the logs are tongue and groove type then the new logs will have to have the tongue removed on top of the new log so that it can slipped ...

More items...

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How do you refurbish a log?

4 Steps to Refinishing Your Log Home:Step 1: Inspect Your Home for Necessary Repairs. Water damage or rot. ... Step 2: Clean the Logs. You will want to clean the logs of dust and stains, but avoid using chlorine bleach. ... Step 3: Stain and Finish the Logs. ... Step 4: Seal the Logs.

Can you replace logs in a log cabin?

Even with the best-cared for log home or building, replacing logs must be done when rot or other damage takes hold. Properly replacing logs on your home or other building requires specialized knowledge, tools and experience.

How do you fill hollow logs?

If you've found yourself with this predicament, here's how to tackle it.1: First slice off the butt end of the log and save it for later, if possible. Then remove all loose, rotted wood. ... 2: Next, fill the cavity. ... 3: Smooth the surface. ... 4: Lightly sand, and stain it to match the color of your logs.

How do you fix a hole in a log cabin?

0:482:56How to Repair Your Log Home, Interior Chininking DetailingYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo I'm just gonna go over how you repair it it's very simple I use my Albion gun I use a half inchMoreSo I'm just gonna go over how you repair it it's very simple I use my Albion gun I use a half inch nozzle on it. And I just quickly go over the surface make sure that material gets in. There.

How do you repair a rotten log on a log cabin?

How to Repair Log RotMake a vertical cut on either side of the soft spot to the depth of the soft wood.Then use a coal or vibrating chisel and hog out the rotted wood until you reach solid sound wood.Level out the area to a flat surface.Coat the area with Shellguard RTU (borate) to prevent further expansion of rot.More items...

How do you stop logs from rotting?

The best way to prevent rot is to keep water out of your wood. This can be done by using a top notch exterior finish on your logs and log siding and regularly maintaining that finish per the manufacturer's directions. The key is maintaining that finish on a regular basis to keep water out.

How do you fill a large void piece of wood?

1:264:52AMAZING Way To Fill A Void In Wood - SO EASY Anyone Can Do ItYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAs you can see I use wet system epoxy. I got it from a local marine shop at camp I've got the 105MoreAs you can see I use wet system epoxy. I got it from a local marine shop at camp I've got the 105 resin and a 205 bath partner that put about six or seven drops of the train to die in there.

How do you epoxy hollow logs?

1:213:11How to Make an LED Log Lamp using Epoxy - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTo turn the log upside down mix up some epoxy and poured it into the log. Once the first layer isMoreTo turn the log upside down mix up some epoxy and poured it into the log. Once the first layer is dry we added a second layer for. Support. Once it is fully cured we remove the covering.

How do you epoxy a log?

2:5924:24Epoxy Blue Log Project- Firewood Reclaimed - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipJust cut it right through the middle and it'll tear easy yep. And then I'll hand you some piecesMoreJust cut it right through the middle and it'll tear easy yep. And then I'll hand you some pieces that is a protip cut the Tyvek tape right in the middle. Or use your teeth.

What do I plug holes in a log house with?

In simple terms, chinking is the flexible sealant used during your log home's construction or maintenance to seal joins between the logs, gaps, holes and checking. Log Home Chinking today has replaced the traditional portland cement and daubing which historically was used on log homes over 200 years old.

How do you fix Epoxy Rotted wood?

1:253:30How to Fix Rotted Wood with Epoxy | This Old House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow before we apply the epoxy i have to apply a bonding agent to the wood. So the epoxy will adhereMoreNow before we apply the epoxy i have to apply a bonding agent to the wood. So the epoxy will adhere to the wood. Better.

How do you remove logs from a log cabin?

To remove an existing finish there are basically three options, pressure washing along with a chemical finish remover, media blasting and sanding the log cabin.

How long do log homes last?

