Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The importance of roof overhangs to protect wall logs from moisture cannot be overrated, especially on log extensions at the corners of the structure. Roof overhangs extend one foot out from all log surfaces for every eight feet of vertical height.
Research & Writing Assignment:
It is very important that all Sill logs either ; be cut to allow for water drainage away from Foundation transition or; adequate flashing be installed to divert water away from Foundation transition, to prevent moisture intrusion and wood decay at Sill log
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is a photo of a heavily deteriorated log end flyaway which appears to have been damaged by storm water runoff from the roof and rake board planes. Exposed logs are more prone to damage and decay from moisture intrusion and should be protected by sufficient overhangs or flashing if they can not be cut back so that they are behind the roof line/drip edge. This damage will have to be evaluated by a licensed contractor to determine the extent of required remediation and repairs.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Carpenter bees are similar to bumblebees in appearance and are a wood destroying organism that chews galleries and lays eggs in fascia boards, soffits, and other unprotected wood on the exterior of the home. They primarily cause cosmetic damage that often appears like someone attacked the home with a 1/4" diameter drill…repeatedly…over and over again…
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
It is critical for an inspector to probe all suspect surfaces. Rot and pest damage is often not immediately visible but can be found by applying diligent and consistent effort. In this case, I found rot and carpenter ant damage sufficient to compromise multiple rounds. I recommend evaluation of the entire structure by a contractor with specific expertise in log home construction and repair.
Research & Writing Assignment:
The essay in the InterNACHI library on log cabins gives additional information that pertains to cabins that may not be the same as for more permanently designed habitations. In particular, the foundation systems may be dramatically different as well as many interior elements. These often tend to be more rustic.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is an inspection of a log home that has mold on one of the wall sides. This is staining fungi which is generally on the surface of the logs, It isn’t very difficult to clean or remove and staining fungi typically does not cause structural damage to wood, but this will be called out and further inspection is required.
Research & Writing Assignment:
From the library of inspection articles I picked inspecting log homes. Most of what was in the article was covered in the course. I was trying to find performing an energy audit on a log home but could not. I think this would be valuable due to the fact that logs shrink and most log homes after awhile are not airtight or near what they should be.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Log homes are individually unique and must be inspected more carefully then traditionally built structures. The lack of natural thermal insulation of the logs should be noted and described in the inspection report. As the logs dry and cure, separation will happen and air leakage is common in log structures. Degradation, rot, and fungus is a naturally accuring process and should be evaluated and noted In the inspection report. Recommend the logs be sealed regularly to protect and slow the degradation of the log surface.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Although not a home inspection, this is a good example of the end rot that can occur with a roof line that does not extend far enough and a building that suffered from deferred maintenance. The moss chinking is quite effective at stopping the wind but is a huge moisture sponge to promote wood rot in the wall logs. The window penetrations appear to have been cut in with a chain saw some time after the cabin was built. The lack of flashing and maintenance has been a contributor to the decay of the window framing and very likely the structure around the window as well. I would speculate the window in the current frame is not the original one. The extra boards used to fill in the bottom and sides of the window penetration leads me to believe the original window was taller and a little wider.
Research & Writing Assignment:
InterNACHI Article: Log Home Basics by Kenton Shepard
Certified Master Inspector
This article is a reminder that inspecting a log home is very different than a conventional home. The logs themselves have unique issues that typically are not found in conventional construction. To compound this issue, the log may have internal rot that can not be seen from a visual inspection of the exterior parts of the log. Boring in to the log is with a resistance boring machine is currently the only reliable way to check for internal wood rot. But one must also keep in mind that this will not guarantee that the log is free of rot. But rather that the area tested did or did not show signs of rot. You could have simply missed the rot by a few inches depending on the location of it with in the log.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
When constructed, most log homes will naturally have gaps between log courses will need to be sealed. This type of sealant is known as chinking and helps prevent moisture, air and insect infiltration. Traditional chinking consisted of a mortar-based product while modern chinking is a synthetic material that has flexibility to help cope with log shrinkage.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Inadequate clearance to grade of a log home’s exterior wall logs can create several defective conditions. These include moisture deterioration and damage from foundation movement. At a minimum, the lower course of the wall logs should have a clearance of 12 inches to grade.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This picture shows a log cabin and part of the roof section. There is significant signs of wood decay where they roof and logs meet. The bottom run has rotted almost completely through. The exposed end grain will absorb moisture faster so it is important that they are sealed well.
Research & Writing Assignment:
In the article, Log Home Basics, it gives points on how a log home is built, restored, and what the home inspector will be looking for as they do the inspection. It is important to know that the inspector should not report on the life expectancy of the logs.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
After looking through Attic the installation and the wood looks to be in good shape and there was no Signs any animals was living in in the attic it was no signs of any bugs The installation look in good shape.
Research & Writing Assignment:
After checking the heater and air condition unit check the connection the gas line to make sure it was Blowing heat and cool air The unit was just putting the inspection date was up today there was no Damage to the unit
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Stucco is a great exterior covering when applied correctly and the home owner continues regular maintenance. in the photo attached the stucco probably started out as a crack. Currently the stucco is pulling away from the house. Recommend client have a stucco specialist check and repair area to prevent moisture intrusion and further damage to the wall.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Log Home Basics:
Excellent article on log home basics. Most folks do not realize the insulation value of logs is not as high as one would believe. Fore instance a 6 inch log would only proved an R factor of 8. There is so much to think about with a log home compared to a conventional home. Minimizing air leaks can be problematic is the correct chinking is not installed correctly or good building practices are not followed. Anytime there are air leaks there will be moisture as well. This will deteriorate the logs if not corrected.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
These logs were rotting as a result of not being adequately maintained. Proper maintenance includes maintaining a finish on the logs that prevents moisture intrusion into the logs. A penetrating finish or film-forming finish should be checked regularly to determine its condition, and to plan for regular maintenance.
