The formation of cracks in the logs of the log house, because of what they appear and how to deal with it

Over time, cracks can begin to appear in the wood, especially with regard to structures made of logs. It is worth noting immediately that this, by its nature, is an inevitable and regular process. But do not immediately despair and abandon the planned construction of a house from a log house. Effective methods exist for preserving and protecting wood from cracking. Also, there are ways to partially eliminate already formed cracks. In general, we will try to consider the causes of this problem and ways to solve it.

Why do logs crack on logs

As mentioned above, this is a natural process that occurs due to the gradual loss of moisture in a log. Over time, a drying log loses in size, both along and across the fibers, from about 3 to 8%. Moreover, the upper layers of wood give moisture much faster. This difference between the layers in the concentration of moisture contributes to further rupture of the upper layer and the formation of cracks.

Why are they so dangerous, everything is really simple here. Moisture can get into these wood splits, which in the future will lead to decay and destruction of the log. Cracks will allow bugs and other parasites to penetrate the log house, which will also lead to damage to the product.

All these problems can lead to deformation of the log and the risk of skewing the entire structure.

How to prevent the formation of cracks and what to do if they already exist

There are several methods to preserve the integrity of the logs and prevent the formation of cracks. It is important to note that small cracks are not at all terrible, but if they begin to increase in size by more than 3-5 mm, then protective measures must be applied here. Consider the following methods to prevent cracking.

1. The method of advance natural drying. That is, before starting construction from a log house, logs must lie for at least a year in a dry, ventilated place. This is one of the main conditions for preventing cracks.
2. The method of preliminary protection of the ends of the log house. As you know, over the edges of the logs there is a significant loss of moisture, and for a short period of time. This contributes to the rapid appearance of cracks and deformation of the log. Methods of protection are very simple, you can process the ends with linseed oil, all kinds of varnishes and paints designed for woodwork and special sealants.
3. To protect already formed cracks, it is recommended to use special sealants. Or you can make a mixture of PVA glue and sawdust, so you can save a lot. They also use special putties and putties.