One of the biggest questions we get is, “What exactly is log home maintenance?” While this question is quite subjective, we thought we’d take the opportunity to try to break it down so you can see the steps and process involved in maintaining a log home. Keep in mind, this will be generic and your situation may involve less or more steps than we are describing.
Log home maintenance can be described as the process of maintaining the look of the log home and protecting the log home shell from air, insects and rodents, water, sun damage, etc. This can be achieved by several steps, but one huge one is ensuring that you wash your home at least once a year. A good wash will remove pollen, insect remnants, bird feces and a number of other things that cause premature log aging. Washing also allows you to see where and how much stain you might need to apply or touch up.
If you know what type of stain has been applied to your log home, you can better assess the condition of it when it dries from the washing. Homeowners with waterborne latex stains should be checking to see how glossy the finish is. Oil-based stain owners should be checking the knots and checks in the wall, which should turn blonde when the finish wears off.
Areas where chinking and caulking have failed should be marked and addressed by removing with a razor or knife. Removing these spots will allow the sealant to properly dry. Once the logs are dry, the caulk or chink can be applied. Ensure that you’re using the same product that was used initially. Chinking and caulking needs to be done before applying any additional stain touch ups.
If you are concerned about the upkeep of your log home and need more information, then give us a call! Or fill out a log home restoration cost request form to speak with a log home expert!
