Restoration of a Log House

The roof had been replaced, which saved it from complete collapse, but several critical logs were rotten, the chinking was almost gone, and nearly all of the mortar had been washed out of the foundation.

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The cabin as it stood when we first arrived.	Even as dilapidated as it is, the character and rustic beauty of the building is clear.
The chinking is nearly gone and the logs have suffered the ravages of weather for more than a century.	Deterioration of the notch joinery at the corner. Also note the hard grey Portland cement used to cover the failing chinking. Hard cements only accelerate the damage suffered by log and stone structures.
The original stone foundation, at center, is beautifully laid and remains fairly sound even though much of its mortar has been washed away. The later porch pier, at left, was not so well constructed.	Beginning sill log replacements and foundation repairs.
We've used salvaged material to replace the logs too deteriorated for continued service.	With the foundation stone temporarily removed, the log floor joists are visible.
Flat stones used for nogging behind the chinking.	New chinking in traditional soft lime mortar.
Most log homes were eventually covered with siding to protect the log structure from the ravages of weather. Replacing that siding, or installing it where it never existed, is the best way to preserve a log building.	Our masons study the old patterns and techniques of coursing field stone walls and recreate them using soft lime mortars.
We add a layer of moisture proof building fabric to better protect the logs, and then prevent moisture accumulation by installing our siding over batten-strips. Creating an air gap ensures proper circulation behind the siding.	Interior chinking under way. The log walls will remain exposed to the inside when the building is complete.
Siding Nearing Completion	Restored Cabin A Treasure for Generations To Come