At Log Masters Restorations, our goal is to fully restore, protect, and maintain your log home or structure so that you and your loved ones can enjoy it for years to come. Our company strives to use only the best water-based or oil-based products from the best maintenance and restoration product manufacturers in the industry.
Log homes are known for their charm and durability but require ongoing maintenance to stay in top condition. Two of the biggest threats to log homes are log rot and insect infestations. If left unchecked, these issues can weaken the structure of your home, leading to costly repairs.
Understanding what causes log rot, how to identify it, and which insects pose the greatest risk will help you protect your investment. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about checking for log rot and insect infestations—before they become serious problems.
What is Log Rot?
Log rot occurs when fungi break down the wood fibers, causing logs to soften, crumble, and lose their structural integrity. The primary cause of log rot is excess moisture, which creates the perfect environment for fungal growth. Without proper drainage, sealing, and maintenance, even the highest-quality logs can become vulnerable to decay.
Types of Log Rot
Log rot can take different forms, and all log homeowners need to familiarize themselves with the types of log rot that can occur. Typically, log rot can be classified into two main types: brown and white.
Brown Rot
Also known as “dry rot,” brown rot primarily attacks the cellulose in wood, causing it to shrink and crack into cube-like fragments. Affected logs may appear darker and feel brittle, breaking apart easily. Despite its nickname, brown rot requires moisture to develop but can continue spreading even in drier conditions once established.
White Rot
White rot affects both the cellulose and lignin in wood, leading to a spongy, fibrous texture. Logs with white rot often appear lighter in color, with a whitish or yellowish tint. Unlike brown rot, white rot tends to maintain the wood’s structural shape for longer, but it still weakens the log over time.
What are the Long-Term Impacts of Log Rot?
If left untreated, log rot can have serious consequences:
Structural Weakening – Rot compromises the strength of logs, leading to sagging walls, unstable support beams, and even structural failure.
Increased Pest Activity – Damaged wood attracts insects such as termites, carpenter ants, and beetles, further accelerating deterioration.
Higher Repair Costs – Minor rot issues can often be repaired, but extensive rot may require full log replacement, which is costly and time-consuming.
Moisture and Mold Problems – Log rot often goes hand-in-hand with mold and mildew, which can impact indoor air quality and create health concerns.
How Can I Check for Log Rot?
Routine inspections are crucial for catching log rot early. Here are the best methods for checking your logs:
Visual Inspection – Look for discoloration, cracks, peeling finishes, or soft spots. Pay close attention to areas where moisture tends to accumulate.
Probe Test – Use a screwdriver or skewer to poke the logs. If the wood feels soft, crumbles, or allows the probe to sink in easily, rot may be present.
Tap Test – Tap the logs with a hammer or screwdriver handle. Solid wood produces a sharp sound, while rotted areas will sound hollow.
Moisture Meter Test – A moisture meter can detect excessive moisture levels in logs, helping you identify potential problem areas before rot starts.
Check High-Risk Areas – Log ends, window and door frames, roof overhangs, and foundation areas are particularly vulnerable to rot.
The Probe Test: Our Recommendation
The easiest way to check for log rot is to take the skewer and poke the logs. If the skewer sinks in, you can measure how far it sinks in. Hopefully, the skewer does not sink in anywhere. The best-case scenario is that it only sinks in less than a centimeter or quarter of an inch beyond the point. However, if it sinks in further than that, it is worth getting an accurate estimate.
People sometimes use a paint roller frame on a pole to reach high spots. You can also use a screwdriver if you don’t have a skewer.
What Insects Typically Attack Log Homes?
Wood-destroying insects can cause as much damage as log rot—sometimes even more. Here are the most common culprits:
Carpenter Ants
Carpenter ants don’t eat wood, but they tunnel through it to create nesting galleries. They often target moist or rotting wood, making log homes susceptible, especially if rot is already present. Signs include wood shavings (frass), rustling sounds inside walls, and large black ants near logs.
Termites
Termites are among the most destructive pests for log homes. They feed on wood 24/7 and often go undetected until significant damage has occurred. Signs of a termite infestation include mud tubes along logs, discarded wings, and hollow-sounding wood.
Carpenter Bees
Carpenter bees bore perfectly round holes into logs to lay their eggs. Over time, their activity weakens the wood, and their tunnels can attract woodpeckers, which cause additional damage. Look for small, round entry holes and sawdust piles beneath logs.
Powder Post Beetles
These beetles lay their eggs in cracks or untreated wood surfaces, and the larvae tunnel through the wood, creating tiny holes and powdery sawdust (frass). Infestations can remain active for years if left untreated.
Cluster Flies
While not wood-destroying, cluster flies seek shelter in log homes during cooler months. Their presence indicates gaps or cracks in logs that need sealing.
Long-horned Beetles
These beetles lay eggs in dead or decaying wood, and the larvae tunnel through the logs, weakening the structure over time. Their exit holes are larger than those of powder post beetles.
The Old House Borer Beetle (Hylotrupes bajulus) is a long-horned beetle commonly found in log homes. Unlike long-horned beetles that prefer freshly cut or live wood, the Old House Borer targets dry, seasoned softwood, making log homes particularly vulnerable. Their larvae can remain hidden within the wood for years, tunneling and weakening structural integrity before emerging as adults.
