Do you have a lovely log home in the mountains of western North Carolina? Log homes are a popular choice in this region and fit in well with the stunning views and landscapes of this area. However, just like any home log homes require regular upkeep to sustain them. WNC Blast/Wash & Staining specializes in log home care. Today we want to share with you a commonly asked question we receive, “How do you maintain a log home?”
Inspection
Owning a log home is a beautiful rustic experience. The exterior uniquely shows the rough texture of the logs, but it does require regular work to keep the wood in good condition.
The first step to keeping up maintenance on your home is to perform regular inspections. These inspections do not need to be intense and overly thought out. Instead, twice a year, we recommend once in fall and once in spring, take a slow walk around the exterior of your home. Look for anything that is out of place and causes you concern and make a note of those places. You should also take pictures with a camera or your cell phone to document what you are seeing.
Examples of things to look for in your inspection should be loose gutters, mold, falling shingles, loose or cracking chinking, fading due to the sun, etc.
Wash the Exterior of Your Cabin
We wash the exterior of our cars regularly to remove dirt and debris, but have you thought about doing that to your cabin?
Annually washing the exterior of your logs cleans off any dust, mud, pollen, bird droppings, mildew and more! Sometimes it can be challenging to see if there are any underlying issues with the wood because it could be covered up. Besides, scheduling regular cleanings give the outside of your home a fresh appearance.
Stain Every Three Years
Nothing lasts forever, and neither does stain. Just as the paint on the exterior of a home can chip and fade the stain on your logs will deteriorate as well. Also, the side of your home that receives the most sun will fade more quickly due to UV light than the others. Thus, making the sides look different from one another.
We recommend staining every three years to both protect and refresh your log home.
Chinking Repair
After your stain has had time to settle and be absorbed by the wood, your next step is to repair your chinking.
Chinking can be thought of like the mortar to bricks. It is a sealant the closes gaps and holds your logs together. Annually repairing your chinking is vital to keeping moisture out of your home and logs.
If you notice any timbers that are cracking, this is normal, be sure to fill in the gaps with chinking. This will prevent moisture from pooling while also preventing birds and insects from creating nests in them.
Pest Control
Speaking of insects and birds, it is vital to deal with pests annually. Wood has always been a magnet for different types of insects such as boring bees, termites, spiders, etc. and it does not take long for them to wreak havoc on timber. Typically, the infestation of pests can be deterred via regular chemical dusting, fumigation, or spray-on treatments.
General Maintenance
There is always general maintenance that is required of any home, regardless if it is a log cabin or not. Just as the tips suggested above, regular maintenance is also paramount to sustaining the lifespan of your structure.
For example, cleaning out your gutters and downspouts ensure the water has no place to pool and instigate decay. You should also check for gaps in doors and windows, maintain your heating and cooling system, reseal decks and stairs, etc. Everything you do to improve or extend the lifespan of your home will bring you peace of mind and ensure a lifetime of enjoyment for you and your family.
In closing, don’t forget that WNC Blast/Wash & Staining is to help you with all your log home maintenance needs. We can do the hard work for you so you can spend your time doing things you enjoy. Contact us today with any questions you may have!