Step 03 · Repair
Log Replacement
Replaces logs or log sections too far gone to repair, matching species, profile and texture so the wall reads as one.
What it is
Some logs are past repair. When rot or insect damage runs deep, a patch only hides the problem and lets it spread to the logs around it. Log replacement removes the damaged log or section and puts sound, matching wood in its place.
There are two common approaches. Log end splicing replaces the rotted end of a log, often at a corner or under a deck, with a new section joined to the sound log. Full or partial log replacement removes a longer length, usually on bottom courses that have sat in splashback for years.
Log replacement is part of the Repair step. It’s done once the house is stripped, so we can see clearly where good wood starts and ends.
Signs you need it
When to call about log replacement
- Rot runs deep into the log, not just the surface
- Log ends at corners are crumbling or hollow
- Bottom courses are soft along their length
- Insect damage has hollowed out a section
- A previous repair has failed more than once
How Cardi does it
Our method
- 01
Assess structure and support
We figure out what the log is carrying. Walls, windows or roof loads above get temporary support before any wood comes out.
- 02
Source a matching log
We match species, diameter and profile as closely as possible, whether round, D-log, square or hand-hewn, and let the replacement acclimate.
- 03
Cut out and fit
Damaged sections are cut out cleanly. Replacements are scribed and fitted, with splices placed and angled to shed water.
- 04
Seal, treat and blend
Joints are sealed, new wood gets borate, and the surface is textured and finished so it blends with the surrounding logs.
Where it fits
Log replacement is part of step 03: Repair
Bare wood is the one chance to see and treat everything. Rot and insect damage left under a fresh finish keep spreading out of sight.
FAQ
Log replacement questions
Do you replace whole logs or just the bad part?
Whatever the damage calls for. Often a log end splice or a partial section replacement is enough. Full-length replacement is for logs that are compromised along most of their length.
Will the new log match?
We match species and profile and blend the texture. Fresh wood starts lighter, so we tune the finish to bring it in line with the rest of the wall.
Is my house safe while a log is out?
Yes. Loads are shored before removal, and openings are closed up at the end of each day.
Related services
Usually done alongside
Log Rot Repair
Finds soft wood, cuts it back to sound log and rebuilds it with consolidants, fillers or wood patches shaped to match.
Learn more Step 03 · RepairInsect & Rot Treatment (Borate)
A borate preservative applied to bare logs to guard against rot fungi and wood-boring insects, including carpenter bees, beetles and ants.
Learn more Step 04 · SealChinking & Caulking
Seals the joints between logs, the checks in them, and every corner and opening, with flexible products that move as logs move.
Learn moreBook an inspection
Book a log replacement inspection
That’s what the inspection is for. It’s free, it’s in writing, and it breaks the house down wall by wall, so you can decide what to do now and what can wait.