One of the first questions people ask about
log homes is How Much Termite Damage Do They Get?
Well, rest assured: log homes are no more
susceptible to termites than a traditional framed
house. In some ways, it would be easier to spot
possible infestation: in a stick-framed house, you
could have an problem for years without even knowing
it. The termites would be hidden behind your
sheetrock, happily gnawing away at structural
members, and would attack your walls from the
inside-out. With a log, they would most likely start
on the outside and work their way in, leaving an
obvious trail of sawdust or mud foraging tubes.
Termites thrive in a damp environment; they
dehydrate when exposed to the air for too long. If
your logs are kept dry, they won't be a tempting
target for wood-boring insects. On the other hand,
if you have a spot where a gutter is leaking onto
the logs, or your door frame leaks, watch out! That
damp spot is the point of entry for insects and wood
rot. Also, keep your air conditioner from dripping
near the foundation; this is another potential
trouble source.
In new construction, there are some measures you can
take to reduce the risk of termite damage. First of
all, make sure your contractor does not bury any
wooden construction debris under the topsoil. This
is very common on job sites, and the decomposing
wood creates a great environment for new termite
colonies. Secondly, make sure they install a termite
shield below the sill plate; this is a bent piece of
metal that creates a barrier between the foundation
and the wooden sill. Many townships require this by
code.
Before you
apply the stain, it would be wise to spray the
logs with a borate treatment; when added to water,
this powdered insecticide is designed to soak into
the logs and protect them against insects and wood
rot. After the borate treatment has dried (and
before the rain washes it off), apply your stain
which is toxic and will also protect your logs from
insects. To be extra sure, there are additives you
can add to the stain that contain insecticides.
Carpenter bees do not like to chew through treated,
painted, or stained wood and will probably find more
tasty surfaces to attack. Keep an eye on your
porches and fascia boards; after a few years, when
the stain no longer looks fresh, the bees may
revisit your house and start making those perfectly
round 1/2" holes. Luckily, they are easy to treat
and once you spray and plug those holes, that
particular bee should be taken care of.
Caulking between the log courses is another good
way to seal out the insects. I've actually watched a
fly drag a tiny leaf into a small split in our log
ends. You just don't know what critter wants to live
in your logs. Also, do not stack firewood against
your house. Chances are very good the cured wood
already has insects in it, and you don't want to
transfer them to your pristine logs.
The most important thing to do is make an occasional
investigation of your corners, eaves, window frames,
foundation. Many infestations are easily dealt with
if caught early enough. Don't assume your house will
take care of itself; you, the owner, will be the
first line of defense.
Mercedes Hayes is a Hiawatha Log Home
dealer and also a Realtor in New Jersey and
Pennsylvania. She designed her own log home which
was featured in the 2004 Floor Plan Guide of Log
Home Living magazine. You can learn more about log
homes by visiting
http://www.JerseyLogHomes.com
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