Like any type of home, log cabins require regular maintenance and upkeep. This is essential for a safe and fully functional log home that can last many years. Due to the very nature of log homes (being exposed to the harsh elements), one has to be extra cautious and regular with maintenance and upkeep every few months. Cabin rot is a very typical issue that log homes face. This article will help you diagnose and fix rot issues in your cabin home. This DIY guide is for the more experience log home owner. If you are unsure and uncomfortably trying to fix a log home yourself, please consult a log cabin repair specialists as this will help avoid any further damage and cost to your log home.
Generally speaking, log cabin rot is a sign of moisture problem. This is a two-step problem. First, you will have to deal with the section of the log that has rotted and the second is to deal with the underlying problem that caused the log to rot in the first place.
Step 1: Purchase matching logs to replace the rotted section. Next, cut away the rotted part and replace it with the newly purchased log sectional. Next, you should coat the new section with an insect and mold resistance finish. The finish should also allow the log to breathe, which means to allow water vapor inside the log to escape, but also keeping out moisture. Ask about this type of finish from your neighborhood home improvement store. They will point you in the right direction.
Step 2: Find out what the underlying issue caused the log to rot in the first place. This will require some investigation skills. As mentioned earlier, log cabin rot is typically due to the section of the log home (the area that has rotted) being exposed to moisture for too long. Look for drainage issues above the rotted part. If no gutter exists above the damaged log, install one. Also make sure the gutter is not blocked or leaking. This is a prime cause for most log cabin rot issues. Next, check for any tree shrubs that may be touching the log cabin. Water can be transferred from the tree shrubs to the log cabin. Trim any shrubs that may be touching the log cabin from all side. Another cause could be that your log home is not receiving enough sunlight to dry out. Analyze the trees around your log home. Do you think the trees are blocking sunlight from reaching your log home? If so, it may be wise to regularly trim the trees around your cabin, so that sunlight can pass through.
If the problem still persists, it may be wise to call a professional to come and inspect your log home. The sooner you tend to this problem, the less the chances the problem will result in any further damage. As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure.
If your log home resides in the states of South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida and Georgia, get in touch with the experts at Performance Log Home Finishers. We are a family run and operated business and have been serving these states for over 10 years. Call us today at 1-800-781-2551 and speak to a friendly representative about all your log home needs.
