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It may be difficult to have
every log home you are considering
to purchase professionally inspected,
therefore we have put together a simple
Log Inspection Checklist for you
to use when visiting log homes for
sale. (Log Inspection
Checklist Below)
Exterior Inspection
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
water may 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
water to splash back onto the log
wall. Because of this you want
to check for adequate ground
clearance of 12” or more. Carefully
examine the logs around any surface
or object near the log walls such as basement
access doors, propane tanks,
furniture, landscaping, decks, etc.
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,
concentrate on areas you have
determined are 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 decayed log will
sound hollow and soft. Log decay is
difficult to find as the log can
look perfectly normal on the outside
but hollow and in advanced stages of
decay 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 decay.
 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.
Below is a checklist that may be
helpful when considering purchasing
an existing log home. If you have a
specific concern, ask your agent or
the home owner if you can take
pictures. The photos can be emailed
to Log Options or another log
professional for their
opinion. Once you have decided on
the home you would like to buy, it is
advisable to have the logs inspected
by a qualified log home
professional.
We
hope you find this helpful while
searching for your new log home!
Article written by Tom Tydeman,
owner of Log Options, LLC
www.logoptions.com |
Log
Home Inspection Checklist
Year
Built