Subject: LOG ROT
Date: Sat, 26 Jun 1999

Dear Rot Doctor,
I have a log house that has a balcony attached to it. This balcony is supported by two vertical log posts. I am replacing the log railings and after removing these log railings from the posts I have found dry rot where they were joined. As these are vertical members the tops also display dry rot....What to do///?????? To repair these posts and sustain structural integrity//////////?????? Would appreciate some info in this...Thank you

The solution to your problem is relatively simple. Make sure the bad areas are reasonably dry and then saturate them with CPES (Clear Penetrating Epoxy Sealer). On the tops of the posts you will just flow it in until the wood will accept no more. If there are vacancies in the wood you will then follow the CPES (after about a week) with Layup & Laminating Resin, a thick slow-setting epoxy resin that will also flow down into vacant areas. It cures hard in 24-48 hours. The wood that has been treated with CPES will be stronger than it was originally. You can place new railings on top again without concern for structural strength of the wood.

It's difficult to predict how much CPES you would require because everything depends on how much CPES the posts absorb. If they are badly rotted I would guess at least a quart each, and maybe more if the rot goes deep into the post. The L&L Resin is thicker and I doubt that you would require more than one 2-quart unit. You can also mix sawdust into the mixed L&L Resin to make a filler putty if that is required.

Come back if we can answer further questions.

Doc