The Beginners Guide to Understanding, Recognizing and Correcting Rot on Your Log Cabin

We get it… your log cabin is more than just a structure; it’s a reflection of a unique lifestyle, a testament to our history, and one of the very best ways to express your love of the outdoors and nature.

However… no matter how unique your cabin might be, they’re all fighting the same battle… how to avoid  decay.

Think about it… how do trees in the forest start to decay?

Answer: They die, and then shortly after… their bark starts to fall off. (which is really the only thing protecting them from the elements anyway.) Then those same elements (rain, wind, snow, etc.) start to work their magic on the cells and fibers of that wood! 

And what do we do when we build a log house…?

Answer: We cut the living tree down, strip its bark off and begin the process of building! (Which removed the only protective layer it had!)

 That is why it is crucial to know what we can do to prevent logs from rotting, how to spot it, and how to fix it if it’s already there… so we can preserve the history of America through Log Homes!  

KEEP READING… and we’ll share;

• The most common causes of log rot
• Areas we see it show up in first
• Our “3 Stages of Log Rot” and how we identify, treat and fix them all
• And more!

Here at Knaughty Log Restoration, we understand the challenges that come with preserving the integrity and charm of your log home versus a regular stick framed home.  It’s our goal to show you how to care for them properly so they can continue being passed down through generations.

Causes of Rot in Log Homes

What is the cause of rot you ask? Easy!

MOISTURE (aka water)

Let us repeat that again: excess moisture is the absolute enemy of log homes!

When wood is exposed to moisture for extended periods, it creates the perfect environment for fungi and bacteria to thrive, which leads to the breakdown of the wood fibers, and begins the onset of rot.

We’ve seen (almost) everything here at Knaughty Log Restoration, and have compiled a list of the most common causes of log rot we see in homes and how to fix them at the source.

#1 – Poor or Improper Construction

• From insufficient roof overhangs or eves, to the bottom plate logs sitting in the dirt. If the home was constructed without the proper techniques, you will have a much harder time warding off the demons of rot!
• FIX: Unfortunately, not much you can do here to correct improper construction once it is all said and done. If you find yourself in this situation, your best bet is to get very familiar with what to look for in the rest of this list, and stay on top of your maintenance!

#2 – Paint

• You’ll hear about paint trapping moisture, which is certainly a problem… but the bigger problem with paint on log homes or cabins is that the paint hides rot.
• FIX: Strip the paint by media blasting back to bare wood and apply a high quality stain system.

#3 – Lack of Maintenance

• This can include failing finishes, lack of finish at all, to the logs developing cracks (or as we call them, Checks) that hold onto moisture from rain, snow, or ice.
• FIX: This can vary based on the severity and current condition of your home… [We’re happy to take a look at some pictures and go over your best options with you! Reach out here]

#4 – Splash Back

• Meaning, water is directly impacting the logs. This can happen in variety of ways;
  • Lack of gutters and a short overhang, that causes rainwater to run off the roof hit the ground and splash back onto the logs.
  • Gutters that are full of leaves or other debris end up not channeling the water like they should from the rain, and it ends up just spilling over the sides.
  • Gutters that are clean but don’t have downspouts. While they are funneling the water that comes off the roof, without the downspout to guide it all the way to the ground it runs down the logs!
  • Sprinklers hitting the logs. Even if your sprinkler system only impacts the logs for a second or two as they rotate around, over time this will lead to serious problems!
  • Snow/Ice buildup in the winter. If there are areas around your log home that snow or ice can accumulate during the winter and sit against the logs, you’ll have problems…

Signs of Rotten Logs in a Log Home

“OK I understand all of that… but what if I don’t even know what rot really looks like?”

We hear you… and being able to recognize the signs of rot in your log home is crucial for addressing problems before they become a major concern!  Here are some things to keep your eye out for and some pictures of rot we’ve seen before it’s been repaired:

• Fungus, mold or mushrooms growing on your logs
• Discoloration on your logs- (darker wood in certain areas)
• Soft or spongy feeling logs
• Crumbling wood
• Loose pieces
• Hollow sounds when tapping on the log
• A sagging appearance to the wood