Side Note: A key distinction between the Old House Borer and Powderpost Beetles is their antennae—long-horned beetles have noticeably long antennae, while Powderpost Beetles have short, stubby ones. Identifying these differences helps determine the best treatment and prevention methods.
What are the Signs of Insect Infestation?
Detecting an insect infestation early can prevent significant damage. Look for these warning signs:
Small, round exit holes – A sign of wood-boring beetles or carpenter bees.
Sawdust or frass piles – Indicates active insect activity.
Hollow-sounding wood – Could signal termites or internal beetle damage.
Mud tubes on logs – A common sign of subterranean termites.
Ant trails or swarming insects – May indicate carpenter ants or termites.
Buzzing or rustling sounds – Could suggest carpenter ants or bees inside logs.
If you notice any of these signs, consult a log home specialist or pest control expert immediately.
How to Prevent Log Rot and Insect Infestations
Preventative maintenance is key to keeping your log home safe from rot and pests. Here’s how you can protect your home:
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late: Protect Your Home Today!
Log rot and insect infestations can cause serious damage if left unchecked, but regular maintenance and early detection can help protect your home for years to come. By understanding the warning signs and taking preventative steps, you can enjoy the beauty and durability of your log home without worry.
If you suspect log rot or insect activity, contact Log Masters to assess the situation and recommend the best course of action. Staying proactive will save you time, money, and stress in the long run!
If you own a log home, you have log gaps. These spaces or separations form between the logs of a log home over time. These gaps can occur for several reasons, including natural settling, wood shrinkage, temperature and humidity fluctuations, or improper construction techniques.
There are different kinds of log gaps and ways to fill them. Leaving gaps unfilled or filling them incorrectly can lead to a variety of issues, and no one wants that!
At Log Masters, we recommend regular inspections and maintenance to ensure a tight, energy-efficient, and well-protected log home. However, if you notice gaps in the logs of your home, this comprehensive guide will explain everything you need to do to fill these gaps before staining so you can properly maintain your cabin.
What are Log Gaps?
Log gaps are spaces or separations that can form between the logs of a log home over time. These gaps can occur for several reasons, including natural settling, wood shrinkage, temperature and humidity fluctuations, or improper construction techniques. If left unaddressed, log gaps can lead to various issues such as:
Energy inefficiency: Air leaks through gaps, causing drafts and higher heating or cooling costs.
Moisture intrusion: Gaps allow water to seep in, leading to wood rot, mold growth, and structural damage.
Pest infestations: Small openings can become entry points for insects and rodents.
Aesthetic concerns: Visible gaps can diminish the visual appeal of the log structure.
To prevent and address log gaps, homeowners can use materials like chinking (a flexible, textured sealant), caulking, or backer rods to fill and seal the spaces. Regular inspections and maintenance are key to ensuring a tight, energy-efficient, and well-protected log home.
Types of Log Gaps
Each cabin log is unique, and depending on how it is built, log gaps can vary in size and shape. Log home professionals like Log Masters label log gaps as one of three types: large, small, and everything in between. Synthetic log home caulking products and backer rods can quickly fix small gaps. However, significant gaps take a little more time and extra work than smaller ones.
Small Gaps
Small gaps often look paper-thin and measure less than one inch wide or deep. Examples include log joints, door and window frames, and checks and cracks. Caulking alone is typically sufficient for these gaps. However, some professionals prefer to use backer rods for added protection and a more uniform seal.
Large Gaps
Large gaps measure over one inch in width or depth. These larger log gaps often require additional support before applying chinking or caulking. This support typically comes in the form of a backer rod or grip strip, which helps fill the void and provides a base for the sealant.
Everything In Between
Gaps between large and small require a case-by-case approach, balancing the need for structural support and aesthetic appeal. In some cases, small gaps that only require caulking can be made to look larger to achieve a more traditional or visually appealing log home style.
How to Fill in Log Gaps
Step 1: Clean the Area
Ensure the gap is free from rot debris and any other foreign objects.
Step 2: Insert Backing
Determine if you will insert Backer Rods for small gaps or Grip Strips for large gaps and everything in between.
Step 3: Apply Synthetic Caulking or Chinking
Smooth it out with a moistened putty knife for a seamless finish.
Step 4: Clean Up
With a damp wash cloth, remove any excess before it cures.
Step 5: Let It Cure
Allow the material to dry completely before staining per recommended dwell time.
Other Gaps to Fill
The information above primarily applies to filling gaps between logs on the exterior of your home. However, there are instances where your interior log joinery may need to be filled. The following video shows you precession caulking methods that can be used for other locations around your log home, including the cabin’s interior.
Need Help with Log Gaps? Call a Log Master Today!
Regular maintenance schedules are essential for log homes where weather and insects pose significant risks. Using proper caulking and chinking applications and by staying proactive, you log home sealant will rarely need full replacement.
Whether restoring or maintaining a treasured retreat, Log Masters Restorations is here to help. Explore our blogs for more tips and insights, andcontact us today for a free estimate.
Should I stain before installing backer rod or grip strip?
