What Splashback Looks Like
Look for dark bands near the lower courses, peeling finish close to grade, recurring mildew, soft fibers, water staining near corners, or repeated failure in the same lower wall section.
Why It Happens
Rain can bounce from soil, mulch, gravel, concrete, deck boards, stairs, patios, or short downspout discharge. Steep lots and short overhangs can make the wetting pattern worse.
Why Lower Logs Are High Risk
Lower courses are closer to splash, vegetation, trapped leaves, deck edges, and slow drying. Once finish breaks down, the wood can stay damp long enough for deeper damage.
The Dark Area May Not Be the Whole Issue
If the water source remains, new stain may fail in the same place. The repair plan should consider grade, drainage, deck details, lower-log condition, and finish compatibility together.
What TimberGuard May Recommend
Depending on the condition, the next step may be log repair, finish removal, staining, chinking or caulking, deck/timber work, or a maintenance plan that monitors the area.
Photos That Help
Send the lower logs, the ground surface below them, any downspouts, deck or stair edges, a wide wall view, and closeups of soft, dark, or peeling areas.