Log cabins have a long and illustrious history of longevity. They usually last twenty, thirty to even fifty years, if they are kept in good condition. They are even seen to stand for a century if they are located in a place that does not face extreme weather conditions and is properly maintained.

What material is used between logs in a log cabin?

In short, chinking is the material which is placed between the logs of a log home. Chinking is to logs as mortar is to bricks. Chinking is a flexible material used to fill gaps where logs don't meet completely. Essentially, chinking a log home will ensure logs which don't fit together perfectly have a nice seal.

How to fix rot in logs?

For rot, cut away the damage. Buy log sections to match and make the repair as described above. Coat the new log sections with finishes that resist insects, mold, and mildew, and complete the work with a coating that allows the log to “breathe” — that is, allows water vapor inside the log to escape while at the same time repelling moisture. The underlying problem leading to the rot is usually exposure to too much moisture, and the logs are never allowed to fully dry. If you have no gutters above the damage, consider installing them. Fix leaky gutters. Cut back shrubbery whose leaves continuously rub against the logs; rainwater on them is transferred to the wood. Move fireplace woodpiles away from the log walls.

Why are my logs rotting?

The underlying problem leading to the rot is usually exposure to too much moisture, and the logs are never allowed to fully dry. If you have no gutters above the damage, consider installing them. Fix leaky gutters.

What to do if a chip is knocked out?

If a chip was knocked out, you could do one of two things: Glue it back in or sand and refinish the place the chip came from. Both repairs have their challenges.

How to fix a chip in a wall?

If you decide to fix it, you have several options. If the damage is small —an indent or an impression — you could try to swell it out again by holding a wet, hot wash cloth on it for a minute or two. The hot water will cause the wood fibers to expand to their original shape. This technique is used by cabinet-makers to eliminate “hammer blossoms.” If a chip was knocked out, you could do one of two things: Glue it back in or sand and refinish the place the chip came from. Both repairs have their challenges. If you glue the chip in, Elmer’s glue will be just fine. Use a thin film of glue and wipe away the excess. Pressure needs to be applied until the glue is dry, about 24 hours later. (Pressure ensures that the glue enters the cellular structure of the wood, otherwise the adhesion will be weak). With small chips, the pressure can be applied with masking tape, which is gently removed when the glue is dry. Larger work may need some sort of slanted board pressing against it for a day. If you need to, sand at the edges of the repair with 80-grit sandpaper, working gently.

How long does it take for glue to dry?

Use a thin film of glue and wipe away the excess. Pressure needs to be applied until the glue is dry, about 24 hours later. (Pressure ensures that the glue enters the cellular structure of the wood, otherwise the adhesion will be weak).

What happens if a car crashes into a log?

If a car was to crash into the side of your home, some logs might be so damaged that they may need to be replaced. Making such a repair is not outside the scope of a reasonably handy owner, but it’s a big job. First, get the replacement logs from the company that milled the original logs. If you can’t get them there, ...

What to use to cut through old logs?

You might also need to use metal-cutting blades to cut through any spikes or bolts that held the old log in place. If the damage is wide or high enough, the wall might have to be jacked up while the work is being done, generally a task for professionals.

Why do you need flashing on a log home?

Flashing helps prevent moisture from entering the home or accumulating around the logs where the deck and roof attach, and around openings in the roof for things like chimneys. If flashing is not added to these areas, moisture can build up, or enter the attic of the home. This leads to rot not only of the logs themselves, but also of internal areas. Mold growth can also become a problem in attic spaces, which can lower the air quality inside the home.

What are the pests that can be found in log homes?

Insects aren’t the only pests that can cause problems for a log home. Bats, squirrels, raccoons and other animals may make their way into a home through vents and large chinks. When these animals make their nests in the home, they can disturb insulation and wires, and cause significant damage.

Why do we chink wood?

Chinking is used to help seal up gaps between logs, keeping moisture and wind out of your home.

How to prevent rot in gutters?

