Log construction – splitting or checking logs

Causes

Timber shrinkage

Listed under: Exterior, timber and wood-based, timber, cladding, walls, wall cladding, log construction

Cause

Timber shrinkage

Repair

  • checks (cracks where the wood fibres in a log have separated) can hold water for extended periods and increase the risk of rot if they are upward facing, so don’t delay repairs
  • many of the log buildings in New Zealand are the products of specialist companies that have developed their own proprietary log construction systems. Ask for advice from the company that built your building if possible
  • cracks or checks from around 5 mm wide should be filled
  • larger cracks, for example of finger width, should have a backing rod or foam inserted first and then sealant inserted over that
  • any filler/sealant used must have elastic and UV-protection properties – ask a log construction company for recommended products. Do not use general purpose fillers or sealants
  • there is a Log Building Association of New Zealand that has some information on its website

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