When I perform my initial seasonal inspections on my log home I have found it useful to wear a tool belt giving me quick access to 8 essential inspection tools.
Here are the tools I carry:
A rubber mallet:
I use a soft rubber mallet to gently tap logs along their length and listen to the sound the log makes. Using a rubber mallet not only protects the logs, does not leave dents or marks and delivers a nice thump from the wood. Listening to the sound along the length of a log when thumped can alert you to differences in the log density which can be a sign of rot, water retention or hollow.
An 8” Probe:
I cut a straight piece of stiff wire from a coat hanger and bent a loop on one that I can easily slip over my index finger. From the tip along its length I used nail polish to paint marks at 1” intervals. This allows me to quickly probe a crack, check, log end or a hole drilled by an insect which can help to quickly determine the extent of the damage or identify the location and depth of potential rot or a hollow.
A pair of compact binoculars:
Before I go climbing up and down and moving ladders around the house I stand back and scan my logs and chinking from the ground with a pair of binoculars. I have found this to give me a quick and safe way to spot any areas that may need immediate attention. I also use this to initially inspect the chimney exterior for any cracks or gaps between the mortar and stone.
A stick of soft chalk:
I have in my tool belt a thick piece of chalk. It’s the kind of soft chalk that kids like to use to draw on the playground. I find it useful to gently mark or circle insect holes or other areas that I will need to tend to. The chalk, being soft, will not damage the wood or finish and helps me to quickly move from one spot to the other when making repairs. Once I have made the repair I simply wipe off the chalk with a damp rag. I can then stand back and quickly see if I have missed anything.
A spray bottle with water:
I carry a small utility spray bottle with water. As I inspect the logs I spray a little water on a section of the logs to see if the finish is still performing. If the water beads up and runs off the finish is working as it should. If the water soaks into the log I know that I’ll need to apply a new coat to that area.
A small but powerful led flashlight:
I use a small pocket LED flashlight. It gives me a nice strong white light I can use to peer into checks, cracks and gaps in logs and chinking as I look for signs of insect presence, mold, fungi or other debris.
An articulated mirror:
I use a small telescoping and articulated mechanics mirror. You can usually find these at near the cash register at your local hardware store. They come in handy when inspecting around the logs in your eaves or peering around ends overhead or in hard to reach places and used with your flashlight can direct more light where you need it.
A Pen and Notepad:
I find it handy to jot down in my notebook what I find, its severity and location during my inspections. My notebook has basic a basic diagram of each exterior wall. This produces not only a check list of what needs to be done so that I can plan an efficient attack but also, as I check off the tasks completed, provides me with a record of what was done.
Click here to learn more about my notebook.
Do you find this helpful? What tools do you use for your log home inspections? 
Suggestions are always welcome.
