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Log Rot

Hello Everyone~

Forgive me if this topic has been discussed, but I searched and didn't see it specifically.

I recently purchased an 25 year old log home (unknown manufacturer) with pretty extensive rotting (about 8 feet across) near the base of the concrete foundation.

I live in an extremely rural area and do not have access to log home-knowledgeable people!
I'm dreading having to jack up the house and replace the logs - does anyone have any other suggestions? I've thought about building a rock facade to cover the problem, but I'm not sure how to "seal" the rotted wood prior to doing so. The damage was caused by extensive water and vegetation that covered the area for years.

Here's a picture:

Any suggestions would be appreciated!

Tags: damage, log, repair, rot, termite, water

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by LaShaun on February 7, 2009 at 11:23am

My Husband and I are planning to build a canbin in the near future and have been looking at this type of foundation, the cabin built "up" away from ground and water issues. i hope this photo helps. It's of a cabin we are in love with...

Attachments:

PIC-0059.jpg, 87 KB

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Permalink Reply by Dan The Log Man on February 7, 2009 at 5:30pm: Hi LaShaun,

That is one of the most popular styles is a log home. Very simple and efficient . The slope of your land will determine the minimal and maximum height of the foundation. It is wise to keep it a minimum of 18" off the ground. Porches will always be your best friend with a log home. The money you put up front for them will always save you in the end. The shrubs really need to be rid of. They will trap moisture behind them and keep the logs from drying out. If you need any help with the floor plans or anything else, let me know.

Dan

danthelogman@gmail.com

www.texasloghomerepair.com; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by LaShaun on February 7, 2009 at 6:58pm: Wow! Thank you!!! that's what I like about this cabin and why we always book it (try before buy) and everytime...It's perfect. If you have any 1story 2br 1500-1800 sq. ft. floor plans please let me know.

Thanks Again,
~L; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Dan The Log Man on February 7, 2009 at 7:19pm: I have several I have done. Send me a rough outline/sketch of what you want or of this home and modifications and I will see what I have that is close.

Dan

danthelogman@gmail.com; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by PappaJ on February 7, 2009 at 7:38pm: Suki,
Have you considered Epoxy repairs. You can seal the cavity to the left and below with a penetrating epoxy sealer. Because you have no wood, rebuild with new log material after you rebuild the back with epoxy fillers. For the material on the top right with the green mold, clean and kill the mold with a bleach solution. 4 parts water to one part bleach (use an oxygen bleach). Mold tells me you have something growing underneath. If the wood is sound, use a borate preservative and saturate the log. That will kill what might be growing underneath. If by sounding on the log (taping with a screwdriver handle) you hear a dull thud, inject the log with an epoxy filler. There are specific ones to use. I wrote the book Log Home Care and Maintenance to answer questions like that. It is available at your local bookstore or online. I have pictures of the process that I can post if you would like.
Jim; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Chris Wood on February 21, 2009 at 12:05pm: If you were ever considering a bumpout or extension of this room, now is the time to do it. Adding a 6' or 8' shed extension (stick framed with glass and maybe log siding) on a concrete slab and cutting out the bad logs would be easier and bring more value than a patch job. Maybe recycle the existing window if it is worthy. The cost difference adding this extra space might be well worth it.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Mark Fritch on March 24, 2009 at 2:47am

Suki, I have done exactly what you originally asked about. The house was in about the same condition as yours. Send me a PM and I can send you photos if you still need them.

Attachments:

Steiner Henry Creek 06.JPG, 421 KB

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Permalink Reply by Jeffrey Adams on June 20, 2009 at 10:32pm: I am looking at purchasing a Log Home with some dry rot and rot that is rather close to the rot in your pictures. Should Dry Rot in a few spots and perhaps the need t replace one log or seriously do some patch work with it discourage me from buying the house? Its really everything we want in a home.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by CharisB on June 22, 2009 at 9:31am: Jeffrey - Short answer: not necessarily. You will certainly want to determine exactly how much rot there is & what it will take to fix it. If it is affecting the structure in such a way to make it near impossible to fix permanently, then it may not be a good idea. If you can, find a log home specific contractor in that area to take a look at your home & give you the low down on what will be needed in order to both fix the rot & prevent any future rot. If the answers you get are liveable, go for it. If not, it might just mean there's something better out there for you.

If you need names of someone nearby the home, feel free to email me at cbabcock@sashco.com. I can get you some phone #s of log home contractors.

Thanks! -- Charis w/ Sashco; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Sheds and Shacks on April 5, 2009 at 12:12am: If the rot is limited to the width of the windows, why don't you just add french doors? It would be fairly inexpensive and you could remove the damaged wood at the same time. I live in Tx also and labor and material prices seem to be reasonable. How wide is it?; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Susie Selman on January 11, 2010 at 11:30am: Hello Suki,

I know it's been a while since u posted about the rot on your house and I was wondering if you found a log home contractor in East Texas that you would recommend?

Thanks for any info. you can give me.
Susie; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Kevin Piatz on January 11, 2010 at 12:40pm: Hi Suki,

Just in case you still need to do some research on Rot Repair, this Wednesday we are having a live webinar on the subject. It's free of charge and pretty easy to register for and join in on the discussion. The person giving the webinar has had over 15 years in the industry and you are welcome to ask questions during the live webinar. Good luck with the project!
http://www.permachink.com/webinars.htm
- Kevin; ▶ Reply to This

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