Log Home Maintenance Plans (Long Term)

August 31, 2020

Inspect, Wash, Stain, Seal, Pest, Maintain

One of the biggest mistakes a log home owner makes is not keeping up regular maintenance. A regular house does not require anywhere near the upkeep that a log home needs.

First Inspection (twice a year)

There are things you inspect in the spring and things for the fall.

Inspection Spring/Fall

Starting on the south side of the log home do a perimeter walk looking over areas that suffer from extremes of temperature.
Watch out for cracking molds or infestations.
Be sure to check around door windows and log ends.
Check the roof for missing or loose tiles or shingles.
Look at flashings around pipes and chimneys
Check gutters for blockages and signs of leakage
Inspect the walls for cracking and new crevasses because of settling
Use a spray bottle to check the stains for needing renewing. look if the knots are looking blond. The sealant is good when the water will bead up and run off.
Look for signs of mold or holes in your logs, around areas where backsplash could be happening.
Make sure all vegetation is 24” from the home.
Check the hand railings and porch is secure.
Do not allow any standing water near the home.

If you need a certified log home inspector or log home inspection, visit lhrca.com

Wash the exterior of the log home (Yearly)

Using a mild detergent and a soft brush, wash the exterior of your log home once a year. This will help remove things like dirt, pollution, mold, mildew, bird feces, and insect remnants.

When washing work from the bottom to the top then back down. This will keep the dirt from redepositing on the logs. Give extra attention to darker areas. If the water is being absorbed by the logs that is a sign that the stain is bad You should look at renewing your stain. Wait 3 to 5 days for the logs to dry before you look at restaining.

Removal or renewing of log home stains

If you find areas where the old stain no longer repels water or is heavily layered it will be necessary to restain the log home. If the old layers are discoloring and thick, it may be time to remove the old stain.

There are 3 ways to remove old stains.

Mechanical removal using wire brushes and sandpaper. This is a time consuming and exhausting method. There are some wire brushes available for your drill or grinder that can speed the process. Warning! These power brushes can cause damage to logs if not applied. Please contact a professional before doing yourself.
Chemical solvent to soften the stain. You will deal with caustic chemicals for most parts. This does not remove the stain, just makes it soft enough for a pressure washer to peel the stain from the logs. Warning! Do not exceed 50 PSI and keep the tip at least 18 inches from the logs and have it angled. Otherwise you can force water into the logs, which can lead to wood rot.
Media blasting, this takes expensive equipment that you must buy or rent. There are several choices on what type of media to use. Inorganic such as glass or sand, can strip the stain, but leave a deposit at the base of your cabin that will not go away.

Organic media such as corn husk or walnut shell is well respected. Corn husk has a problem with leaving organic particles impressed into the logs, leading to mold and other problems. Walnut shell appears to be the preferred media to professionals. The shells are hard enough to do an outstanding job and still biodegrade when finished.

Media blasting again can cause damage to your logs that a professional will have to come in and repair. This can cost more than the actual media blasting.

After removing the old stain, you must wash the logs to get rid of residual chemicals or sawdust.

Reapplying stain to your log home.

There are three basic types of log home stains. Oil Based, Latex Based, and a Hybrid of Oil and Latex. With oil based stains you look at the knots on the logs if they are looking blond it is time to add another coat. If you have latex stains, looking dull and faded shows you need another coat. Oil based stains are best in high moisture areas. Latex is best in high sun and low moisture areas.

When you apply stains, it is a 2 coat process with wet on wet application. Spray on the first coat and then wait 20 minutes and brush or roll on a second coat.

Make sure the area to be stained is both clean and dry. If you have washed the logs give them 3 to 5 days to dry. Most stains can be sprayed on with a garden sprayer. This is easy to accomplish by a do it yourself. Remember after the spray, wait 20 minutes and use a roller to push the stain into the wood. Work horizontally and in small areas so you have time to get back to the stain in time. Back rolling provides a professional appearance.

It is highly recommended that you include an insect repellant additive to your chosen stain.

If you need a professional log home restoration professional contact LHRCA.com

Sealing the log home (Annually)

One fact of life with log home is that logs shrink as they age from the loss of moisture. This causes effects from actual shrinkage of the wall height to cracks in the logs and the pulling away from the sealant used between the logs.

For smaller fissures that appear in the logs, caulking would be a good general response. For cracks over ½ inch we would suggest backer bars and chinking compound. If the chinking is pulling away from the logs it may be time to remove the old chinking and use new backing rods or strips along with new chinking compound.

This is important since cracks and bad chinking can lead to water getting to unprotected logs and lead to wood rot.

Check the sealing around all dolmans and flashings, as well around all doors and windows. Proper sealing will save you in heating and cooling year round.

Log Replacement or Repair

If when you are inspecting you discover signs of wood rot, contact an expert. This is the repair no one not well versed in log home construction and restoration should ever attempt.

