04/03/2026
Black surface fungus is common on log homes and usually appears on the north (and sometimes east) sides of the home. This mold is referred to as “artillery fungus” because of its ability to travel airborne over long distances. In our area of the country, it is often seen as black streaks on asphalt shingled roofs. The fungus originates in mulch beds and, as the name implies, can spread to your home from some distance. It thrives in damp environments where it feeds on the organic compounds found in your home’s exterior (including the logs). The presence of artillery fungus indicates that your home’s surface sealant isn’t doing its job preserving the wood underneath and artillery fungus must be treated before the home is resealed. A simple test to confirm that the black growth on your home is fungus is to dip a Q-tip into common household bleach and touch the tip to the suspected fungus. While you should never use chlorine bleach on a log home, this small test spot will confirm it as a mold or fungus.
Need some more log home spring cleaning tips? Check out this article on our website: https://loghomecareonline.com/log-home-spring-cleaning/
