As you know in my last post I had to remove a log that was rotten beyond repair.
I contacted my local arborist this morning and was able to get my hands on an 8″ diameter 24″ Ash log. Perfect.
I trimmed the log to fit and beveled the ends as in the rest of the logs. The cut, being fresh and as of yet unstained appears a little larger than the bevels of other logs however they match perfectly.
After trimming and beveling the log I wedged it in place and drove spikes down through the log into the log below as well as spiked it from the top. In addition I drove in spikes from the sides thereby securing the log and wall completely.
Wedging the log into place before securing gave me the opportunity to adjust the bevel – and level the log. The log below is curved with the bow side down giving the illusion that things are not level — but thats the nature of a log home.
Once I secured the log I dusted with boric acid then moved onto replacing the window sill.
I had the 2×8 in stock and cut it to match. Secured it from the bottom and placed it in the exact location of the original. I fitted the windows in place just to check and once satisfied I secured the window sill in place.
I used a WoodEpox to rebuild a deteriorated section of the window frame and will sand that smooth tomorrow morning after it has cured. Then prep the window frame and sill for paint.
Once this part was completed I then returned to the task of insulating between the logs- which I will explain in the next post.
Following insulation I prepared all the logs and gaps for chinking. I mixed my mortar, lime and sand to make a batch of chinking and began the chinking. I chinked until I ran out and decided it was time to stop for the day. Ill be able to finish up the chinking tomorrow as well as finish the window and cleanup the project for completion.
So after a long day which began this morning around 6am with insulating the gaps between the logs I’m pooped but it feels good to get a significant amount of the project done. Now sitting back for a good strong cup of coffee was just the ticket.
I will get the next two parts of the project – Insulating and chinking posted in the next few hours. But right now I’m going to head out through the garden – strip down and go skinny dipping in the pool for a while.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Hello Homer – This is a tough one. I SUggest taking a look into a product called Wood Epox – but in the meantime — Ill take a look at the photos that you sent and see if I can come up with a solution for you
I am looking at a log home built in the early 70′s. It appears to be a cedar log home that is original logs showing inside and out..no flat areas at all.
My question to anyone is how to fix a corner where the gutter from the porch was draining the wrong way an has rotted the ends of the corners back into the home approx. two feet. I have pictures of the damage, and would like to get any information i can about the best way to go about the above repair…