Log Home Repair and Restoration Services
Many of the log buildings in Atlantic Canada need some work. The repair options may include replacing deteriorated logs and stabilizing the problem areas with preservatives and appropriate finishes. This may require the removal of existing finish and addressing design flaws that allow the problem to occur in the first place.
Checks or cracks naturally occur as the logs dry out. This can be a problem on the upward facing log surfaces of exterior walls. Water that enters these checks and lays in the log will cause it to deteriorate. These checks can be filled with a paste of Timbor and Borocal preservative and sealed with a high quality chinking to keep out most of the water. It's difficult to keep all of the water out, but any water that gets in will activate the preservative.
Logs that are badly deteriorated can be solidified with liquid epoxy or filled with an epoxy putty. Unfortunately, rotten logs are usually too wet to allow this treatment so it is often more effective to replace the affected log.
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| Treated wood | |
Insects love an untreated log wall. Finish must be removed so that Borocal can be soaked into the wood. An appropriate finish needs to be reapplied to keep the borates in the wood. Any insect that eats this treated wood will die of starvation as their digestive enzymes are destroyed by the borates. If an ant problem persists, you may need a pest control expert to get to the nest and treat the foundation.
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Chinking log walls, interior and exterior, can solve draft problems. Discoloured log walls can be brightened and refinished. Roof lines can be added or extended, logs can be preserved or replaced. There are solutions to any problems.
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The first step is a detailed inspection to determine the state of the logs and the reasons why problems may be occurring. Next, we need to establish a procedure to address any concerns, using appropriate methods and materials. Last, a continuing maintenance schedule needs to be carried out on a regular basis to preserve the building as effectively as possible.
If you currently own or are considering the purchase of a log home or cottage, I am pleased to offer my opinions on the state of the logwork and suggest repair and maintenance options.