|  Inspecting
a Pre-Owned Log Home
by Tom Tydeman, Log Options, LLC
You’ve always wanted to live in a log
home and are finally ready to make the move. But
you don’t know a lot about them and you
want to make sure the logs are in good condition.
You’ve looked for but couldn’t find
local log inspectors in the phone book and the
home inspector you talked to didn’t know
much about logs either. How can you be sure you’re
making a good decision on your investment?
That’s a great question and many perspective
home buyers are searching for answers. You may
be able to find certified or licensed home inspectors
who specialize in log homes but you will probably
have to do some searching. You may also want to
contact a local log home restoration company and
ask if they can inspect the home.
There are also an increasing number of certified
log inspectors who are knowledgeable about the
integrity of logs and conditions which cause problems
in log structures. The internet is an excellent
source of information when looking for these services.
Because it is unrealistic to have every home
professionally inspected, I have put together
a simple Log
Inspection Checklist for you to use when visiting
log homes for sale.
 Exterior
Inspection
As a Certified Log Inspector, the first
thing I do is look at the home while pulling in
the driveway to get an overall view of the home
from a distance.
The number one enemy of logs is water. Start
your inspection from the roof peak and visualize
a drop of water as it seeks a way to reach the
log surface. Begin with the roof line and look
for humps or dips which could indicate improper
settling. Check the condition of the roof and
ask when it was last replaced. Are the gutters
in good condition or are there any gutters at
all? Does the roof have adequate overhang of 18”
or more? If not, then your drop of water can find
its way to the log surface below.
Even if there is sufficient roof overhang the
water that drains off the roof will hit the ground
causing backsplash. Because of this you want to
check for adequate ground clearance of 12”
or more. Any surface near the home can cause backsplash
problems such as basement access doors, propane
tanks, furniture, landscaping, decks or any other
objects close to the house.
You now have a pretty good idea where water
may accumulate on the log surface and can begin
inspecting exterior logs more closely. Since it
is not possible to test every log for integrity,
you should concentrate on the areas you have determined
may be most likely to accumulate water. These
areas may be indicated by mold, mildew, fungi,
checks (cracks in the logs), insect holes, large
gaps between logs, caulking or chinking gaps or
tears (material between log courses), peeling
or fading finish, green or blackened logs.
If you suspect an area that may have decay ask
the homeowner or agent for permission to lightly
tap the logs with a hammer. Compare that sound
with a log you know is in good condition. The
good log will sound solid and hard and a rotted
log will sound hollow and soft. Log rot is difficult
to find as the log can look perfectly normal on
the outside but hollow and in advanced stages
of rot on the inside.
Make sure any porches or decks are in good shape
too. Many times the posts are in contact with
the ground and may be supporting your porch roof.
A sagging porch roof may indicate post rot.
 Interior
Inspection
When inspecting the interior of the home make
sure the windows and doors operate properly. If
they don’t, this may be due to improper
allowance for settling during construction. Look
for gaps or light between log courses, in corners
and where the roof sits on top of the log wall.
The roof rafters, purlins and ridge beam where
they intersect the log walls are also common areas
of air infiltration that will affect energy efficiency.
Look for water stains on the log surface which
would indicate a broken seal or caulk problems.
Check for small round holes or powder like talc
which could indicate previous or current insect
problems.
In the basement check for accumulations of water
on the floor, mold on the walls, or a musty smell
which would indicate poor drainage.
When you have narrowed down your choices to
one or two homes, it is advisable to have the
logs inspected by a log professional or a qualified
home inspector who is familiar with logs.
We hope you find this helpful while searching
for your new log home!
+++
Tom Tydeman
Log Options, LLC
www.logoptions.com
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