Log Home Care and Maintenance

Over the years, styles of homes exteriors have changed and have progressed to what we all live in now which ranges from brick, stucco and dryvit, wood siding, aluminum or vinyl siding, composite or butler stone facade. But nothing ever seems to compare with the look, feel and warmth of a log cabin or home. Commonly built with extravagant fireplaces, they have been the essence of many romantic stories, getaways, seclusion and inspiration.

Any log home owner can attest to the unique appeal and homeliness found in this style of early American abode. Like any home, it requires TLC for the exteriors appearance and integrity. Most log homes were built with the nearby forest pine species. Now they are ordered and delivered for pre-fab kits based upon a specific design. The exteriors of these homes require protection from the elements. Protection from rot and decay due to extended periods of exposure to moisture. Levels exceeding 20% WMC is where rot can begin to set in. Owners of log homes are faced with the challenges of maintaining and restoring the wood as needed. This may mean having the home or cabin cob blasted or chemically stripped and pressure washed , depending on the logs. The chinking between the logs needs to be checked and maintained as well in order to prevent moisture and unwanted weather from entering the interior and otherwise unprotected areas. A borate treatment may also be advised. Caulking is also checked and maintained during the process. We service Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, West Virginia, North and South Carolina, Florida, Ohio, and Louisiana. Travel outside of these areas will be determined on a per project basis. We're also experienced Perma-Chink, Sashco, and Defy applicators.

Log home manufacturers recommend that the exterior and interior be inspected at least once a year. Areas around fireplaces, apexes on the roof and eves, corners, doors and windows including dormer style extension windows, sinks, tubs and plumbing, built on decks and stair ways can develop problems from use and settling. Exposure to the elements causes cracking and leaks that need to be sealed early to avoid the exposure to moisture which promotes rot and decay.

On areas with evidence of rot from high moisture content, a borate treatment helps to inhibit further rot and insect attack. If the rot has progressed far enough, it may need to have an epoxy curative and filler applied to the effected area before sealing. Oil based sealers with pigment (stain) complete the protection necessary for the wood to endure the climate they are exposed to which is usually cold and snowy with long winters and short summers.

The process involved in restoring a log home is very demanding of attention to detail. From the cob blasting or pressure washing phase to the masking and caulking/chinking phase, the borate/epoxy filler phase, or the log defelting, buffing and sealing phase, the end result and duration of the job will depend on how well all of these phases were conducted. The integrity of your logs must be maintained in order to avoid costly replacement.

If you are in need of specialized care for you log home, call See Dirt Run!™ Inc. We can help! To view more beautiful examples of our work as well as video testimonials from some of our clients, visit our photo and video gallery today!

Only tinted sealers and stains offer UV protection for your wood. Clear sealers offer no UV protection. Pressure washing your home's brick or siding is equally important, as are other wooden items such as fences, gazebos, and playground equipment. We're certified by the PWNA in Wood Restoration & Preservation.