All homes will eventually need some maintenance and repair. Log homes are no different and present some specific issues that will need correcting. Comparatively, with traditionally-built full round or square log homes share some common potential problems, including:

  • Moisture
  • Settling and shrinking
  • Insects and critters
  • UV sun rays
  • Cracked and fallen chinking
  • Poor flashing and roof draining

These issues need prompt attention when they occur or undesirable side effects will ensue.

The solution to many of these problems is building with pine or cedar log siding. This will be brought out as you read each potential issue.

Moisture Must Be Diverted Away from Logs

When moisture prevention techniques are not followed, wood logs can suffer in these ways:

  • When the bottom row of logs is placed too close to the ground, the contact with moisture will start decaying them.
  • Logs that are not sealed and stained properly can allow moisture to soak in.
  • Chinking that is not angled out at the bottom can hold moisture between the logs.
  • Water can splash off decks and roof overhangs which can cause issues in rainy areas.
  • Log homes without working gutters can also experience moisture rot issues.

Make sure you keep the bottom row of logs off the ground, seal and stain all logs or log siding correctly, chink and caulk correctly, and add gutters to reduce the harmful effect of moisture.

Logs Settle and Shrink

Avoid Log Home Problems

It is no secret that full logs settle over time and suffer some shrinkage as they dry out. Full logs typically shrink 5% to 10% during their first few years. When homes are not built to allow for this issue, joints can become somewhat unstable and take in rain.    

Not enough headspace above doors and windows can make them hard to open and close. If they get stuck, the frames must be reset and that can be expensive. These issues can be avoided by building your log home with pine or cedar log siding instead of full logs.

Insects And Critters Can Cause Harm

During the shrinking process, full logs can crack open enough to allow insects and moisture to enter. These are common insects that can infest wood:

  • Firstly, Carpenter ants
  • Carpenter bees
  • Beetles
  • Termites
  • Other regional bugs

They can structurally weaken logs, open the potential for rot, and eat insulation in walls and ceilings. Applying an insect deterrent when sealing the logs and plugging up any holes insects make will greatly help. Watch for any harmful activity from small animals and birds, and take care of the issues immediately

The solution to many of these problems is building with pine or cedar log siding.

UV Rays Can Darken Your Beautiful Logs

Avoiding Log Home Problems

The sun is both our friend and our enemy when it comes to wood. UV rays and direct sunlight cause wood finishes to break down over time. When the finish is gone, you may get:

  • Dark and ugly coloring
  • Loss of protection from rain
  • Insect invasion
  • Wood rot

Prevent these issues by applying UV reflective sealant and stain. Reapply this finish according to the manufacturer’s recommendations to keep your logs looking fresh and natural.

Cracked and Fallen Chinking Must Be Repaired

Full logs need chinking between them to create tight seals. Wood expands and contracts with moisture over time, especially green logs that can expand or contract as much as six inches. Gaps appear when chinking cracks and breaks up and then lets the elements in.

Be sure the original chinking is applied professionally and replace it as necessary to create higher energy efficiency and to seal the gaps. Build your home with log siding that generally needs no chinking– just apply high-quality caulking where needed.

Lack of Adequate Flashing and Poor Roof Draining

Do not take roof flashing and roof draining for granted because they must carry rain away from the house. Flashing must be installed in all the right places to prevent moisture from entering the house or accumulating. As a result, water can cause wood rot, mold growth, and lower air quality.

A roof protects a log home from rain, snow, sleet, hail, and wind. Roofing should extend beyond the walls enough to prevent water from splashing back onto the logs or log siding. A roof should have enough pitch to drain away rain and snow. Consider a viable gutter system to also carry away rain and melting snow to lessen the chance of wood rot.

Build with Log Siding Instead of Full Logs

There is a simple solution to prevent several of these problems. Consider building with pine or cedar log siding instead of full logs. It will be much easier to control the issues we have covered.

  • Log settling
  • Log shrinkage and expansion
  • Major splits in logs
  • Separated joints
  • Cracked and fallen chinking

Constructing your home with log siding will lessen, and in some cases, eliminate these issues. Log corners and log trim made by the log siding mill are also virtually free from these problems.

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