I created a notebook in which I keep my seasonal inspection information.
I made a set of diagrams – one for each exterior wall. I keep the original in a master file and then use photocopies and a clipboard to take with me as I do my inspection.
The diagrams show the logs, correct window and door placement and size and any other attached items such as location of vents, electrical, telephone and gas lines.
On my diagram each log is numbered beginning with the base log as L1. The next log above is L2 and so on to the top of the wall. Each chinking line is numbered C1 which is between the foundation (F) and the base log (L1) then C2 between L1 and L2 and so on. I count the bird blocks at the very top as one log.
Log rafters are numbered from right to left beginning with R1; Purlins: from right to left beginning with P1; Windows: same method beginning with W1 and Vertical logs from right to left beginning with V1.
The two chimneys are also inspected and the sides are simply clockwise North, East, South, West however, I don’t identify stones. – I’m not that crazy.
While I’m performing my seasonal inspection on my log home I note the date and then starting with the same wall each time I work my way around the cabin clockwise jotting down my observations. I note what I find, the severity and the mark the location on the diagram of each linking it to my note. I keep my notes simple such as loose chinking, insect damage, water damage, checks and log work or identify other situations such as a cracked window or some other maintenance or repair that needs to be done.
The notebook becomes my task list. It also helps me plan for repairs, as I get a clear idea as to the time, materials and tools that I’ll need.
I’ll begin repairs with the most invasive tasks first. For instance – If I have to repair or replace any chinking and I also have to touch up the stain – It makes more sense to get all of the chinking around the cabin done before I move on to staining. Think about it – would you wax your car before you wash off all the dirt or wash and wax only one panel at a time? Of course not.
Keeping a note book like this will, overtime, provide you with a history of both situations and repairs and may also show areas of reoccurring problems. Having that kind of info at your fingertips also provides you a road map of where you may need to take special attention as trends are revealed.
Parts of your log home that are always exposed to full sun will have different situations than the parts of your cabin that are always shaded. Sides of your cabin that that are exposed to the prevailing winds will experience different environmental conditions than downwind surfaces.
Keeping such a notebook may seem a bit much at first but can prove to be great tool and record.
Do you find this helpful? Are there things that you do that you find helpful in your 
repairs and maintenance?