Some will say either, but ideally you should stain before installing backer rod or grip strip. Here’s why:
Complete Coverage: Staining before installing the backer rod or grip strip ensures that the stain penetrates all exposed wood surfaces, including the edges of gaps. This protects the wood beneath and around the backer material from weathering and UV damage.
Avoid Stain Contamination: If you stain after installing backer rod or grip strip, the stain may soak into or adhere to the backer material, compromising the sealant’s bond or appearance.
Easier Cleanup: Staining first prevents accidental smearing of stain onto the sealant or backer rod, reducing cleanup and ensuring a neat finish.
Sealant Adhesion: Proper sealant application relies on a clean surface. Staining after installing backer rod may create a barrier or residue that could hinder the sealant’s adhesion.
By following this sequence, you’ll achieve better protection, durability, and aesthetics for your log home.
Can I stain directly after filling gaps?
No, allow the caulking or chinking to cure completely first.
What materials should I avoid?
Avoid non-stainable fillers or low-quality products not intended for log homes.
Do I have to stain before or after caulking?
You can do either as most log home stains and caulking bound well together despite order of application, but always check the product directions.
Explore More Log Home Maintenance Tips
Filling gaps in your log home is just one part of keeping it in great condition. For more expert advice, check out our blog articles:
We’re here to help you maintain and restore your log home with professional services and practical advice. Ready to get started? Contact us today for a free consultation!
Most experienced log homeowners have a basic understanding of what log home maintenance entails. However, many do not realize all of the factors that go into a log home restoration estimate. When we quote a restoration or maintenance job, we must not only walk through our log home maintenance checklist to determine what work is necessary but also consider travel and equipment requirements, the style of log home we are working on, and the home’s maintenance history.
If you have questions about all of the factors we consider in a log home estimate, you’re in luck because we have all the answers! By the time you read this post, you will also have this Log Master knowledge at your disposal.
Basic Information Needed to Start Your Restoration Estimate
When homeowners call our toll-free number, we will ask for the basic information most service providers need to begin a project. This includes:
First and last name
Phone number and email address
The physical address of the cabin
The square footage of your log home
What prompted you to call?
It seems normal, but some prefer to keep out their phone number or physical location out of fear. Rest assured, we do not share information collected or sell our client list. We hate it when companies do it to us, so to avoid hypocrisy and show respect for our clients, we refuse to participate in selling our client list. Whatever you share stays in-house for in-house use only.
After we collect this basic information, we will ask you to send us photographs of your log home.
Log Home Photos: A Necessity for Online Estimates
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and this could not be truer when providing a log home restoration estimate. These images give us an idea of the log home’s condition and help us determine the cabin’s floor plan, the land surrounding the home, and any obstacles we may need to work around.
In many cases, it’s easier for us (and for you) if we can see the log home. This is because it’s hard to verbalize certain types of damage or areas of concern.
List of Suggested Pictures
This list of suggested log home photographs ensures your log home’s needs are effectively communicated. Please keep in mind this list is not exhaustive, and we may request additional photos for more context.
To start, we suggest you take pictures of the following environmental obstacles:
Logs near the ground (especially if the log height is less than one foot above the ground)
Areas of regular shade (you will often see a green hue on these logs)
West and south-facing walls (they get the most rain)
East and north-facing walls (especially if your location makes it difficult for them to dry out)
Decks (if you want it included in your estimate)
Posts or columns on the front or back porches
Any cracks, bubbling, or weathered chinking and finishing
Extended horizontal checks (cracks) in the logs that may hold rain (typically on the top of a log)
Signs of insects
Other areas that would benefit from an expert eye
Guidelines for Precise Pictures
You can use a phone or camera to photograph the items mentioned above. The device does not matter; it’s the precision we care about in order to make an accurate repair or restoration estimate. This avoids inaccurate estimates or change orders once we arrive and begin the work.
For areas of concern that include cracks, log rot, or other blemishes, we recommend using a ruler, tape measure, quarter, or soda to provide perspective within the images. Also, it helps if you can take multiple shots from different angles of potential log rot, insect damage, caulk or chink separation, and cracked or missing finishes.
If you need clarification, please call us so we can assist you.
Primary Factors Impacting Your Restoration Estimate
One of the best things about log homes is most of them are unique. However, this means that we can’t provide cookie-cutter restoration estimates. We must evaluate each home with fresh eyes and assess what is needed.
With your photos, we can accurately assess your log home’s needs. We may recommend the products and services listed below based on what we see. We love sharing our expertise to educate our clients on how the types of logs, caulk or chink, log rot or insect damage, and issues with clear finishes impact our log home repair estimate.
1. Type of Log Home Exterior
What makes a log home a log home? The exterior and interior? Is it based on appearance or structural makeup? Depending upon who you ask, opinions on what qualifies as a log home vary. Big or small, there are two types of cabins: log-sided and log-built.
Log Sided Homes
Log-sided homes can look just as beautiful as a log cabin. This“log home look” is budget-consciousbut requires regular maintenance, just like any other log home. We can replace pieces with log-sided homes if they are rotted without impacting the structural integrity. However, we must also take certain precautions to avoid damage to interior walls.
