Log Home Rot Repair
Restoring the Strength, Safety, and Beauty of Your Log or Timber Home
Wood rot is one of the most common structural issues affecting log and timber homes. Once moisture enters the wood—through cracks, failed stain, leaking gutters, vegetation contact, or ground splashback—fungus begins breaking down the wood fibers from the inside out. Early rot may go unnoticed for years until the damage becomes visible.
At True North Log Works, we specialize in identifying, removing, and repairing all forms of log rot, using the safest and most advanced restoration techniques.
Rot can be repaired.Logs can be saved.Your home can be restored.
Our Log Rot Repair Process
Every project begins with identifying the source of the moisture. Fixing the cause is the first step toward preventing future damage.
1. Inspection & Structural Assessment
We assess:
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severity of rot
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water entry points
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moisture content
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condition of adjacent logs
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presence of mold or mildew
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state of the finish system
We then provide a clear, honest recommendation for repair.
2. Removing Rot
We carefully remove all compromised wood using:
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precision tools
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specialized cutting techniques
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moisture meters
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structural evaluation methods
Only damaged material is removed, we keep as much original wood as safely possible.
3. Treating the Area
After rot removal:
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We apply borate preservatives (Perma-Chink Shell-Guard® or equivalent) to kill active fungi, mold, and insects.
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This stops rot from spreading and protects surrounding wood fibers.
Borates penetrate deep into the wood and remain active for years.
4. Log Repair or Log Replacement
Depending on the severity:
✔ Epoxy & Consolidation Repairs
Minor rot can be reinforced using compatible structural epoxy treatments. These restore strength without removing the entire log.
✔ Partial Log Replacement (Half-Log or Sectional Repair)
When only part of the log is damaged, we remove that section and replace it with:
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matching wood species
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matching profile and grain
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hand-fitted joints
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concealed fasteners
✔ Full Log Replacement
In advanced cases, we remove the full log and install a new donor log that matches:
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size
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cut
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character
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style of the home
All replacement logs are treated with borates and finished to blend seamlessly with the existing structure.
5. Sealing Checks & Preventing Future Moisture
Rot often begins in top-side checks (cracks that face upward).
We seal these using:
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proper backer rod
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Perma-Chink Energy Seal™ or Check Mate 2™
This prevents water from entering the fibers again.
6. Staining & Finishing
After repair, we refinish the repaired area or the entire wall with:
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Perma-Chink Lifeline® water-based stain
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Clear Lifeline Advance® topcoat
These breathable systems:
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allow moisture to escape
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provide maximum UV protection
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flex with seasonal movement
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prevent future rot
Traditional oil-based products are avoided because they trap moisture and lead to rot over time.
Why Rot Happens and How We Prevent It
✔ Logs must breathe
Water-based stains allow vapor to escape; oil-based stains trap moisture.
✔ Checks must be sealed
Unsealed cracks collect water and become rot pockets.
✔ Proper drainage is essential
Gutters, rooflines, and ground slope must move water away from the home.
✔ Yearly cleaning matters
Dust buildup accelerates finish breakdown.
✔ Maintenance coats protect from UV & water
Sunburned stain is the #1 cause of finish failure that leads to rot.
We help you prevent rot permanently by addressing both the symptoms and the cause.
Can Rot Be Fully Repaired?
Yes.
With the right methods, tools, and products, even severe rot can be:
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removed
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stabilized
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structurally repaired
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blended
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refinished
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protected long-term
Your home can be restored to a strong, safe, and beautiful condition.
Cost of Log Rot Repair
Rot repair costs depend on:
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extent of the rot
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number of affected logs
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amount of wood removal needed
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whether replacement logs are required
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level of finishing and staining after repair
We Repair All Log & Wood Structures
✔ Log homes
✔ Timber frame structures
✔ Full-round logs
✔ Cottages & cabins
✔ Resorts and lodges
✔ Cedar siding homes
If it’s built from wood, we can restore it.
Rot doesn’t mean your home is failing, it means it needs expert attention. When repaired properly using modern techniques and Perma-Chink’s breathable, water-based systems, a log home can last generations.
At True North Log Works, we ensure every repaired log is:
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structurally sound
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protected from moisture
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properly sealed
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matched beautifully
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stained for long-term performance
Your home deserves nothing less.
