Deterioration was noted at an exposed log timber post at a recent home inspection in Anacortes.  Natural logs will crack, or “check,” and these cracks need to be well sealed to prevent water and insect damage into the future.  Oftentimes, you won’t know there’s an issue until it’s visible and the log substantially deteriorated; water gets to the heart of the log and it typically deteriorates from the inside-out.  So, keep your exterior elements properly sealed to help prevent water and insect damage into the future!