Additionally, log-sided homes are still log homes, meaning they must be regularly stained. Stain protects the wood from water and other elements while preserving its natural beauty.
We may ask additional questions about the type of log siding used on your home to provide the most accurate restoration estimate.
Log-Built Homes
There are a variety of styles for log-built homes, both in terms of log style and log species. These homes can be made from a variety of trees, including fir, cedar, pine, oak, and cypress. Furthermore, log homes can be built in different ways, such as full scribe, post and beam, timber frame, and more. These decisions are often made based on personal preferences and functionality, but they are also variables that can impact the cost of log home restorations and repairs.
2. Log Styles
It’s also important for us to know the type (or types) of log style used to construct your cabin. Knowing your type of log style is generally easy to tell from pictures. However, your home may have multiple kinds of logs or styles of logs and log siding or a combination. It is not unheard of to discover part of the cabin was made with Douglas fir logs in a specific style and an addition to the home done in cedar logs of a different style and log siding around the foundation.
Log styles can go a step further when considering the exterior log surface, joints, corners, and ends. Each of these also contributes to factors drastically impacting the time needed to fix log rot in a given area. Some log rot is only a foot or two in length. To save money, rather than order a complete log in that style, a skilled log master may cut/mill another log on the site.
3. Chink and Caulk
Log homes typically use caulk or chink between the logs as a barrier from the elements and to protect the logs from water damage. The main difference between the two is elasticity and texture. Chink is more commonly used for large gaps between logs and is sometimes two inches wide, while caulk is used for smaller or tight gaps.
Mortar vs. Synthetic Chink
Two types of chinking are typically used in log homes: mortar and synthetic. Each has its pros and cons, and both can impact your log home repair estimate.
Mortar chinking is a concrete-like substance that is generally cheaper and around 10% of the price of synthetic chinking. However, mortar can crack and break down as the house settles, allowing moisture between the logs. Also, mortar chinking can be more challenging to remove, especially if trapped moisture causes log rot.
Nowadays, chink is made from synthetic material to allow for more elasticity to combat the seasons when the logs shrink and expand. Although the initial cost can be more expensive, it is far more durable and likely to prevent costly repairs in the future.
Caulking
Caulk is almost always used around windows and doors or small tight joints on log homes. It has a higher elasticity than chink but often lacks textures. Likewise, it comes in a few colors to match the stain, chink, making it nearly invisible to the naked eye. It is also much easier to apply than chinking, meaning less time spent restoring your home. Less time often equals lower costs.
4. Log Rot and Insects
Customers often call us for restoration estimates because they have noticed areas of concern on the exterior of their homes. Both log rot and insect infestation can cause extreme damage and represent the bulk of the estimated costs.
Log rot is at the top of most log cabin homeowners’ concerns. You may have noticed black behind the finish or chunky pieces falling away. These could be signs of log rot or a poor finish. Often, log rot occurs due to the homeowner’s inability to keep up with regular maintenance or their inability to heed the recommended care instructions of the log home builder. Unfortunately, since most types of log rot require us to replace the affected logs, it is a major consideration for log home restoration estimates.
Insect damage comes in as a close second for homeowner concerns, as most types of insect infestations are highly visible. Although insect damage doesn’t always require us to completely replace logs, it does involve a series of removal and repair steps before we can re-stain the logs.
5. Damage From Previous Restoration Projects
Given current prices for home construction materials, we know it is tempting to hire a friend or self-employed individual with construction experience to repair your log home. Construction or carpentry experience is a background we look for when hiring Log Master’s Apprentices, but it is not the only experience needed to restore log cabins. Carpentry is a great skill set with a lot of value. Any good carpenter could probably learn how to restore a log cabin with time and education.
However, restorations not done by a professional can cost you!
Our apprentices, journeymen, and masters have seen multiple cabins with various issues and repairs. Our trained employees know what products and tools to use and how to use them most efficiently and effectively. They know how to recognize details and issues that can be overlooked. Also, they know what not to do, which is very important when working on your dwelling.
Bad Restoration Example
We have had customers call us after having someone else “restore” their log home. Although the original contractor was cheap, many customers eventually realize that when you hire the cheapest option, you get what you pay for… and then some.
The “and then some” is typically the damage caused and how bad it looks when the “cheaper guy” is done. Sometimes, it means more time and additional repairs since the original work was ineffective. If you don’t want to spend twice the amount to repair your log home, don’t call just any guy.
They even tried to fill in the log-rotted spots with unmatched caulking, ensuring further log rot.
For example, one of our customers paid for a local guy to restore his cabin. When we got to the cabin, you could instantly see why the customer had called us. The right products were used, but the application was unsightly. Products were applied incorrectly, and attempts to mask this made the situation even worse.
Log rot had been covered up by a thick coat of stain and finish and had spread to several neighboring logs. This meant he had wasted his budget and was now going to have to spend more money to counteract the damage.
6. Issues With Clear Finishes
Choosing a clear finish without stain may showcase the natural beauty of your logs, but it can create challenges when it comes to restoration. Clear finishes lack the UV protection and durability provided by pigmented stains, making your log home more susceptible to sun damage, moisture issues, and other wear and tear.
