Log Home Specialist
in Eastern Tennessee
Log Home Specialist in Eastern Tennessee
When it comes to buying or maintaining a log home in Eastern Tennessee, you need a specialist who understands the unique characteristics of these beautiful structures. Tom Maides, a log home specialist with over 30 years of experience, is your go-to expert for comprehensive log home inspections. Whether you’re purchasing a new log home or ensuring your current one is in top condition, Tom’s expertise ensures that no detail is overlooked.
Why Choose Tom Maides for Your Log Home Inspections?
Tom Maides has spent decades building, selling, and inspecting log homes, making him one of the most knowledgeable professionals in Eastern Tennessee. Due to their unique construction, log homes require specialized attention, and Tom’s in-depth understanding of these structures guarantees that you’ll receive a thorough and accurate inspection.
Key Characteristics of Log Homes That Require Close Scrutiny
When inspecting a log home, there are specific key characteristics unique to log houses that demand careful attention. Here are some critical aspects Tom Maides focuses on during his log home inspections:
- General Condition of the Logs:
- Deferred maintenance can lead to serious issues in any home, but log homes are particularly vulnerable. Logs require frequent staining to prevent deterioration, with the frequency depending on the quality of the stain and exposure to the elements.
- The type of stain is also crucial—oil-based stains typically last longer, while latex stains are continually improving. However, applying paint to a log wall can be detrimental. Unlike stain, paint can peel due to the natural moisture absorption and release of logs, leading to wood rot. Stains allow moisture to pass through without blocking it, preserving the logs and their finish.
- Caulking and Flashing:
- Proper caulking and flashing are essential for the longevity of log walls. During your initial visit, any staining around door openings, window openings, corners, or fireplaces may indicate a caulking or flashing issue.
- Before re-staining, it’s important to caulk the log home with a “log builder” type caulk, which is specifically designed to last longer and accommodate the unique movement of log homes.
- Sloping Floors:
- Sloping floors are common in log homes and can be attributed to frame design or log shrinkage and settlement. The moisture content of logs, whether “dead standing timber,” kiln-dried, or air-dried, plays a significant role in shrinkage.
- This shrinkage can lead to settlement issues, often visible a few years after the home is built. While most shrinkage occurs within the first 3 to 5 years, it can still put pressure on floor systems, causing deflection and sloping.
- Overhangs and Porches:
- Wider overhangs or surrounding porches provide better protection for log walls from the elements. Conversely, narrow overhangs can lead to over-exposure and potential damage to the logs.
- Cracks in the Walls:
- Cracks, or “checking,” are natural in logs but should ideally stop at the heart of the log to prevent them from going through the entire wall. Cracks that extend through the wall can cause significant problems, so their presence and location need careful examination.
These are just a few of the critical areas Tom Maides evaluates during a log home inspection. In addition to these specific concerns, Tom thoroughly inspects all standard components of the home, including electrical, plumbing, mechanical systems, structure, roof, crawl space, exterior, and appliances.
With over 30 years of experience in the log home industry, Tom Maides is the trusted specialist for log home inspections in Eastern Tennessee. If you’re considering purchasing a log home in the area, contact Accu-Spec Inspection Services, PC, today to schedule your inspection. Ensure your investment is protected by an expert who knows log homes inside and out.
