Buchanan Log House

Preserving the Buchanan Log House

 

Preserving historic buildings is essential to protecting our nation’s heritage and history. As one of the earliest log structures built in Middle Tennessee, the Buchanan Log House is a remarkable example of early construction methods and materials that have endured for more than 200 years. Even today, the logs continue to respond to changes in humidity, exposure to sunlight and shade, and other environmental conditions. These natural fluctuations can affect the wood in ways that are not always easily anticipated or predicted.

 

Much of the material used in past repairs to the daubing—the material that fills the gaps between the logs—contains a high percentage of Portland cement. Portland cement is caustic and can damage the wood over time. Once dry, it becomes extremely hard and tends to crack along the top and bottom edges of the logs, as well as vertically. In contrast, traces of the original daubing indicate that early mixtures were lime-based and considerably softer. (MTSU TCWNHA Assessment 2011)

​

Proper maintenance and repairs are essential to keeping the logs in stable condition. This work requires knowledgeable historic preservation professionals who understand traditional construction methods, why they worked, and how modern materials and techniques can sometimes cause irreversible damage when applied inappropriately.

​

Recommended Checklist for Buchanan Log Care

 

The following historically informed maintenance steps should be completed in sequence:

​

1. Inspect the logs. Assess their condition and repair or replace wood where necessary. Remove any stray nails, tacks, staples, or other foreign objects attached to the logs.

2. Clean all surfaces thoroughly. Remove dirt, mold, mildew, and construction debris. A pressure washer may be used with caution to avoid damaging historic materials. Avoid high pressure; instead, use lower pressure and an appropriate cleaning solution to loosen grime and mold. Murphy’s Oil Soap may be suitable for cleaning without permanently damaging the wood.

3. Remove rotten wood carefully. Eliminate deteriorated wood while avoiding damage to sound wood. Preserve as much of the original historic material as possible.

4. Repair cracks and other wood damage. Fill seasoning cracks with an appropriate material and address any additional damage to the wood.

5. Seal vulnerable joints. Seal gaps around windows, doors, and butt joints using a suitable material.

6. Remove excess sealant. Clean any sealant residue from surrounding surfaces.

7. Apply stain where needed. Stain the log surfaces as necessary to create a more uniform appearance and reduce mottled areas.

8. Apply a protective coating. Finish by applying an appropriate protective coating to the logs.