When assessing your home for restoration, we often see the following issues with clear finishes:
Cloudy or uneven appearance
Black spots or patches, indicating moisture damage
Cracks, peeling, or bubbles, often caused by improper application or aging
These issues can increase restoration costs due to the need for additional surface preparation, repair, and refinishing. Regular maintenance and choosing a stain with UV protection can help avoid these problems and keep your log home in optimal condition.
7. Lack of Regular Maintenance
Neglecting regular maintenance is one of the most significant factors that can increase the cost of log home restoration. Over time, issues like log rot, moisture damage, and finish deterioration become more severe without proper upkeep, leading to extensive repairs.
When maintenance is delayed or skipped, restoration estimates often rise due to:
Increased surface preparation, such as sanding or stripping deteriorated finishes.
More extensive repairs, including replacing logs damaged by rot or moisture.
Higher material costs, as neglected finishes wear out faster and require more frequent reapplication.
Regular maintenance—typically every 2–3 years in humid climates and 4–5 years in arid areas—helps protect your home and minimize restoration costs. Skipping this upkeep only accelerates damage, making restoration projects more labor-intensive and expensive.
Other Considerations for Log Home Restoration Estimates
Although the primary factors influencing any log home repair estimate involve the logs, we must also consider additional costs and requirements when providing a quote.
1. The Location of Your Log Home
Knowing the location of your log home is a critical component of our restoration estimates. When you provide us with your address, we first look at your log home’s proximity to one of our five office locations. While we proudly serve log homeowners in Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Texas, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico, we do factor the travel time and fuel costs into our estimate.
Furthermore, this knowledge helps us determine when (and if) we can come on-site to your log home. For example, if you live in a state neighboring one of our locations, like Nebraska, Mississippi, Wisconsin, or Indiana, it may or may not be feasible to travel to you, depending on where in the state you are located. In these cases, we don’t want to waste your time by requesting photos and other information to provide a service estimate.
2. Your Property and Landscape
Many timber house owners live in the countryside, nestled in a forest of trees and seclusion. With your address, we can access an aerial view of your property using Google Maps. This helps us determine the square footage of your log cabin and see if there are any obstacles near your log home or along the road where we will enter your property.
For instance, say your log home is high in the mountains, and the only way to it is up a winding dirt road that hugs the mountainside. This could impact our ability to transport heavy equipment. Similarly, if your log home is beside or over a body of water, we will consider this when recommending products for your project.
Additionally, we use your address to see a street view of your log home. This can tell us what challenges we may need to consider regarding scaffolding and ladders. While not all log homes have a street view online, some can be found on other websites like Zillow if the log home was sold at some point.
3. Travel Expenses
Since log home restoration requires our team to work onsite and remain near your home’s location until work is complete, any associated travel costs can also impact your log home maintenance estimate. We avoid these being primary considerations, but as inflation impacts these costs, we do factor it into the total to some degree.
Staying near your home helps us maximize how much time we spend working each day instead of eating up critical daylight hours with drive time. Therefore, if your log home is more than an hour from one of our office locations, we must consider the cost of hotels and other amenities for our crew while they restore your cabin.
Plan Ahead to Protect Your Log Home
Restoring a log home is rewarding and brings new life to your property. Still, the cost and complexity of restoration can vary greatly depending on factors like finish type, log condition, and maintenance history. By understanding these considerations and addressing potential issues proactively, you can protect your investment and maintain your home’s charm for years.
Get a Professional Estimate Today
Ready to restore or maintain your log home? At Log Masters Restorations, we specialize in assessing and addressing the unique needs of log homes. Whether you need a restoration estimate or advice on maintaining your home, our team is here to help. We offer both online and in-person estimates, plus our team is always happy to answer questions or point you in the direction of the information you need.
Contact us today for a consultation, and let us guide you through the process of preserving the natural beauty and structural integrity of your log home!
Have you ever wondered what you should be doing to maintain your log home? Or are you looking for a guide to help you decide when to hire a log home restoration company to provide log home maintenance? Either way, Log Masters has the answers! After repairing and restoring log cabins for decades, we have learned the ins and outs of log cabin care.
Quick Log Home Maintenance Checklist
Before requesting a restoration estimate, we recommend all log homeowners inspect their log home for the following. Throughout the post, we will explore how to perform this maintenance checklist in depth.
Rot or Decay: Soft spots, discoloration, or spongy wood on logs
Cracks and Checks: Large or upward-facing cracks that may collect water
Fading or Staining: Worn or discolored log finishes
Sealant Issues: Gaps in chinking or deteriorating caulking around doors and windows
Moisture Concerns: Poor roof overhangs, clogged gutters, or improper drainage
Insect Damage: Holes, sawdust, or signs of carpenter bees or other pests
Overgrown Landscaping: Vegetation or trees touching the logs, trapping moisture
Foundation Grading: Ensure water flows away from your home
Step 1: Please Check for Log Rot
Log rot is a type of decay that occurs when fungi feed on wood. To check for log rot, use a steak skewer (or paint roller stick on a pole for high areas) to poke the logs. Solid logs are safe, but soft logs where the skewer sinks in are not. Note exactly where and how far into the log the skewer goes, then test these same logs to listen for hollow sounds when knocking the side of the log with a hammer. Hollow logs can also be an indicator of log rot.
