Log Home Repair

Replacing a Rotted Log – Part 3

by Bearfort · 1 comment

In the last installment of Replacing a Rotted Log I left off where the log had been fitted and wrestled into position.

My next step was to fine tune the position and spike the log to the adjoining standing logs. I used galvanized spikes and drove them through the new log at an angle near each cheek at both the top and the bottom of the log positioned so that the head of the spike will be covered by the chinking. My crude diagram here shows the placement of the spikes from a few different views.

Since the log is being inserted to an existing log wall I am very limited as to the placement of the spikes and the size of the spike as I am having to attack the spiking from very awkward positions. I spike from two positions at each end and have drilled a tight pilot hole in the new log so that I do not run the risk of splitting.

Replacing a Rotted Log – Part 2

by Bearfort · 1 comment

in Log Home Repair

In the last post on Replacing a Rotted Log – I had removed a log that was rotted and weakened by wood boring insects.

Now that the old log has been removed I have to focus on prepping the new log that will be inserted and spiked in its place.

Using a large blunt masonry chisel I scrape and peel away all of the bark. The log is still a bit green which makes bark removal relatively easy. Removing bark from a seasoned log goes much faster.

If this were a larger log I would use a spud. A spud is a long handled tool sort of like a garden hoe but with a wide flat and blunt end. A blunt end ensures that you do not cut into the wood as the idea is to remove only the bark. A sharp tool would bite into the wood.

Replacing a Rotted Log Part 1

Log Home Repair

Replacing a rotten log on a log home is no easy task. However it is an unfortunate task that sometimes may have to be tackled. Luckily there have been only a couple of logs that have needed to be replaced on this 100+ year old structure. Here at the lodge a base log was in [...]

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Replacing Chinking and Fixing Logs Part V – Insulating and Preparing Logs Before Chinking

Log Home Repair

In previous posts we have removed old deteriorated chinking, cleaned the logs, stabilized and repaired wood where needed, even replaced a small section of log. Now in preparation to chink the logs and seal up the wall I’m going to re-inspect the entire area again and clean-up any remaining debris and look for any section [...]

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Replacing Chinking and Fixing Logs Part IV – Replacement of a Rotted Log – Stage II

Log Home Repair

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 [...]

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Replacing Chinking and Fixing Logs Part IV – Replacement of a Rotted Log

Log Home Repair

On this project there is one log that will need to be replaced as it is beyond repair. I could use the Liquid Wood to stabilize and harden it – but the face of the log has deteriorated to the point that I would not be able to rebuild it. If the face of the [...]

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Replacing Chinking and Fixing Logs Part III – Stabilizing and Strengthening Rotted Wood

Log Home Repair

In this step I will apply a two part bonding agent that will strengthen any deteriorated wood. I use a product called Liquid Wood. This stuff is quite familiar to those doing architectural restoration work as it is the best stuff out there. I have used it on a multitude of projects from stabilizing and [...]

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Replacing Chinking and Fixing Logs Part II

Log Home Repair

Taking advantage of the dry weather, I return to tackle repairing a span of logs that are in great need of attention. On the earlier post I displayed some photos of the log situation. There are rotten logs, excessive moisture, and rotted chinking that have all taken their toll on the section in question.

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Repairing Log Cabin Chinking and Fixing Logs

Log Home Repair

Here at Bearfort Lodge I am tackling repairing or replacing chinking and fixing logs. A quick review of Bearfort Lodge: Built over one hundred years ago in a butt and pass construction method (I believe to be the best method – although some will disagree). Butt and Pass method alternates full natural logs. When a [...]

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Repairing Old Wood Windows: Fixing Windows Update

Log Home Repair

Finally an update. The porch windows have been fixed — painted on the outside and ready for final paint on the inside. New panes of glass have been installed in each. I still have to scrape off a little of the paint that got on the panes but thats not a big deal. Each hinge [...]

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Old Window Repair – A Real Pane in the Sash

Log Home Repair

Repairing windows has never been a chore to which I look forward. The windows throughout the house are made of Ash — why you may ask? Who knows. The old windows off the back porch needed a lot of attention. My task was originally to repaint the frames. But I have found in my efforts [...]

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