Owning a home will mean a long list of the things that you need to do to maintain it. For many homeowners, a log cabin has its own set of requirements, and an authentic one will generally last for several decades. See info about a log cabin on this webpage here.
Contrary to the popular myth that wooden homes don’t often last for a long time, this is often the case with a well-made log house. They are easy to sustain, can withstand a lot of weather conditions, and they can stay vibrant regardless of the generations to come.
The overall design and exterior wood will play an important role in the longevity of your house. This is where you need to make sure that you’re only calling the right experts for help. In the meantime, below are some of the red flags that you should watch out for:
Damaged Wood Because of Moisture
Since the home is often made up of wood, it’s a well-known fact that it doesn’t handle any kind of moisture or water damage well. When left untreated, it can grow fungi, mold, and mildew, and this is going to result in rotting. Also, know that even if the house is designed to handle rainy seasons, it’s still best to treat and clean the logs to maintain them well. Look into nooks and crevices and make sure that they are taken care of.
Any plants and shrubs should be far from the actual home, so they won’t help retain moisture. If they are planted on the side itself, this can weaken the structure and the topsoil foundation of the log house. Making sure that the drainage goes away from the foundation instead of into it can help. Add some sealants, fix the gutters, and clean the debris away.
When there are cracks that show, reseal them so you’re not risking any costly repairs in the future. Fix the siding while it’s not too late, and make sure that every rainfall or snowfall is taken care of and drained accordingly instead of staying on top of the house. If you’re unsure of the next steps, you can call a Log Building Maintenance and Restoration Company for help because they will take care of everything. These experts will do media blasting and several replacements when needed.
All About the Chinking and Caulking Process
Two forms of caulking are common in the industry, and they are urethane-based and acrylic. They should be horizontally applied to each layer of the log, and they should cover the spaces in between. Some people wonder what is log chinking? Chinking has a more vertical application, and they are typically applied on the edges. People can find that the clay used can be mixed with cement and mortar for a stronger and more durable result.
However, even if you’ve done everything, these two steps may not be able to prevent moisture from entering your home. They are going to be pulled out of the wood after they are hardened, and this is why you need to use modern products because they are more effective. These varieties are soft and pliable with the durability and flexibility features that many homeowners are looking for. They are the perfect product solutions to protect the homeowners’ log house against the weather and other outside elements.
Proper Interior Care and Maintenance
Securing your log home is possible by regularly cleaning your heating, cooling, and ventilation systems. Even if they keep the entire home more comfortable regardless of the weather outside, you still need to address any leaks or blockage that can damage an oak or teak wood over time. When they are left with constant pooling water, this can result in a more severe problem that can occur in the future.
Also, excessive moisture can lead to various issues, like the proliferation of mildew. They can be a health hazard for people with allergies who are living in the home. They are going to reduce the energy efficiency of your house as well when the filters are too dirty.
For those with hardwood floors, the fine soft bristled brooms are often more than enough to clean everything. Vacuuming at least once or twice a week can eliminate sand and dirt, and the bristles can often reduce the possibility of scratching. Get rid of water right away, including spills, and you can do this through a vacuum.
A damp mop is helpful with wooden floors because the excess can often break the seams of the planks. In areas that see a lot of guests and other high-traffic places, such as the kitchen, it’s advisable to use a carpet runner to prevent slips and falls. Furniture should never be dragged across the floors, and instead, they should have pads that can help them glide from one area to another. Waxing and buffing can also help to keep their pristine appearance.
What to Know about Re-Staining the Exterior
Preserving the natural beauty of your log cabin is possible, and this is done by applying stains to the outside. The fresh ones should replace the current stain at least once every five years, and the standard colors are often the same or darker than the present one. A lighter tone can also be possible, but make sure that the entire look is uniform in appearance. Find out more instructions about staining in this link: https://www.instructables.com/Introduction-to-wood-staining/.
Any shutters should be removed so the staining can have a smoother finish. Pressure washing can also be a part of the maintenance, but this should only clean the siding. Be careful not to wash the logs, and if there are any signs of mildew, make sure to eliminate them before applying the stain. After fully drying, a large brush should be applied to the stain, or it can be through airless sprayers. Consistency should remain, and this is often more than enough to freshen everything up.
Also, it’s best to only apply the stain when the temperature is around 55 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit and do some adjustments. If you’re unsure about the colors, you can always call the experts for help, and they will handle everything on your behalf.
