My house is 20 years old and the previous owner didnt keep up with the maintenance. Now Im faced with logs that look rotted. How do I know if I have rotted logs?
Thanks for the question Lee. In the future we will include this as a Tip of the Month – as I hear this question a lot.
I like to use masking tape and after locating a bad area/log, apply a piece there to mark it.
I simply use a hammer and walk each logs full length, tapping on it. If there is a hollow or bad exterior you will experience a different sound. This is not always a fool proof way to locate rotted logs, but it works 90% of the time.
I also look for the gray weathered look or insect holes (likely what you are noticing). These will also clue you into the bad areas. You will need a ladder to tap on the upper logs. Don’t forget to tap on the logs directly below the windows! They are one of the first ones to show signs of rotting.
Log ends are also spots for log rot, especially if they stick out past the overhangs of the house. Water splashing down off from the roof onto the top log starts a waterfall effect that can cause the whole corner to rot. Some times you can see them going bad first from the hollow spots forming in the log end.
Thank you!
The Log Doctor.