The “Clearance From Grade” inspection illustration shows the proper minimum of the lowest log or sill log from the grade around the home. The primary concern of the grade minimum is splashback of water coming off the roof of the home or otherwise falling around the home. The dirt around the home is normally filled with fungal spores. Splashback allows the spores the opportunity to attach to the log, and the accompanying moisture allows for them to take hold and proliferate.
This home is built with log siding over a 2 x 6 traditional frame. The windows are poorly flashed and allow water to sit on the top of the trim and also run behind the trim. On the sunny side of the house someone has added a drip edge over the trim to force water away from the window. Fortunately, on the sides of the house the large overhang protects the windows from most of the rain.
Log home insulation. Wood logs made of softwood varieties have an R value of about 1.4 per inch. A six inch log wall would have an R value of only about 8, which is considerable lower than a traditional stud build home. Logs absorb some heat though and act almost like a battery, offsetting some of the difference.
cstewartbrown
(Christi Stewart-Brown, Serving WV, MD and PA)
784
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is a photo of an interior wall of a log home built circa 1875 that I inspected last fall. The exterior of the home was completely clad in cedar siding, so I was unable to inspect the condition of the logs outside. But as you can see from the interior photo, the hand-hewn logs are in good condition and the chinking appears to be relatively new. It is not pulling away from the logs and shows no damage or moisture issues.
cstewartbrown
(Christi Stewart-Brown, Serving WV, MD and PA)
785
Research & Writing Assignment:
I read the article on inspecting log homes after completing the course. I was most interested in the finish coatings because I have grown up staying in a log cabin that my great-grandfather built in 1912. I didn’t remember anyone ever treating the logs, but then it hit me that the cabin is located in the very dry environment of Nebraska and I am an inspector in WV. I have an inspection coming up of a log home here and I can tell from the listing photos that there are issues with fungi and staining on the lower logs. As a result, I will be advising my client on cleaning and finish coatings.
Evidence of wood destroying insect damage (likely borer beetles) was observed on the exterior wall surface. Recommend applying a quality insect repellent on all exterior wood surfaces to deter future insect activity and to prevent further damages. Regular maintenance is required to prevent repeated infestation.
Inspection of log homes is unique and requires appropriate training to know what to look for. One example of the inspection process for log homes is being able to properly inspect the exterior log surfaces and look for and articulate defects. This would include, but is not limited to, looking for the presence of mold and fungi, cracks (checking), missing or deteriorating chinking, separation of joints, evidence of insect damage, and the condition of the log ends.
When inspecting the exterior of a log home there are unique features that require special consideration. Larger then usual roof over hangs, snow and water shedding from the roof, log exposure, and chinking are all special design features that require your special attention. Exposed log ends should be evaluated up close for moisture, mold, fungus, and insect problems. Lower logs should be evaluated for elevated moisture levels from splashing, improper grading, or lack of water proofing.
Being an InterNACHI certified Florida based Master home inspector I’ve seen and inspected a lot of crazy homes, but a LOG MOBILE HOME!!! LOL… This can’t be real wood. lets just say I’m glad I took the meth home course!!
Inspecting Log Homes
by Nick Gromicko and Kenton Shepard
Being an InterNACHI certified Florida based Master home inspector I’ve taken every course in internachi and this was one of the hardest courses I have taken. Thank you goes out to Ben, Nick and Kenton!!
After studying an article on wood decay I have learned that carpenter ants, termites and other wood-destroying insects do not cause wood decay but instead these insects are attracted to wood that has been softened by decay. Although wood-destroying insects such as termites are attracted to decayed wood it is not uncommon that they also inhabit sound wood. It is always recommended that the inspector probes or use’s the pick test to confirm that what youve found is sound wood.
The image used is an example of a log home that has had checking cut into the long grooves compared to being left to naturally “check”. Since logs can shrink 1 to two times as much across their width as their length cutting a check before installing can help control the outcome of where the checking occurs. Even though checking can penetrate more then 50% percent of the logs diameter it is not considered a structural concern. Inspectors should recommend filling any checks on upper surfaces of logs that are 1/4-inch wide or larger with an appropriate sealant & nothing smaller due to the fact it can create more maintenance then is needed.
Narrative used in the report. There appeared to be woodpecker damage in areas of the siding. Most of the damage was repaired and it appeared netting was being used as a deterrent. There were a few smaller holes that should be filled. Recommend repair as needed.
Log Home Basics This article provides good information that I plan to use in my preinspection agreement and repot. Most of what was covered came for the Home Inspection Training course. Something that surprised me was the wall R-value of logs. Thought it was higher.
As you can see by this image, the log siding of this home has been damaged quite severely. There are many possible reasons that this may have happened but the problem obviously needs to be addressed. Much further damage can result if not repaired. Also noted is that there is an inadequate amount of roof overhang.
I chose a diagram from the Illustration Gallery in the Log Home album. It is titled Log Home Sill Log Connection. The diagram shows an example of a proper way to install and secure the sill log. Proper installation of the sill logs is crucial in the construction of a log home. Adequate sealing, flashing and other means of deterring moisture intrusion is also critical.
In this picture, we see the chinking that is in between the logs. This appears to be mortor and I an older type. This has to be carefully maintained on the exterior. Also shown here are the but ends of the logs. This area is especially prone to water damage.
The chinking used today is a modern flexible caulking. This type of sealant provides room for expantion and contraction. A foam backer rod is installed first installed and the sealant is applied. Too much is as much of a problem as to little
The homeowner created a facade on this exterior wall with untreated, wet, rough cut lumber for a rustic look without consideration for shrinkage and warping due to drying, lath or mesh behind to accept chinking and consideration for both fungi and wood destroying insects.
Inspecting windows and doors in a log home is not always an easy task unless inspected before finishing. Proper splines must be in place to assure log alignment and accommodation for settling must be in place. Exterior window/door framing must consider proper water drainage to avoid water either moving into the frame assembly or not draining properly and allowing the water to encourage rot or mold growth.
