Building inspection
When inspecting the exterior of a building, review:
1. Plants that are closer than half a meter to the external walls.
2. Maintenance of rainwater gutters and gutter ends.
3. Wooden parts of the house that are in contact with the ground or are up to 30 cm above it.
4. Wood stacks that are closer than half a meter to the house.
5. Calcareous places on the finishing layer.
6. Pay particular attention to places on the exterior facade that are directly exposed to weather conditions.
Please note!:
- South and west facing walls usually get more sun.
- Walls in the direction of the prevailing winds suffer more from precipitation.
Look for weather damage:
- Fading of the finishing material.
- Water stains on the log ends.
- Water stains on walls that suffer more due to the weather.
Make sure the lawn sprinkler doesn't direct water onto the walls.
- Observe the direction of the irrigation water even in windy weather
Look for dust, dirt, etc. damage on exposed logs from above:
- Clean said damage with water or weak cleaning solutions.
Look for cracks, peeling areas or air bubbles in the finish. Check the moisture resistance of the finishing material:
- Spray or splash water on the walls, then observe how the water droplets “behave” on the wood.
Check wood for rot and mold:
- On the finishing surface (can the mold be washed off?)
- Under the finishing surface
Woodsman Upward cracks (half a centimeter and wider) should be filled:
- Use Check Mate
Look carefully for signs of moisture on the logs:
- The wood has changed color
- The wood has become soft
Pay particular attention to all log surfaces and log ends that protrude from under the roofing.
- Check that all sealants (Perma-Chink, Energy Seal, Check Mate 2) are intact between joists, around windows and doors, at joist joints, at the roof line, and at any potential points where cold air or moisture could enter the building.
- There are two basic steps to protect wood: preparing the wood surface and applying finishing products. You have to start by cleaning the wood surface. The preparation of the wooden surface is as important as the preparatory work for building a log house on the plot. If you cover stained, moldy or rotted wood with a colorless finish, you will always see the stained, moldy or rotted wood underneath. Applying preservatives, stains and finishes to the wood is just as important. Always read the product label. If you have any questions, always call us before you start work.