While there is a tendency to caulk the cracks in wood, it has been found that in many instances it is best to leave small checks open to let wood breathe naturally (see figure 8). For this reason the joints between the log crowns and the original log walls were also left open and not sealed. The new crown ends are expected to last between 10 and 30 years. The upper crowns directly under the roof runoff are likely to deteriorate first. These can be replaced as required. As with any completed preservation project, the better the routine maintenance the longer the work will last and the more cost-effective it will be in the long run (see figure 9).

Figure 8. The joints between the historic logs and the new crowns are visible, but not disconcerting. The unsealed joint will help keep future decay isolated to the log crown. Photo: Rodd Wheaton.	Figure 9. A repaired corner of the Lamar Barn. It is expected that the log crowns will need replacing in 10-30 years. Photo: Rodd Wheaton.