Frequently Asked Questions

 We hope you find this helpful, please contact us with any additional questions, suggestions or comments.  We look forward to hearing from you!

What is Log Options? We consult with log homeowners to answer questions and  provide guidance regarding the care and maintenance of your log home. We offer Free Consultations, Log Inspections and connect log homeowners to log home professionals throughout the country.

Why does Log Options offer a free phone or email consultation? We understand that log home care can be confusing at times with so many products and choices. We will be happy to answer any general questions you may have or help you find an answer.

Can I just get an estimate from log home professional in my area? Yes, we are happy to forward your information to an experienced log home professional at no charge.

Will you provide a name of a company for me to contact directly? Yes, however initially we need to gather your basic information such as contact information, your specific log home details and concerns, time frame, as well as what you would like an estimate on. After we have your information we do our best to match you with a qualified log home professional that services your area, does the specific work you are requesting and is available for your time frame.

How will I know who you are sending my information to? Once we receive confirmation from an affiliate that meets your needs, we will contact you immediately with their name.

What if I am not happy with the restoration company or estimate? We only send referrals to professional, qualified log home companies with references and who offer comparable prices in the industry. If for some reason you are not satisfied, we will forward your information to another restoration company which will allow you to compare companies, service and price.

What is a Log Inspection? A log inspection takes 1-2 hours depending on the size and condition of the home. We will inspect the condition of your logs and speak with you about your particular concerns. During the inspection, we look for signs of rot, failed finish, mold, mildew, algae and insects. We will also discuss areas that may be causing problems such as broken gutters, poor drainage, backsplash, overhang, ground clearance and landscaping. A Log Inspection Maintenance Guide is completed and can be used for you to complete your own inspections on a routine basis.

How much does a Log Inspection cost? The Log Inspection cost is $300 for homes in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Eastern New York, Southern New Hampshire and Southern Vermont. Contact us for prices outside of these areas. Prices are based on homes up to 2500 sf.

What if I want to get an estimate from a log home professional along with the Log Inspection? Log Options is associated with qualified experienced log restoration companies in many areas. At your request, we would be happy to forward your log inspection for an estimate at no additional charge.

Can I do a portion or all of the work myself? Yes, the inspection will supply you with the information needed to help with a "do-it-yourself” project.

What is a pre-purchase inspection? A pre-purchase inspection is a log inspection used to help potential log home buyers, real estate agents and home inspectors determine the condition of logs prior to purchase.

What should I look for when buying a Pre-Owned Log Home? To help answer this question we have put together a Pre-Purchase Checklist which is also featured on the Log Home Advisor website.

Common log home questions:

There are several areas that are blackened or green, what is this and why is this happening? These are areas that have been exposed to excessive moisture. The reason may be due to a lack of gutters or broken gutters, backsplash from a roof, ground or plants too close to the home.

Does blackened or green logs mean they are rotted? Not necessarily, but you may eventually have rot in these areas if the problem is not corrected.

What should I do before staining? Log preparation is a large factor in the performance of the stain. The logs need to be cleaned and stripped of any finish. Once the logs are cleaned, logs should be sprayed with a "borate". Borate will prevent mildew and repels many wood boring insects. Once the wood is completely dry, you are ready to stain.

What is the best to way remove my existing finish? There are several methods of stain removal. Power washing, chemical stripping, hand sanding, as well as sand, corn-cob and glass bead media blasting can all be effective ways to remove the existing finish.  

What is Corn-cob blasting? It is a process similar to sand blasting except ground up corn cob is used instead of sand. Corn cob is less abrasive, non toxic, and biodegradable.

There is excessive checking in my logs, should I fill them?  Generally, if it is an upward facing check 1/4" or greater then it should be caulked. Checks occur naturally as the logs lose their moisture.

Should I caulk gaps between log courses? This common question is answered in an article written by Tom Tydeman of Log Options, LLC and featured on the Log Home Advisor, under Log Home Maintenance Basics

I have carpenter bees drilling holes in my soffit, what can I do? You can purchase carpenter bee dust kits from most log home supply stores. The holes are dusted and then caulked. New carpenter bee traps are also available and can also be purchased from most log home supply stores.

What are the small pin holes in my logs? This could be the result of powder post beetles and you should call an exterminator to determine if there is current activity. 

What happened to my logs? This common question is answered in an article written by Tom Tydeman of Log Options, LLC and featured on the Log Home Advisor website.

Why is sap coming from my log ends? Sap bleeding out of logs usually takes place during the first years of seasoning and can continue for years. Wood finishes do not prevent or control sap bleed. The sap can be scrapped off with a putty knife and log end re-stained.

I found some green algae under the stain on my log railing, what should I do? If the algae is just in one area, sand off the finish and scrub with percarbonate bleach and TSP, let dry and re-stain.

We purchased a log home and the exterior logs are bleached looking and weathered, what are options for restoring the logs? The existing finish should be removed and the logs cleaned, borated and stained.

Why is it important to replace missing caulking between my logs? Failed caulking can be worse than no caulking because moisture can not evaporate behind the failed caulk.

How do you I remove green algae from my log posts? If the algae is on the surface a weak bleach solution (1 part bleach, 3 parts water) should remove it. You can test a small area with a cotton swab. If it is under the stain, then it may be necessary to remove the stain first.

Stain was applied over sap bleed, can this be a problem and if so how do I remove the sap bleed from under the stain? Yes, the sap bleed should be removed by sanding or scraping. Once the bare wood is exposed you can re stain the area.

There is an approximate 1-2 inch hole in a log end of my log home. Is it necessary to fill the hole and if so what do I fill it with? One option is to seal with an epoxy sealer then fill the hole with an epoxy filler, Impel rods can be installed to prevent further rot.

The deck support posts are in the ground, why is this a problem? Water from the ground wicks up the post end that can lead to rot. A sagging porch roof is sometimes evidence of this.

Why was I told to stack my wood pile away from my log home? Termites and other insects are attracted to wood piles.

The caulking on my home is missing in many areas. Do I have to remove all the existing caulking and caulk the entire home or can I just add caulking where needed? It may be possible to caulk over the existing caulk but generally the old caulk should be removed.

From inside my home I can see light from outside. Why is this happening? Many times the butt ends of logs will separate slightly. These areas should be caulked.

I had my log home exterminated because of carpenter bees but now I am left with many holes in my logs. What do I use to fill the holes? Holes can be filled with aluminum foil and caulked.

There are large checks (cracks) in my logs. Is it necessary to fill them and if so, how can I fill them myself? Large upward facing checks should be filled. First a backer rod should be installed and then caulked with a quality log home caulk.

Log decay caused from backsplash off a deck is very common. I have a deck and can not avoid the backsplash, so how can I protect the logs above the deck? Any log decay should be removed. Properly flashed decking and more frequent attention to cleaning; along with reapplying a top coat will help to prevent log decay. Impel rods in these areas would help prevent decay.

The log home I just purchased has painted logs. The exterior is dark but in good condition. Will the paint hurt the logs? Paint does not allow moisture to be released which may lead to decay.

We moved into a log home where the logs were never treated so they blackened and turned grey. What should I do before applying a stain? The existing finish should be removed and the logs cleaned, borated and stained.

There are some interior water stains on the logs walls of my home. How do you recommend removing the stains? Sanding will help remove water stains.

I have some obvious log decay. How can you tell if I need to have the entire log replaced or if I can get ½ log replacement? If 50% or more of the log width has decay, then full log replacement is recommended.