Log Home Dry Rot is the decay of wood logs in your log home caused by a certain species of fungi that digest or “rot” parts of the wood. The parts that are compromised are those which give the wood strength and stiffness. When dry rot is suspected it is important to confirm its presence and rule out other wood destroying elements such as wet rot, mildew or mold. Some good indications that you might be dealing with dry rot in your log home are:

• The shrinking, darkening and/or cracking of the wood
• A peel-able mushroom like skin on the wood (typically grey in color with hints lilac or yellow)  .
• Rust red colored spore dust frequently seen around fruiting bodies.
• The active decay caused by dry rot often leaves a musty, damp odor

What damage does Dry Rot cause to Log Homes?

Log Home Dry Rot can and typically does cause widespread and often catastrophic structural damage to most log homes. We recommend contacting us immediately to determine the severity of the dry rot damage.

Dry rot affects timber that is damp, so when Pro Log Restorations begins your log home’s dry rot removal, we do so by locating the source of moisture first and foremost. Moisture can come from many places such as leaking sinks, washing machines, condensation… Or from outside your log home by things like leaking roofs or dampness from outside seeping through the walls. No matter the source, we will locate and rectify the issue and repair or replace any damaged logs at the most affordable price possible.

Tips To Prevent Log Home Dry Rot

1. Maintain a “good quality” finish on the exterior logs in your log home. A “good quality” finish is one that can control moisture. Unlike the other wood homes, log homes can actually soak up moisture in a relatively short period of time. It is necessary for the exterior logs in your cabin to be able to repel moisture while still allowing the wood to breath.

2. Stopping water from coming in contact with the logs is the best way to keep water from entering the logs and prevent dry rot in your log home. Since we cannot control nature we have to control water flow down a log home in other ways. Overhangs are a great help in this area. An overhang can do wonders for dry rot prevention.

3. Gutters are yet another great help in reducing unnecessary water contact. They will help prevent the splashing of water from the ground or decks around the home.

4. Maintain all caulking and chinking in good condition! This will help keep water from entering your log home and seeping into the logs via nooks and cracks between logs.

5. Regular maintenance is another very helpful preventative step in ensuring you do not suffer from log home dry rot. Inspections and maintenance can be done annually or semi-annually and are a great way to be proactive in avoiding costly log home repairs.

To learn more about our log repair, replacement and renovation services, request a free quote, or meet with one of our Restoration Specialists, give us a call at 877-477-6564.