The contractor will establish how much the rot has spread and whether a ½ depth or full depth log replacement will be required. He will have to locate proper logs to match your existing logs. You may face major structural damage depending on the site of the rot. This is not something you should try to do yourself. Log replacement or repair is expensive. Ensure that you maintain proper maintenance to prevent this failure.

Pest Control (Annually)

Besides the normal household pest such as ants, roaches, mice and other similar vermin, log homes have some unique pests.

Carpenter Ants and Bees

These pests bore into a log and then hollow out a log to build a nest. Outwards there are only small signs of an infestation. Most common besides finding a hole about ½ inch across is sawdust at the bottom of a wall. The carpenter ants and bees can cause an enormous amount of damage will little sign.

Termites

If your log home does not have at least 12 inches of foundation, the chances of getting termites is large. Even with foundations, you need to look for mud tunnels running up the foundations. These are pencil thickness. Termites will require tenting and professional repair service.

Rodents

Many rodents will gnaw through wood to get to food inside of your log homes. Making nests in basements, walls, attics.

Woodpeckers

Woodpeckers are one of the most annoying pests, they may look for insects and lavas or just being territorial and not wanting your log home in their area.

Maintenance (Annually)

Gutters

Cleaning and maintaining your gutter is one of the vital yearly maintenance activities. If you do not keep them clean and working water will build up in storms and the drain down the walls. This can result in wood rot.

Gaps around doors and windows.

The log shrinkage can lead to gaps around doors and windows. Expanding foam can take care of smaller gaps. If the gap is big, get your contractor in to repair it before the next storm hits.

Conclusion

Only regular and comprehensive maintenance can save you from some major repairs.

Log Home Restoration of California

Log Home Restorations of California Inc. has decades of experience inspecting repairing and building log homes. In everything from building new log homes to repairing the old log cabin, LHRCA has the skills you need.

Our experts guarantee that you will be happy with our work.

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What Is The Best Wood For A Lasting Log Home?

By Log Home Restoration of California • October 30, 2020

Learn the types of wood used for log homes.

Why Are Log Home Inspections Necessary?

August 26, 2020

Home inspectors without the training for log homes will miss many problems because they do not know what to look for. Log home inspection is also necessary for the continued health of your log home. You should inspect your log home in the spring and the fall.

10 Things To Look For When Buying A Log Home

August 19, 2020

You are looking for a place to launch your memories. Raising a family or the summer by the lake. Fresh air and nature is what you want your family to encounter. Now let's make sure it is not a nightmare instead of a dream. When you look over a log home, check it from top to bottom. Log homes are built to last generations if maintained. Having an experienced log home inspector pays off. While home inspectors may inspect log homes, they often lack the knowledge of what they do not know. 1. Roof Inspection Check the roof for loose or damaged tiles or shingles. Most modern built log homes no longer have a shake roof. Check for discoloration or missing roofing. Check for raised or missing flashing around chimneys and dolmans. This is a prime area for wood rot. Check your gutters. Make sure they are clean and that they drain properly. You may have to adjust the angle to make sure they do not allow any pooling. Pooling can lead to wood rot in the rafters of the roof. 2. Check the Exterior Logs Look for black surface fungus. This often appears as black streaks running down from rooftops that have asphalt shingles. This is dangerous since it shows a failure of the protective stain. We must eradicate the mold before you restrain the home. Do not use bleach; it damages the logs. Look for green surface mold. This is a sign of rot. So again you need to have it eradicated before staining the logs. There may also be some wood rot that needs repaired. Tap the logs with a rubber mallet to listen for a hollow sound. If you hear it, there is dry rot in the log. Do not assume that rot is confined to one log. You should bring in a qualified log home repair company. Look for discolored or flaking stains. Because of environmental issues, most log home stains only last 2 to 3 years. Wet or prolonged heat and light exposure can cause the stain to fail early. Check for new cracks and failed chinking. Since log homes suffer from a problem of settling, which is as logs dry out, they shrink and cause cracks and crevases in the logs. It also causes the chinking to pull away from a log. This allows water to seep into and damage the logs. The cracks need to have caulking filling them and you may need to have the chinking replaced and putting in backer bars and new chinking. Make sure the roof is level, and the home meets the foundation. Check all around. With the settling it can cause stress on windows and doors, making them leak, bow or even break if it takes improper care. Check for wood rot around all the doors and windows. These can be moisture traps. While you are at it check for bore holes from carpenter ants and bees. if you spot small piles of sawdust at the base of the wall. 3. Check the Foundation Check around the foundation to make sure there are no mud tunnels which show termites. If the foundation is less than 12-18”, you have a good chance of having termites. 4. Check the Drainage You need to make sure the rain spout has good drainage. This keeps water from pooling and soaking the logs. Clear all vegetation next to the wall. Do not stack firewood next to the walls. This can trap water next to the logs. 5. Check the porch and patios Check the flooring for loose boards. Check the hand rails for safety. Check the patio ceiling for discolored or water damaged wood. 6. Check the windows and doors Check the seals of the doors and windows. Look for them being level. Make sure they are now bowing. Improper installation with log home settling can cause many problems. 7. Check the Interior walls Non load-bearing wall can become load bearing if the shrinkage of the logs is too great. So check for bulging. 8. Check the level of the floor Shrinkage can cause the floors to be unlevel. 9. Check that all plumbing and electrical systems Since the log home usually has a septic system special care must be paid to prevent septic problems. Older log homes may have aluminum wiring. This wiring is extremely dangerous since the wire in time will compress and all connections will be loose. This makes a serious fire problem. 10. Check interior ceilings for watermarks If you find water staining on the ceiling, this indicates a roofing problem that needs taken care of. Find an experienced log home contractor to fix your problems. instances of wood rot. This is not something you can take care of. Log Home Restoration of California Log Home Restoration of California has decades of experience inspecting repairing and building log homes. In everything from building new log homes to repairing the old log cabin, LHRCA has the skills you need. Our experts guarantee that you will be happy with our work.