Log rot can appear anywhere on log homes. That being said, we highly recommend all homeowners check the following areas that are more susceptible to log rot:
Area surrounding your window and door frames
Logs near the ground (especially if the log height above the ground is below a foot)
Areas that regularly receive shade
Logs around your downspouts
Posts or columns on the front or back porches
All walls (west and south-facing walls get the most rain, while east and north-facing walls can struggle to dry out)
Decks and porches
Take notes and photograph any possible signs of log rot you discover. When you submit your estimate request, you can share these images and notes with us.
Step 2: Inspect for Cracks and Checks
Cracks, also known as checks, naturally occur as logs age and dry. However, larger or upward-facing cracks can trap water, leading to potential decay. Use a flashlight to inspect your logs for cracks closely.
As you inspect, make note of any cracks wider than 1/4 inch or deep enough to hold water. Also, pay special attention to cracks facing upward, as they are more likely to collect moisture.
When looking for cracks, focus your inspection on these areas:
Logs around windows and doors
The tops of logs on horizontal surfaces, like railings or porch beams
Areas exposed to consistent rainfall or snow accumulation
Take photos and measurements of any significant cracks to include with your restoration estimate request.
Step 3: Assess for Fading or Stain Failure
The finish on your logs protects the wood from UV rays and moisture. Over time, both oil and water-based log home stains can wear away, leading to discoloration or staining.
To evaluate your logs, look for uneven color, dullness, or areas where water no longer beads up (a sign the finish is failing). Then, check for dark streaks or spots, which may indicate moisture penetration.
As you assess fading and stain issues, pay close attention to:
Walls exposed to direct sunlight, especially south- and west-facing sides
Logs beneath eaves or overhangs with insufficient coverage
Areas near sprinklers or splashback from rain
Document areas of fading or staining with photos so our restoration professionals can recommend the appropriate treatment.
Step 4: Examine Sealants and Caulking
Sealants, including chinking and caulking, protect your log home from air and water infiltration.
During your inspection:
Look for gaps, cracks, or separations in the chinking between logs.
Check caulking around windows, doors, and other seams for signs of wear or detachment.
Pay close attention to corners where chinking may pull away.
Also, examine window and door frames where caulking might crack.
If you notice any sealant failures, document them with photos and a brief description for your estimate request.
Step 5: Check Moisture and Drainage
Excess moisture is a primary cause of log home issues. To ensure proper moisture control, you should regularly inspect roof overhangs, gutters, and downspouts to ensure all are working properly to direct water away from your log home. Please take photos of any drainage concerns, such as pooling water or clogged gutters, as these can be clear signs your log home requires maintenance.
Step 6: Look for Insect Damage
Insects like carpenter bees, termites, and wood-boring beetles can damage your log home by tunneling into the wood. Knowing what to look for can help you spot problems early.
During your inspection, check for the following signs of insect activity:
Small Round Holes
Carpenter bees drill perfectly round holes, typically 1/2 inch in diameter, on the undersides of logs, eaves, or porch beams. Powderpost beetles may leave smaller, pin-sized exit holes.
Sawdust or Frass
Look for piles of fine sawdust (called frass) beneath holes or along logs, which is a sign of carpenter bee or beetle activity.
Mud Tubes
Termites build small, pencil-sized mud tubes along the foundation or wood surfaces to stay protected while traveling.
Tunnels or Galleries in the Wood
Check for visible tunnels inside logs, especially if you notice soft or hollow areas. This is often a sign of termite or beetle damage.
Woodpecker Damage
Unusual damage to your logs, such as holes or stripped bark, might indicate woodpeckers hunting for insects within the wood.
Active Insects or Nests
Spot live carpenter bees hovering near eaves or logs. Look for insect nests in corners, under porch ceilings, or near downspouts.
Step 7: Review Landscaping Concerns
Proper landscaping plays a vital role in protecting your log home. To ensure your landscaping isn’t causing issues, look for vegetation, like shrubs or trees, that is too close to the logs and trapping moisture. Check for ivy or other climbing plants that may damage the wood. Finally, ensure the ground slopes away from your home to prevent water from pooling near the foundation.
As you walk through this step of your log home maintenance checklist, pay attention to:
Trees with overhanging branches
Bushes or plants growing within 2 feet of the logs
Areas where mulch or soil is piled against the logs
Complete Your Log Home Maintenance Checklist with Log Masters
Following this checklist is the first step in protecting your log home. Regular maintenance not only ensures the beauty of your home but also helps prevent costly repairs down the road.
If you’ve identified any issues during your inspection, don’t wait—contact Log Masters today for a comprehensive restoration estimate. With decades of experience, we’re here to help you restore, repair, and protect your log home for generations.
Log Masters offers both online and in-person estimates. Regardless of which method you prefer, please have the following information handy when you contact us to submit your log home maintenance request:
Your full name
The complete address where your log home is located
Your phone number and email address
Your preferences on how and when we contact you
Notes and photographs about any areas of concern you identified during your log home maintenance inspection
Approximate square footage of your log home
Environmental obstacles, such as a house over a lake or water
Road access problems such as through the mountains or lack of a driveway
The more information you can provide, the better we can assist you. If you’ve had a recent home inspection, those are always welcome.
