What Is Log Home Maintenance?

Owners of log homes know that longevity is the number one concern. Will my home last? What should I do if it begins to degrade? How can I maintain my log home so it looks as good 25 years from now as it did on day one?

Though it has costs associated with it, it's important to understand the importance of log home maintenance and how it will help keep your home in better condition for years to come. The last thing they would want is for it to deteriorate over the years and fall into disrepair, only to cost even more in repairs.

So what is proper log home maintenance and how can you keep yours in good condition?

Essentially, log home maintenance involves making sure the outer shell of the log home is protected from the sun’s rays, water damage, air infiltration, and any infestation or intrusion from insects or rodents. With proper maintenance practices, you should be able to keep your home looking the way it did the day it was finished. Here are some things to consider during the maintenance process.

Wash your Home

An important part of maintenance is simply washing your log home from top to bottom. By clearing the top layer of the home, you’re removing any dust, cobwebs, bird droppings, pollen, and other things that affect the finish. With a fresh washed home you’ll be able to easily identify where the caulking has cracked or needs replacing.

Once the home is dry, determine what kind of stain was used. Depending on the kind of stain that was applied to your home upon construction, you’ll be able to check for different issues with the home. Oil based will have worn-down blonde areas, while latex based stains will appear duller.

Don’t forget about your windows. They are just as important to keep clean and residue-free as the rest of your home.

Caulking and Chinking your Home

You should be paying attention to the caulking around your home at least twice a year. No matter how many times you check, there will be some areas that will require attention. If you have any caulking or chinking that has failed, you’ll need to replace it.

Clean out the area with a knife to remove any impurities that may be behind the failed caulk. By doing this, you’re making sure that the area behind the sealant will dry out. Once that’s dry, the new caulk will stay attached for a longer period of time.

Make sure to apply new caulk before applying any maintenance coats of stain. The caulk won’t adhere properly to the logs, which will cause the caulk to fail and cause you to replace it more frequently.

Log home maintenance isn’t difficult to do, but is a chore that must be done throughout the year, every year. If you take the time to do it properly, your home will look great for years to come. As the saying goes, take care of your home, and it will take care of you.