Rotting Problem

[gandtodd]

Hi to All, I have a neighbor whose log home was built too close to grade. On the north side under an eave, the bottom course of logs is only a few inches from the soil- close enough that the rainwater splashes on the bottom course and some of this course has already been replaced, only to rot again. My question is this- since it wouldn't work to lower grade on this side of the house, why not replace the bottom course of logs next time with rot resistant locust? Any thoughts on mixing species here? Thanks CT

[rreidnauer]

Perhaps, or cedar.

Personally, I'd concentrate on stopping the water (and soil) from splashing onto the logs in the first place. If he insists on maintaining grade, then perhaps some sort of French drain should be employed. Or maybe a very low growing evergreen like creeping juniper on the ground that will prevent splashback. Finally, soak the lower logs with a fungicide, like automotive antifreeze/borate mix with a pump sprayer once a year while the logs are fairly dry, so it soaks in good.

[jeffro]

Or lower the grade a little too, if the foundation is deep enough. Get proper drainage away from the house too, just to encourage the soil to dry out as quickly as possible next to the house.

[RockEngineer]

If you don't solve the real problem which is the wood too close to the ground and water splashing up, any replacement of wood is just a short time fix and it will all happen again. That is one of the reasons that LHBA emphasizes in their classes to design the house with the bottom log at least 18" above the ground and with minimum 3 ft long overhangs on the eves. Any builder who builds a log house with short overhangs and logs close to the ground is not considering the long term life of the structure and should be avoided in my opinion. $$$$$

Depending on how the house is built mixing species shouldn't be too much of a problem but any species will eventually rot if the water problem is not solved. Treating the wood to kill the bacteria that causes rotting will help some also.

[adubar]

Your friend should spend his time, money and energy in preventing the problem.
What kind of foundation does his home have? What is it that does not allow him to alter grade?

Has he thought about raising the house?


-A

[heidiree]

Speaking of rot issues -- We were looking at a log home today for sale and "knocked on wood" and found a couple of hollow sounding spots. Bad logs are a deal killer for us, but I just wanted to ask if anyone knew what the general expense/pain it is to replace rotted out logs. Anyone??

[linuxboy]

Depends on the method of construction. But generally, big PITA. One log can take 2-3 days to fully replace. If you're cutting a log and epoxy-ing a cut piece to it, or doing some other fancy work, it might be faster.

[jeffro]

found a couple of hollow sounding spots.

Take an awl with you, poke the spot. If it sinks in nicely, beware and poke around a little more, above and below that log too.

If it was a butt and pass, I cannot imagine what a pain it would be to put a new log in, ugggh. Getting it out would not be too hard, but putting it back in securly might take some time.

Jeff