Merits of pressure washing bark off logs before building

[lawrencekellie]

I drove by a "kit" log home site today, and there I saw a man pressure washing the bark off dried (cured) logs. My initial thought was that that was a great way of doing it.

Other's thoughts?

Of course, if one is on a budget, renting a pressure washer may cost too much.

But, does it accomplish the task?

Lawrence

[Carmen]

Anyone know an answer? I'm interested as well.

[frederick]

It is not a good idea to use a pressure washer on any wood surface.
Main reason is that it damages the top layer of wood cells and makes it easier for the wood to rot.

[Drh0liday]

my thoughts exactally pressure washing the bark off the logs is litterally "injecting" the surface layer with water.

opinion:
probbably similar to letting them soak in a pool of water overnight

[adubar]

The LHBA's class covers this aspect of log preparation.

Without going into detail, you would not want to use any agressive means of peeling the log. You can decide to build using the log's natural structures, or go the expensive chemical route-- use costly preservatives and re-apply over the life of your home.

Most builders are in the second category, simply because they know of no other way of building.

-A