Log Home Maintenance

A popular misconception is that Log Homes require no maintenance. This is not true. However,  with any Wood home the proper care can yield years of trouble free enjoyment in your home.

The first step would be a professional examination paying particular attention to any water or insect damage, clogged gutters or drains, improper roof overhangs, vegetation too close to the logs or any issues that need to be addressed before trouble begins.

In many cases the homes haven’t been touched in years. After the examination any damaged logs or trim can be fixed. In most cases rotted logs can be refaced (this is like dental work). The decayed wood is removed down to solid wood. Generally if a log is not rotted more than 1/2 way it can be refaced. Most repairs consist of refacing but occasionally full log replacement is needed.  Also at this time windows, doors and roofing can be inspected and replaced if necessary.

After completing all repairs and upgrades, the next step would be cleaning the building. There are two basic methods:

#1 Apply a solution of TSP,bleach and water with a pump sprayer or a stiff brush and rinse with clean water.( power washing is not recommended)

#2  The preferred method is corn cob blasting. This is a dry method that removes old degraded stain, mildew, dirt and pollen. A light sanding can then be done and any residue can be removed with a blower.

Next a borate pre-treatment can be applied by pump sprayer or brush as a deterrent for insect problems. After the borate treatment dries thoroughly, a special caulking is applied to all horizontal and vertical joints and around windows and doors. This caulk is especially made for log homes and is available in many colors. Finally high quality oil stain is applied to finish the process, paying particular attention to the log corners.

Call J.A. Ross & Son, Inc. today for all of your log home maintenance needs!