To help prevent rot, make sure that gutters drain well, that your foundation protects the lowest logs, and that protective finishes are used.

How deep should a crack in a log be?

Any crack in the log that measures more than ¼-inch in width of depth needs to be sealed with caulk to help prevent moisture from penetrating the log.

What is the first line of defense for a log home?

Roofs are the first line of defense that most homes have against moisture, rain, and snow. If your roof is improperly designed, flashed, and drained, however, it can lead to a number of common issues with log homes, including wood rot.

What to do if you notice a carpenter bee?

Filling the holes in your logs that carpenter bees or beetles have left can help recover some structural integrity and avoid future problems.

How to tell if a log home needs repair?

During the inspection , the professionals will test the wood for rot to assess the depth of rot.

What to do if wood logs are hollow?

Tap the wood logs with your finger and pay special attention to the noise it produces. If it sounds hollow, there is most likely deterioration inside and wood rot repair is probably needed.

How to check for rot in logs?

Because wood rot is an inside-out process, it can be difficult to see just where the rot is with the bare eye. Tap the wood logs with your finger and pay special attention to the noise it produces. If it sounds hollow, there is most likely deterioration inside and wood rot repair is probably needed.

What happens if you scratch a log?

What we mean by this: If you scratch off flakes of your wooden logs with your nails, there is most likely rot on the surface, and you would need to confirm it hasn’t penetrated deeper. Feel It — Log home rot can be as easy to recognize as simply touching and feeling the sturdiness of the logs.

Where to look for rot in log home?

When evaluating the condition of your log home’s exterior, it’s best to start looking at the corners of the house, the bottom row of logs, and around the window trim. These are the most vulnerable areas of the home and the places where wood rot repair is often needed first.

Is a log home a house?

Your log home is more than just a house, it’s your pride and joy. However, taking care of a log home is slightly different than a traditional house. One of the biggest questions we hear about is the danger of wood rot. So how can you tell when your cabin is experiencing wood rot and what can you actually do about it?

Do log homes suffer damage?

All homes suffer damage at one time or another, no matter what type of materials they’re built of. As a log home owner, you should be aware of the types of repairs you’re able to tackle yourself and when you should call in reinforcements.

Fixing Water Damage

Maintaining the integrity of your sealant is crucial to preventing water damage; however, if a breach escapes your attention, there are several approaches you can take to remedy it, depending on the severity of the setback.

Stopping Insect Issues

As with mold, a borate salt treatment will deter wood-boring insects, like carpenter bees or termites, from living in your logs, which, in turn, discourages woodpeckers and other birds from poking holes in your home in search of a meal.

What to do when a log home rots?

No matter how well a log home is maintained, sometimes rot takes hold on some of the logs. This can cause great concern and the temptation is to fix it quickly to “keep it from getting worse”. This quick fix often includes using an epoxy filler.

What to use to fix rot in log cabin?

These fixes include borate rods, liquid treatments and epoxy fillers. If you’ve conducted research on fixing rot in your log home or cabin, you have likely seen a few of these sites.

What happens to wood after epoxy patch?

A few years after the epoxy patch is done, the wood surrounding the patch loosens, and cracks appear around the epoxy. When this happens, water is allowed to make its way into these cracks. Once the water finds its way in, the rot continues. (See Why Do Logs Rot)

How to deal with rotten logs?

When possible, the best way to deal with rot is to cut out the section of the log that is rotten and replace it with another section of log. Here are links to how Edmunds & Company replaces rotten logs:

Can you use epoxy on rotten logs?

When repairing rotten logs, epoxy is not the answer. Here’s why using epoxy on log homes and cabins isn’t a good idea.

Does epoxy rot wood?

We have seen that this type of repair does not last and at worst, it can cause further rot. This is what is wrong with epoxy: epoxy is not wood. Epoxy expands and contracts at a different rate than wood does. A few years after the epoxy patch is done, the wood surrounding the patch loosens, and cracks appear around the epoxy.

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