Everyone is always in a rush this time of year to make sure that their log home isn’t vulnerable to the elements. Mice, cold air drafts, leaky windows, and water leaks are the most common concerns that people have. Not to worry! We’ve given you three things you can do to make sure your home is ready to take on Old Man Winter!
1) The most important thing you can do is to take detailed notes as to the problems you are having, and note your assumptions as to the cause. And often times, solutions can be simple things that you can handle yourself. For instance, if you think mice are coming in through your dryer vent (or another opening), you could put some sort of flashing around the vent (since the mice won’t be able to scurry up vertical metal). But the most important thing to do here is to make sure and note these things. That way, when you ask a professional to help you with these challenges, they will be able to put together a much more effective course of action.
2) Pay special attention (both feel and look) for air intrusion spots. Maybe you think a window in your master bedroom has areas of intrusion. If they are substantial, you’ll feel the cold air coming in at all times. But if they are less substantial, it may be hard to detect. So…create a vacuum! Stand by the window and have someone open the front door. Or kick on the furnace. That momentary creation of vacuum may be just what you need to detect a leak. One way to find all of your inefficiencies is by doing do a thermal infrared test. And it may well be tax-deductible!
3) Finally, note any areas where snow is piling against your logs, and note any areas where ice dams or gutter issues are causing water to leak down your corners. This is never good! But step one is to simply identify the problem and confront it, so that it can be corrected when the weather is cooperative.
There ya go! Keep an eye on these three things to make sure you are experiencing all the joy you possibly can from your log home this winter!
Remember that we are in this together! You are always welcome to contact us with any concerns and to give you advice. Ask away if we can help!
