There is no upward strength supporting the length of the logs other than where they touch at the notches. With nothing in between (other than nonstructural wire), over time, gravity sags the logs. The logs often span 25+ feet from notch to notch. The wood block chinking used by the pioneers not only added needed insulation, but also added significant structural strength to the whole building. Wire mesh and Portland cement do severe damage over time

I use wood block chinking and traditional mix daubing primarily, because that it is the completely correct way to restore, and truly the most healthy for the well being of the structure. Just changing the log’s environment by relocation, for example, changes many factors that the logs must adapt to, such as changes in humidity, sun or shade, geographic/environmental differences, and all these changes affect the logs in ways that might not be expected or predicted. What I do requires a whole lot of adaptation in order to overcome these and involves, most of the time, a lot of patience and thought, but most of all, experience. VanArsdall’s training in cultural anthropology while an undergraduate student of the University of TN, Knoxville, combined with a personal interest in history, eventually lead him to accept restoration work on historic buildings, beginning with a total restoration of an early 20th century eastern NC tobacco barn in 1989.Įach building has its unique nuances and complexities of difficulties to overcome. His Canjoeco Restorations of Blountville, TN specializes in meticulous, historically correct restorations of antique late 18th & early 19th century log structures.

Please welcome guest author John VanArsdall.

Log cabin mortar