My husband and I are interested in buying a 32-year-old log home. It appears to have been very well cared for. The exterior is dark brown, and it looks like they have used a solid-color stain on it. On the exterior we saw no wet places, no bowed walls, no signs of rot, etc, but of course we know little about log houses, so we may have overlooked major issues. The inside logs look perfect to us–very consistent color, no questionable areas. I short, we love the house. Two questions…1. Is
Log home Inspection Tips:
1) Starting with the foundation; look for structural defects
such as settling, shifting or cracks.
2) Using a hammer, gently tap on the entire length of each log. Hollow sounding areas will alert you to possible interior decay. Use a small knife or tap a nail into the log to check soft areas to determine the depth of the decay.
3) Other areas of the log walls that are susceptible to possible deterioration would include the window and door sills – and any other areas that are regularly saturated by rainwater runoff or backsplash, decks, bottom corners of windows and doors, log ends sticking out past overhangs.
4) Look for signs of insect infestation such as exit holes, mud tunnels or a sawdust-like powder. These infected areas allow water infiltration directly into the center of the log. This will result in log rot starting from the middle.
5) Are rain gutters and downspouts properly installed, clean from debris, and in working condition? The best way to check this is during a rainstorm.
6) All shrubs near the home should be watered with a drip system – not spray. Plants should be located outside the roof drip line to avoid moisture buildup on logs.
In addition, a water sprinkler system should be adjusted to avoid spraying the walls.
Miscellaneous steps to provide a Happy Log Home
1) Install gutters wherever possible.
2) Inspect for log rot – replace logs if necessary.
3) Inspect for stain failure.
4) Apply a borate log treatment if logs are ever stripped of finish.
5) Install a maintenance clear coat on the exterior.
6) Inspect for chinking failure