Monday, July 8, 2024

Tips for Rotted Logs

 Tips For Rotted Logs

Log home restoration for rotten end logsFor restoring log ends like the ones pictured and maintaining the natural gray patina of the logs.

1. First, use a borate product like PeneTreat (see Tim-bor) to saturate the logs and keep them from rotting any further.
2. Next, use LiquidWood to seal cracks and create an undercoating for the WoodEpox to adhere to.
3. Then, use new lumber or a piece of straight grained salvaged or similar material to cut a "plug" to fill the cavity.
4. Saturate the plug with Tim-bor.
5. After the Tim-bor has dried, coat the plug with Liquid Wood, insert the plug and use WoodEpox to finish filling in around the plug and the cavity wall. Note you can use Liquid Wood and sawdust to create a putty or a paste to fill the cavity as well.
6. You can use a charcoal colored masonry pigment (available from masonry stores). Just add enough of the pigment to color the WoodEpox gray like the rest of the building. Just knead it in with the WoodEpox. Remember, you only have to color the last 1/2" of the end of the log.
7. Use an end grain sealer like Log End Seal to seal the ends of the wood.

To add strength and stability to these log ends without replacing them with new crowns: Drill 1' from the log end back horizontally into the more stable wood and use 1' lengths of Fiberglass Reinforcement Rods to act as an internal strength pin. Use the Liquid Wood as a glue around the rod. You should use at least three rods per log.

To hide the end of the rods, you can cut a wooden end plug coated with LifeTime (LifeTime will turn the new wood gray to match the rest of the building).

Note: You can also spray the entire building with LifeTime to keep it gray. What is really nice about the LifeTime is that it is a one time application. You can also use products like Sansin WoodForce Clear, Outlast Q8 Log Oil 00 Clear, Woodguard or WR-5 Clear as a water protection for the building.

 

Questions on maintaining the legacy of your wood structure? Give us a call- 1-800-359-6614

Schroeder Log Home Supply, Inc.
1101 SE 7th Avenue
Grand Rapids MN 55744

www.loghelp.com

 

No comments:

Post a Comment

Sansin Dec Finish

  Sansin Dec Finish is a two-coat, specially designed formulation for decks, docks, and balconies. The modified natural oils in Sansin D...