How do I keep my window trim from rotting?

In our opinion, the best way to construct your windows is to have the windows fully within the log wall opening.  If you want a contrasting paint or stain color, cut the opening larger and trim outside of the window – yet  still keep it within the opening.

More often, people will trim around the perimeter of the opening with 6×1 rough-sawn cedar.  In most cases, this works fine.  Sometimes, if the budget had allowed, the trim is kind of inset within the logs, and then sealed around.  This looks very nice but can be labor intensive.

Anytime you have two separate pieces of wood joining together, it creates what we call a “hot spot.”  That is, an area where rot is more likely due to the nature of there being a separation between the two pieces of wood (and thus, allowing space for moisture penetration).  So, always plan as little wood-touching-wood as possible.  That is generally where trim causes an issue – it creates spot for filth and fungi to accumulate, it can slow the escape of water, and it prevents sunlight which would dry the water.

Beyond construction, It is extremely important to maintain your log home by cleaning it, staining it, and fixing chinking.  Specifically checking around windows and other locations for caulk that might need to be replaced to prevent moisture from coming in.

Make sure that up-facing checks over 3/16″ are filled properly with caulking. Secondly, make sure the seal between the bottom of the window and the top of the log is tight. If there is a sill formed on the top of this lower log, make sure that it pitches water away from the window.  Sometimes chinking or caulking just around the window is not enough to keep moisture out.  The leak could be coming from above the window and getting behind the trim or into the space between the outer caulking and the inside of the logs.  If a log home is not protected, rain can cause huge problems. Using gutters and overhangs will help keep the water away from your walls and windows.

An annual Log Home Inspection by the experts can also go a long way in the prevention of Log Rot.