Guess what this is?

[Jim Bilyeu]

Just got back from doing a log home inspection in Calif. This is just one of the problems that I found. Can you guess what it is by the pictures?

Hints: This problem has been talked about before on this forum. take a good look at the top chink line in the first picture.

[Jim Bilyeu]

Sorry Maestro, not even close...... Like I said, this problem has been talked about several times in the past but no one has ever come up with a good solution as of yet.

Let's see if anyone else wants to take a stab at this before I tell you what it is.

[Bret]

Do the holes in the chinking have something to do with the rotten log underneath?

[Vern Adams]

I say it's NOT Southern Yellow Pine. Could be cedar, but more likely some type of pine. Problem was that someone forgot to use backer rod in the check?

[David Blakely]

Hey Jim,
The holes look so symmetrical I was wondering if it were bees or some other critters nesting there.
Dave

[Jim Bilyeu]

Bret, good eye. The log is rotted (along with a lot more) but that's another problem.

Vern, the logs are lodge pole pine and backer rod was used.

Dave, you noticed , your're getting close but close only counts when your playing horse shoes.

Come on guys and gal's. I know a lot of you have had this problem. Maybe not as bad as this but bad enough to make you ask questions about how to solve it

[Darin Alexander]

If its not carpenter bees than my second guess would be woodpeckers.

[Dan Bodenstein]

I'll take Mystery Chinking for 1000.00 Alex.


What is a wood boring bettle?
(powder post beetles)

Dan

[Greg Steckler]

I'd guess mushrooms, perhaps Ascomycetes?

[Belle]

It looks like acorns in the log, but I do not have a guess on the holes.

[MikeS]

From most likely to least likely:

1) Failed finish (I won't venture a guess to the finish)
2) Upward facing checks that catch rain
3) Failed chink joint, looks like synthetic chink.
4) Wonder what the roof overhang is, and if there is a deck under the sill logs.
5) Vertical lumber member, buck or what... source of rain infiltration.
6) Potential of log shifting due to lack of spline and/or fasteners.

This is fun!!! I like solving mysteries.

Editing, after reading previous responses more closely, taking hints:
Woodpecker holes, squirrel chewing

[Darin Alexander]

I agree with MikeS.

Luv this thread.

Darin

[Dan Bodenstein]

Can I buy a Vowel?

Dan

[Josh]

The bottom picture is a close up of the saucer shaped
check - not the 3 holes above - which are curious as they
are symetrical to an alarming degree. I must assume we are
trying to find out whats with this check/crack with 3 round
(and a vague 4th) objects in it.

Look like inverted mushrooms to me.

[Bret]

It looks as if there is a wire or string running through the holes? What is it?