We at West Coast Restoration, unfortunately, have been called to repair structural log restoration work that was improperly done by so-called restoration contractors who have failed. The problems that have occurred, just to name a few are

  • Wet or green logs have been used and poor scribing on logs that leave gaps. These gaps, at some point, will settle from the bearing load and can put pressure on doors, windows, floors etc., and create gaps in other areas of the log wall causing possible airflow and water intrusion.
  • Not understanding the bearing loads around the repair area and choosing to use epoxies instead of cutting out the rot and using logs for replacement. At some point the epoxies will fail, and you will be back to square one.
  • Contractors who advertise they are able to work in all 50 states. If this were the case, this would require a full-time person doing contractor education courses and testing, filling out applications for each state, and renewing contractor status – this would be a very difficult task.

Please keep in mind when you are considering hiring a log restoration contractor, below are a few questions I suggest you ask:

  1. How many years in the business?
  2. How many log homes have you built (not just worked on them) and where?
  3. Do you have a contractor’s license and insurance for the state where the job is located?
  4. Can you read engineered drawings on the work you’re proposing?
  5. Are you required to apply for permits from the local jurisdiction and do you know how to apply for these permits?
  6. Are your employees qualified to perform structural log repair/replacement tasks?
  7. Be sure to ask for references of jobs done several years ago, not just last month.
  8. How are you going to deal with utilities within the log wall you’re working on (if applicable)?
  9. How are you going to complete the log replacement if there is a framed wall (interior kitchen cabinets, bathroom cabinets, showers, etc.) adjacent to the logs that need to be repaired (if applicable)?
  10. Ensure the log home expert’s contracts do not allow for change orders on proposed work.
  11. Chinking and staining a log home is important – some painting contractors may be licensed to do so, however, it is important for you, the home owner, to ensure your lifelong dream log home repairs are in the good experienced hands of a log home professional contractor.

Please note that doing structural log repair is as important, if not more so, than the new log construction. If you have a contractor that is willing to take a chainsaw to your house, that person must possess a complete understanding of the area to be repaired.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have.