Just finished up this beautiful log home masterpiece! Media blasted, sanded, 100′ logs replaced, Sashco Capture/Cascade stained, picnic table & decks refinished, & chink painted.
On October 27, 2023 – See on Facebook
This fantastic log home structure took a few months of dedicated work and equipment. We enjoyed the time with the owner and being able to make his home exactly how he wanted it to look. Thank you for sharing on Facebook your pleasure with our services. Look forward to our first maintenance visit in 3 years.
At Log Masters Restorations (LMR), we value our subcontractors’ expertise and offer flexibility and benefits to support your success. Here’s what you can expect when partnering with us:
Control Your Schedule
No Client Hassles
Access To Health Benefits
Support For Entrepreneurs
Flexibility and Freedom
Employment Opportunities
Log Masters Restorations offers exciting opportunities for contracting crews to work on high-demand projects. Join us in maintaining top-quality standards while fostering entrepreneurship and growth. Our success stories, like Philemon’s journey from crew member to business owner, inspire the next generation of Log Masters.
In today’s log home preservation industry, many professionals prefer to take control of their work by becoming their boss. Subcontracting labor is a common practice among successful log home companies. While we do have a dedicated employee base and provide apprenticeships in the spring, the majority of experienced individuals in this industry prefer to work as 1099 subcontractors. This allows them to set their own work schedule, prioritize family time, take the winter off, and be available for other client projects.
Why Do Log Home Restoration Companies Hire Subcontractors
That’s a good question and one we asked ourselves. The simple answer is that the construction industry needs help with the labor workforce since few young people are choosing it as a career option. Almost everyone is struggling to find laborers, especially in trade-skill jobs. No one understands the importance of employee retention like those in the log home services business.
You’re not an employee, so there is no clock in and out, giving you more freedom over your time. You can choose how many contracts you take on and dictate the terms of your service times. This flexibility allows you to plan family time around work or prioritize more profitable contracts when opportunities arise. Below is an additional explanation:
Except where a contract dictates, and you’ve agreed, there are no dictated weekly expectations from 8 to 5, Monday through Friday, set schedules.
However, these are often the best times to schedule services since the homeowners are often at work, or it is the general expectation by clients.
We try to schedule restorations as soon as possible, as clients are often eager to restore their cabins as soon as possible.
You will discuss the scope and amount of each contract before signing an agreement for services as a partner in the contract.
You will be expected to finish contracts promptly under the supervision of our Log Masters Project Manager, who will guide you in meeting our LMR Quality Service Expectations.
Project Managers will be available for additional training as needed.
Example: You can take one contract from us in May, another with someone else, and return in August for another contract—it’s not a problem.
Please let us know when you have scheduled openings; we will help you fill them out.
We Handle the Details
You are one of the most skilled contractors doing log cabin repairs, and you work hard, putting in weekends to respond to potential clients, set up for the next contract, pay taxes, handle financing and legal, marketing, etc. It’s a lot. Initially, you wear multiple hats and can hardly wear them all at once. Nick, founder of Log Masters, and Scott, owner & partner, have experienced this firsthand. If only there were six guys just like you taking care of the stuff you don’t like doing. Search no more because we may have your solution.
Our solution
We handle all material purchases and deliveries, client communication, and contract management so you can focus on your craftsmanship without distractions. All you’ll need is a bookkeeper to file your taxes, which you probably already have. If you don’t have one, B&C Accounting and Tax, LLC is a great firm that is familiar with log home restoration services and offers very affordable bookkeeping and tax filing services for contractors.
Our System
One thing we found challenging was juggling all the demands of running a company, as expected by state and federal rules and regulations, while also trying to provide the services. With our system, we handle all the back-end administrative work expected by clients, so you don’t have to. There is no need to play phone tag with potential clients & build detailed contracts only to discover they found someone else who answered the phone and immediately got a contract to them. Your downtime is your downtime again.
No Client Hassles
Our offices will manage all interactions with customers, neighbors, and vendors, freeing you to focus on what you do best. This was another problem we discovered when making contracts. Juggling customer calls promptly is one thing, but managing several types of communications can be challenging to organize and track.
Feeling Overwhelmed
It can be overwhelming to manage the business as a whole: collecting debts, paying overhead bills, ensuring contracts are signed and returned, quality-controlling employees’ work, payroll, and taxes, and handling communications from current and future clients. Not to mention all the other hundreds of people who regulate businesses that you’ll need to keep in contact with regularly, such as your lawyer, vendors, state and federal governing agencies, IRS, website team, or marketing team. It can destroy a good service business. We hope our system will benefit your growth.
Access to Insurance Benefits
Offering dedicated employees benefits like insurance isn’t easy for a small business, making it hard to keep skilled workers. Often, the cost is astronomical or unavailable due to company size. Regardless of your company’s size, you can access AFLAC health supplements and insurance options, including dental, vision, critical care, cancer, life, and short-term disability coverage, through our company & AFLAC at a meager cost. This allows you to secure essential coverage cheaply, providing extra peace of mind for your crew and family and making your employment more attractive.
