It is easy to look at a log home and think that it is the same as all the other concrete ones we are used to. Well, these structures differ significantly and so are the challenges that one faces when trying to keep them in top condition. Log homes are made of wood, and the things that can compromise the structure and integrity of wood are so many. In fact, wood is more susceptible to these elements compared to concrete and owners of log homes always find themselves engaging in several tasks needed to keep their homes in excellent condition.
The things that can affect the integrity of any log home vary with the seasons and weather conditions. Aside from those seasonal threats, there are some that are universal and change the house at any time of the year, and it is prudent to know what to do to keep the home in excellent condition. Here are some helpful routine maintenance tips that will walk you through some essential things you need to do to your log home.
Check The Seals
If you look at the way log homes are built, you will see that the structure is made of several logs that get attached. It is virtually impossible to connect these logs in an airtight manner, and the people building it will need to seal the air spaces between the logs. While the seals may be done right on the first instant, expect them to wear out with time as they are exposed to air, water, and other things. Examining these seals should be the first thing of your maintenance routine as torn ones can lead to shrinkage in wood and develop spaces for insects to penetrate. They also allow water to seep into the logs and this can build rot in the wood. Fix all areas and damaged spots by filling them with caulk and stain, with the help of a caulk gun. Caulking is one of the best ways of filling these air spaces, but it suffers a lot from the various elements of weather.
Aside from the usual seals, the finish on the log also provides some cover from the elements of weather. Make a point of checking this out and ensure that the color has not faded. The wood should still retain its natural color if the finish is clear. If the wood has turned dingy, then their protective cover may have worn out leaving it exposed to the rays from the sun and moisture. Try and redo the finish every time it wears out and after some time, treat the logs if you still see some spaces after applying the finish.
Clean Your Logs
It is expected that several things such as pollen, dirt, and dust will build up on your logs after a long time. These things should not be allowed to accumulate for an extended time, and you need to clean your logs frequently. This is because leaving them on your logs for a long time will only prove to be hectic when you try to clean the wood. Before applying a new coat of finish to your log home, ensure you clean them up and remove the build-up of all these things. Depending on how severe the build-up is, you could do it yourself or hire an inexpensive log cleaner to go the job for you. You might want to use some organic treatments such as bleach solutions that will help to kill any mildew. Another way of going about it is by using a pressure cleaner, and precaution should be taken to ensure that all gaps are filled as the pressure might make any small gaps worse.
Insect Control
One of the most common threats to log houses is that of insects and pests. In the past, termites were the most prevalent threat, but surprisingly, carpenter beers have emerged as the most common ones in recent years. Well, this is not definite as it depends on the area you are in and the types of insects that inhabit that particular area. One perfect way of repelling insects is by selecting wood that naturally repels insects such as the Northern White Cedar. It is understandable that it may be hard if you already built the log home with a different type of wood and in that case, you should use any products that contain specific substances that repel insects. Some common ones are boric acid and permethrin that are well known to repel away bees and other common insects.
Check The Interior
Most people take care of the outside part of their log homes and forget about the inside. Create some time and go up into the attic to assess any potential damage from water and rodents. Ensure you also inspect the ceilings for any cracks and water damage. Some kinds of cracks are not suitable for your home as they allow water to get into the wood and this leads to more moisture issues. Fill all such cracks with caulking to prevent the possibility of wood rot.
Gutters
Log homes are very vulnerable to water and having gutters and downspouts that drain water correctly should be a priority. Gutters that overflow or disjointed at specific points can direct water to some parts of your log home and lead to the damage of the external wood surface, creating room for the growth of mold and rot. Clear all your gutters regularly and ensure that water flows smoothly when it rains.
Some everyday things that you can do to ensure that your log home is in perfect condition have been highlighted, and you should pay close attention to them. Keep in mind there your options are not limited when it comes to the products you can use and always go for the organic products as they are good for the environment and offer no potential harm to your children and pets. Do not overcomplicate it and you can always reach out to an expert log home care service for advice and help with some of the tasks mentioned above.