The Log Home Inspection Guide

February 2, 2020

Your log home is a place of memories, of nature and dreams. Inspecting log homes twice a year is a good way of keeping the dreams pleasant instead of a nightmare. Your local home inspector may or may not be aware of the all the quirks that log homes may have. Log home inspection requires specialized knowledge, since standard homes do not have these different problems.

Things To Look At When Restoring A Log Home

August 9, 2019

Your log home is home to more than people. It is a repository for your memories, hopes and dreams. This old home of yours, may be tired and worn out. You may think of updating the look or improving its lifespan. Have you considered expanding the home by adding a room? Are you looking at adding a deck? To accomplish this your vision, you need a professional with years of log home experience. Log Home Restoration of California has the talent, experience and resources you need. The construction and renovation services to help you create the home of your dreams are all here. When it comes to homes, log homes are unique. Since log homes have been around for centuries, there are different methods used for construction, Special conditions and issues that can arise from these types of homes. We offer construction and renovation services for projects of every size. From adding small rooms or expanding existing porches, log home restoration can increase the square footage of your home. We can create luxury decks to take advantage of views in every direction.

What is Log Repair?

August 5, 2019

Every log home develops log problems, how to handle that is the question. Log repair and replacement becomes necessary when the logs become damaged. There are many ways that logs are damaged by mold, mildew, insects, wear-and-tear all affects the health of the logs. Damaged logs need to be repaired or replaced to support the structure. This keeps the home warm, safe and strong for years to come. Log repair and replacement is where we remove whole or partial parts of logs. Then, using matching materials and ensuring structural strength, we repair the bad portions. Many times the logs are not a complete loss, allowing us to remove just the damaged portions. Craftsmanship is what we strive for, so we restore the look and feel of the original logs. If you own a log home, you have seen small cracks throughout your log walls. These cracks are called checks: checks are naturally occurring in wood as it ages. Small checks that do not penetrate the whole log are natural, not something to worry about. They do not hurt the integrity of log homes. Most checks are nothing to worry about and add character. Though, if they reach a certain size, they should be brought to the attention of a professional. When it gets large enough, it is then called a split. These are more severe and often go all the way through the log. This damage may come from lack of proper maintenance, improper drying techniques, or they are carrying too much weight. Logs for beams with severe splits should be replaced or repaired as soon as possible. Log Home Restorations of California will repair or replace damaged logs. First, we will shore up the structure, then remove the damaged areas or even full logs. Replacing them with new logs that matches the original structures type of wood, stain, and other finishes to make a seamless blend with your home. From the beginning, we work with the homeowner every step of the way. We ensure that your log home renovation will be done the way you want. No matter the cause of the damaged logs, we can quickly repair your home. We do all the different log repairs.

What is Chinking?

July 22, 2019

According to a dictionary a chink is a small cleft, slit, or fissure or a weak spot that may leave one vulnerable. Chinking is the very act of fixing the chink with caulk and other means. Log homes have chinks, they are the gaps between the logs as they settle. They are vulnerabilities to the elements and vermin. Anytime there are gaps or clefts between the log's moisture can make its way into the logs. This can cause wood rot and other problems. Since log homes have been around for centuries, the method of fixing the chinks has changed. Log homes are not made with manicured logs that fit together. They only touch each other in the joints. There is an inch or two gaps between them. These are chinks. Wind, rain and vermin penetrate the walls. So some solution developed. Early settlers used everything from grass to corn cobs or anything they could grab to fill in the cracks. None to efficient but cheap and easy. It also needed replacing often. Settling is a major problem with old chinking. Since logs shrink as they age the old chinking would separate or fall out. This allowed weather and pest in. Modern chinking products have superior adhesion and flexibility. Today chinking are an acrylic, elastic compound that adheres to the logs. They can stretch and contract as logs settle and move. Modern chinking is usable for both new construction and restoration projects. Sealing gaps and ensuring that the homes stay sealed for many more years. It remains soft and pliable for years after application.