Spring Log Home Maintenance

Spring, the time of renewal, is also a great time to inspect your log home for exposure to the elements. Take some time on one of these sunny weekend days to walk around the outside of your home. Look at the logs from the basement to the roof line for things such as fading and "checks" in the logs.

Are the sides of your home that receive the most sun faded more than the sides that are shaded? You may need to plan to apply another coat of finish on the faded side once the weather allows.

Test the moisture resistance of the finish by spraying some water on the logs. If the water beads up and rolls off the logs, they are in good shape. But if the water is absorbed into the wood, it's time to apply another coat of finish. Look at the ends of the logs at the corners. Because these stick out, they are exposed on more surfaces to the elements and will show signs of needing a touch up more than the logs in the wall.

You will also want to look for any checks that may have opened up since last year, especially unprotected checks on the top half of the log. Small checks can become larger after a winter of several periods of freezing and thawing. Water will run into checks during a thaw, and then when it freezes, the ice expands forcing the check to open more.

To seal checks, use a good quality exterior caulk in the color of the finish on the logs. If the check is greater than a quarter inch, put backer-rod into the check, then caulk. Remember to always follow the manufacturer's recommendations.

Doing maintenance inspections in the spring means your home will receive the care it needs.

~Fred Hathaway, Purchasing Manger