Restoring a log home is a rewarding project, but it’s also one that requires attention to detail and a complete set of tools and supplies. Before you get started, be sure that you have these five essential tools needed for cleaning, stripping, repairing, and finishing your log home restoration.
Pressure Washer
When a log home requires substantial restoration, you will want to start by cleaning the exterior thoroughly. From mold, to spiderwebs, and dirt to grime, it is a safe bet that your log home’s façade is buried underneath years of accumulated grime. A pressure washer is the best tool for the job, but be sure to choose one with low pressure. Professional-duty pressure washers work well on homes with vinyl siding, but older log homes need a more delicate touch, especially if there is a risk of rotting the wood. You will need to keep the washer moving in a sweeping motion using a wide fan setting. Scrubbing with a soft brush and water from a garden hose is another, more labor intense, option for those concerned about damaging your wood.
Buffing Brushes
After cleaning your home’s exterior thoroughly, it’s time to remove what’s left of the existing stain and smooth out the surface. Buffing brushes gently yet effectively remove raised grain and fuzzing, so you are left with an immaculate surface. You never need apply much pressure to the buffer, just hold it in place and let the brush do the work. for small or tight areas. For exterior surfaces 80 grit brushes should always be used. Use them with a 4-inch variable speed polisher. Take the rotation down a notch and use them at a speed of 1800 RPM so you do not risk burning or damaging the logs. We recommend researching or speaking to a professional regarding the type of brush to use based on your log home.
Wood Hardener or Wood Epoxy Paste
Before applying fresh stain or finish, it’s important to check for wood rot or decay on your home’s exterior. If your log home shows signs of soft wood, you will need to address it before the problem worsens. Find the cause of the rotted wood and correct it. After you’ve accomplished that it is time to repair the wood. Be sure to remove all the rotten wood before starting your repair. Use a reliable wood hardener or a wood epoxy paste to minimize damage and strengthen decayed areas. Drill a series of 1/4-in. holes spaced about 1 in. apart to allow epoxy consolidant to soak into any water-damaged wood surrounding the repair. On vertical surfaces, slope the holes slightly downward to form pockets for the consolidant. Drill the holes as deep as possible without going all the way through the wood. The holes allow moisture to escape and later act as reservoirs for the consolidant as it soaks into the wood. Ideal weather is 70 degrees, trying to accomplish in extreme heat or cold can mitigate the effectiveness of the epoxy. You will want to squeeze the epoxy into the holes with a putty knife or small brush. If expecting rain, we would recommend coving the epoxy with a loose plastic tent, you’ll want to allow several days to a week for the drying process.
Option: If you’re looking for a more natural option, there are some Epoxy pastes made from real wood that offer great structural strength.
Wood Finish or Stain
No matter the vintage of your log home, a fresh wood finish or stain will make the exterior look as good as new. Before preparing the paintbrushes, however, think long and hard about how you want to finish your home. Transparent stains typically preserve the wood grain, so these are ideal for preserving the façade just the way it is. However, they do not always have the UV protection as a colored stain provides. Color finishes add a natural tone to the wood, but they might require more frequent maintenance to protect your home from fungus growth and water damage.
Chinking
If your log home has endured years of severe weather or if it hasn’t been maintained in decades, there’s a good chance you’ll need to reapply the chinking. Chinking is a synthetic sealant that is used to seal the joints of log homes. Chinking is textured like mortar and very flexible. Chinking can be used in place of caulk and is mostly used in the joints between logs. Chinking keeps moisture out by sealing the joints and protects log homes from moisture related damage. Chinking products are notoriously challenging to apply, materials should be combined to make it the consistency of cookie dough. Make sure that the chinking is adhering to the top and bottom well, and immediately clean-up spills and runs.
Taking on a complete log home restoration project is rarely a quick task. However, having the right tools and resources can help you do the job right! If you decide you need assistance, the experienced team at 888 Log Guys are here to help.
