Log Checks
From the time trees are harvested and start the process to become part of a log home, they start to lose moisture and begin the drying process. This drying process in turn causes cracks in the log, commonly called checks. Checks can occur even after the home is finished. Checks in your logs can cause several problems by allowing insects, water, and unwanted air to enter your logs and home.
When water enters your logs through checks it will promote rot and fungi to your logs. If your checks run deep they will carry unwanted water deep into the log. It is not uncommon for water to even end up inside a home through open checks in logs.
Insects also find their way into checks. Many insects are drawn by the moisture in checks. The last thing you need are insects being invited to take up residence in your logs, or even worse inside your home with you.
Air from outside can cause higher utility bills and cold drafts in the winter. Unwanted air infiltration also brings unwanted pollen and dust into your living spaces, even through the smaller checks.
Bats and mice can also be a problem. Many people do not even realize that bats can fit through a hole as small as 5/8 inch and cracks down to 1/4 inch. Bats are a serious health hazard, and something we see on many of the homes we do work on. Homeowners are often unaware of the presence of bats until it becomes a serious problem. Mice can also fit through tiny cracks. If you have signs of mice in crawl spaces or other areas you need to get those cracks sealed up.