Excessive moisture is the main reason why logs rot.
If your log home has rotted logs, you may be able to repair them instead of replacing them, but that will depend on how much damage has been done and where it is. Damage on structural load-bearing logs is more serious, and if there's a lot of damage, the log may have to be replaced. Repairing logs costs less money and takes less time than replacing them, so most people prefer this option. Does this Spark an idea?
Causes
The fungi that cause wood rot need warm temperatures, moisture and oxygen before they can damage the logs in your log home. Most infected wood will start to show signs of damage when the moisture content reaches 20 percent and the temperature is between 60 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Homes that lack rain gutters and downspouts, or homes with bushes planted close to the building, are especially susceptible to rot. Logs that stick out past the roof and unstained or unfinished logs also could have issues.
Detecting
Logs with rot may be grayer or darker than surrounding logs, or they may have a lot of cracks in them. Long cracks that go with the grain of the wood don't indicate rot, but they do provide a place for moisture and fungi to enter. Look for soft spots or small holes in the logs that may be a sign of boring insects. Use a hammer to tap on areas you suspect are rotted -- they will sound hollow when tapped.
Wood Splicing
Wood splicing or "piecing-in" is the traditional way to repair rot found in localized areas. The decayed wood is carefully cut out, and a matching piece of wood, called a replacement plug or splice, is inserted. The specific technique used depends on the severity and location of the decay. Sometimes, the log is completely severed, and a new piece of log is spliced in and attached to the severed log with lag screws or bolts. Epoxy can be used to secure the wood as well.
Epoxy
Epoxies can also be used as filler in logs that have surface rot. Rotten wood is removed with a chisel, and the area is drenched with a wood preservative before being covered with epoxy. Epoxies can also restore strength to decayed structure-bearing logs and stabilize rotted wood. Epoxies resist decay and moisture, but they cause nearby wood to retain moisture so they can cause problems if their use isn't confined to places that are protected from moisture. Epoxies are available in liquid or in putty form.
Replacement
Logs with substantial decay or those that have collapsed will need to be completely replaced. This is a job that should only be done by an experienced professional, because it may involve jacking up your house, along with removing abutting partition walls and chinking. The person doing it should have an extensive knowledge of construction. The replacement log should match the visual traits of the original log as closely as possible to blend in with the rest of the wall.
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