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WEATHERALL’S SPRING MAINTENANCE
Stain Inspection
“Where do I start?” We hear this question a lot. A simple way to begin your spring maintenance is to check the condition of your finish by using the water bead test. Use a spray bottle and simply spray water directly on the logs. If the water beads up and does not appear to penetrate the surface, the top coat is still in good condition. If the water penetrates into the wood, a re-coat is needed. Water based clear stain or oil based clear stain to recoat the surface depending on which type of stain product was originally used. Be sure to test the top of the logs and the most severely exposed areas. Further attention may be needed to areas where the wood is damaged from the sun or standing water due to neglect. The best approach in this situation is to treat these areas individually with a light sanding and reapplication of the original pigmented stain before applying the clear coat.
Chinking/Caulking Inspection
Inspect the entire house for possible chink and caulk failures. Chinking tearing away from the logs can be attributed to several things: green logs; poor application; using the wrong product; excessive log twisting and/or movement; poor surface preparation; or a combination of any of these reasons. Repair the failed areas with the appropriate chinking or caulking material. Video instructions on chinking/caulking application and repair are available on our website at www.weatherall.com. Spring is also a good time to repair areas of wind and water infiltration that were noticed over the winter time. A good place to start is to inspect any upward facing exterior cracks or checks in the logs that may be spiraling into the interior of the house. Properly fill and caulk these problem areas on the exterior where air, moisture and insects may find their way into your home.
Gutters, Roof and Logs Inspection
Excess moisture is the number one problem for log homes. Keeping them clean and as dry as possible is crucial for maintaining the longevity of your logs. Twice a year examine your gutters and clean out any debris that can clog the downspouts. This will keep the gutters from overflowing and causing the water to cascade down the surface of your log walls. Also, double check the surface of the lower logs for evidence of moisture and dirt caused by poor drainage away from the house. Finally, do a visual exam of your roof to make sure debris has not accumulated in the valleys and around dormers. Debris that hasn’t been removed from the roof can cause drainage problems which in turn can lead to rotting logs and other moisture issues.
Weatherall understands how much work you put into caring for your log home. That’s why we work so hard designing the best products to serve your needs.