Support for Entrepreneurs
If you need help setting up company insurance or your business, we’re here to offer advice! We believe in supporting entrepreneurs and are happy to provide guidance. Our team of managers has years of experience restoring cabins and can deliver your team training as needed upon request. Of course, like our team of Log Masters, we strongly encourage all our contractors to take classes with Perma-Chink Systems and Sashco Inc. to become familiar with their products as we use them the most, if not exclusively.
Flexibility and Freedom
Whether you want to take on as many contracts as possible or just a few, you can choose what works best for your lifestyle and business needs. If you are skilled in log home restoration and maintenance and willing to follow our quality expectations on contracts, we have plenty of work to keep you busy all summer.
Employment Opportunities
If you prefer to be employed by us rather than subcontract, just let us know. We’re always looking for talented individuals to join the Log Masters team!
At Log Masters Restorations, we’re thrilled to announce that our service coverage area is growing to serve our customers better. We now have two fully functioning branches located in Springfield, Missouri, and Westcliffe, Colorado, from which to offer our quality services.
Exciting News: We’re Expanding Our Service Coverage Area!
In addition to these established locations, we’re excited to introduce three new service areas:
The new branches are currently in the development stage and are open to clients. You can visit these locations, but you need to set an appointment beforehand to speak with a Log Master at this location. Even though we have not fully staffed these locations, we have dedicated contractors ready to serve clients in these areas. As our client base grows, we will gradually increase our staffing to meet demand.
We aim to have all three new locations fully staffed with a full-time GM and reception ready for walk-ins and operational by the end of 2025. This timeline allows us to build a strong presence and ensure a sustainable client base to support an entire staff. Until then, Colorado and Missouri branch GMs will share the management responsibilities, duties, and schedules. Read more about our history!
States Log Masters Restorations Services
We are proud to service a wide range of states, including Texas, Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas, New Mexico, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Tennessee, and Kentucky. Our crews often travel anywhere between 3-8 hours from our branch locations and have made exceptions from time to time to meet specific demands in the area.
For example: In 2020, we only had the Springfield Branch location when we received a flood of calls from Colorado. Our expansion to Colorado came during the wildfires when there weren't enough log home restoration companies to meet the demand. We hired more staff and sent them to restore many log homes that year, demonstrating the market need for our services there. Now, Colorado is opening a second location because of the demand. Still, finding log home restoration experts to fill the positions is challenging. This field of expertise is unique, and it takes years to get sufficient training to handle any log home restoration. We still learn new innovative ways to tackle log cabin restoration.
Do Hire Employees or Subcontractors?
The general expectations of a Log Master employee aren’t unreasonable. However, finding hardworking, dedicated staff has proven to be a challenge in our current society. It takes unique individuals willing to do physical labor during the heat of summer (or during the cold of fall and spring), travel away from friends and family, and stick with it for years to gain the master skills necessary to work independently or run a crew with no input. Few young people enter this industry, and seeing rare diamonds among the few is rare. Are we seeking a Log Master? Yes, and if you know of someone, send them to our article ‘Seeking Future Log Masters.’ There are several benefits to becoming a Log Master Employee.
Hiring Subcontractors Crews in Your Area
Do we hire subcontractors? Yes, we do. While we do try to hire staff to put on our payroll, many experienced in this industry prefer subcontracting. It allows them to dictate which jobs they will do and when. Just so you know, they must have years of experience in log home restoration with referrals, means of travel and towing, carry adequate insurance, and have tools and equipment expected for a log home restoration. Otherwise, they’d only qualify for apprenticeship in Spring.
Subcontractor Benefits
The benefits of hiring subcontractors are manifold. Aside from the previously mentioned subcontractor preference, it allows us to find contractors closer to your residence and save on the travel contract’s expenses. What’s more, our list of contractors is constantly growing, making it easier to meet the needs of more log homeowners. Additionally, with our project manager overseeing the progress and getting daily feedback, log cabin owners can rest easy having a quality control list that thoroughly goes over every step of the restoration process and what to expect. The project manager is also there to explain each step and be available for any issues that could arise, whether from the homeowner or crews.
Vetting Subcontract Crews
All subcontracting crews have been thoroughly vetted, insured up to $2 million, and carry worker’s compensation. Additionally, during the first year, we have an experienced project manager from Log Masters on-site to ensure the process meets the high standards that customers have come to depend upon. Our commitment to quality work is unwavering. ‘Why Do Log Home Restoration Companies Hire Subcontractors‘ can help you find the answers to that question. Have a hard working log home restoration crew, but don’t want the hassle of business administration, then check out ‘Calling All Log Home Subcontractors.‘
Can you work at these heights? Not many people can overcome their fear, much less work at these heights. Our skilled professional Log Masters can media blast at almost any height your log home reaches. We always use OSHA Safety procedures, and we are insured in case of any accidents, so the homeowner avoids any work-related liability.
We appreciate your understanding and patience as we expand. Our commitment to providing top-quality restoration and maintenance services remains steadfast, and we look forward to serving even more customers in our new locations.
Stay tuned for more updates, and thank you for being a valued part of the Log Masters Restorations community!
