Too often we wait until Spring to start tackling the repairs and restorations our home needs. We soon find out that so does everyone else. Getting on the scheduled with a professional Log Home Restoration company can be difficult during this high demand season. A little knowledge of what repairs and restorations can be done outside this peak season, can be helpful.
Obviously, the climate where you live plays a factor as well. We’ve compiled information below that gives you an idea of when and at what temperature various restorations to your log home is an option and/or a necessity.
Winter Projects
Not all projects can be done during this time, however here are a some…
Log Rot
Log rot repair is a good winter project and constitutes the majority of our winter month jobs. Another words, there is no need to wait until Spring to get started. In fact, it’s better to address the issue sooner rather than later. A visual inspection looking for signs of rot, such as discoloration, failing wood or mold. Bring a hammer with you and tap on the logs. You’ll be able to hear a difference between a log that is rotting and one that is not. A log that is rotting will produce a hollow sound compared to a solid log. Also, some logs with interior rot usually bounce the hammer back, whereas a solid log will stop the hammer.
Removal of Old Stain
Removing stain can be completed with media blasting and sanding/grinding in workable temperatures. However, freezing and below zero temperatures definitely make working conditions difficult and, in some cases, impossible. We like to do this on the tail end of the cold and wet months so it can be followed up with other necessary restorations such as chinking, caulking, stain and sealing.
Backer Rod and Grip Strip
In most cases, before chinking a log cabin home backer rod should be installed in the chink joints. If this step is skipped, you can often end up getting splits. Even if there is a gap between sections, movement can cause the chink or caulk to stretch and eventually break free from the void. Installing backer rod and grip strip between the logs to act as a barrier against the wind is possible during any weather conditions. However, this is no substitute for chinking and caulking as it still allows wind and temperatures to pass through.
Maintenance and Home Inspections
Some maintenance work can also be achieved in the winter. For instance, a light washing is easy for the homeowner to accomplish with a low PH balance soap and brush. Of course, we wouldn’t recommend it during freezing temperatures. Keeping areas around your log home free from debris and insuring water is running away from the home. Keep wood piles at least 10 feet from your home and keep bushes and shrubs trimmed back. This is a great time to take advantage of our maintenance program.
Interior Projects
- Custom interior finishes
- Installing a custom timber-framed staircase
- New log staircase railings
- Log Rot
Spring, Summer, and Fall
Most restorations and repairs can be done during these months, so long as rain is not in the forecast and the temperatures are optimal.
Chinking and Caulking
For Chinking and Caulking, we need to have a temperature between 40-90 degrees for up to five days (complete drying time). Many people don’t realize this temperature range refers to the temperature of the wood surface, not the air. Minimal direct sunlight is also needed to avoid blistering of the Chinking and its ideal to have a dry forecast.
Stain and Sealing
Most stains can be applied from about 50° F to 90° F, again this refers to the temperature of the wood surface, not the air. A day that’s 70°F and sunny can push deck surface temperatures above 90°F leading to application challenges. The ideal temperature for staining is 70 degrees with humidity around 50%. To eliminate dew and condensation on logs that can create uneven sheen, allow approximately 2 hours for the coating to dry before sunset.
Others Include:
- Replacing old siding with cedar shakes or cedar lap siding
- Installing a custom timber-framed staircase
- Creating a wide, inviting entryway
- Adding a new deck
- Replacing deck flooring
- Beautiful Post and beam entries
- Antique and Historic Log Home Care
- Small additions
When needing repairs done it’s important to know what time of year is best and to call as soon as possible to get on the scheduled so you don’t miss out. The team at 888 Log Guys are here to review your needs and provide you with a “no obligation” estimate on your repairs and restorations. Give us a call today.
