Log Home Maintenance Checklist

Log home maintenance is something that is a continual project for most log home owners. Typically, it is confined to reapplying log stains and applying a little caulking or chinking material. Log home maintenance does not have to be a headache if you set up a maintenance program. Below you will find some helpful tips for maintaining your log home.

• Walk around the perimeter of your log home once a year.
• Look to see if you have any new checks that need to be filled with caulking material.
• Examine any high moisture areas for possible water damage. If rot is present use a wood restoration product to remedy the situation.
• Look for any small holes created from wood boring insects. Check with Mountain Home Building Products in regards to fixing this type of problem.
• Look to see whether your log stain is faded.
• Lightly clean your wood before applying more stain material. The idea is to remove any dirt, dust or debris from the surface of your wood. The new stain material will only be as good as the surface that it adheres to.
• It is best to use the same stain that was originally applied to your log home. Switching stains is possible but make sure that the new stain is compatible with the old stain material.
• Use a quality log home stain. I recommend a product called Sustain Log Home Stain. The better the stain material, the less maintenance your logs will require.
• Log home stains should last about 3 years on the southern exposure of your log home and 4-5 years on the other sides of your home. The better surface preparation you do, the longer your log home stain will last.
• Fill all checks and cracks that are a 1/4'' or greater. This will prevent any water or bugs from getting in your home.
• Look for any tears in your chinking. This material can happen from a poor initial application of chinking or excessive movement in your wood. Fixing the torn chinking can be as easy as re-applying more chinking material to the existing chinking. Most chinking materials adhere to themselves.

In conclusion, the more you stay on top of your log home maintenance, the easier and cost effective it will be.

For more information about log home maintenance, chinking or log home stains contact Mountain Home Building Products at 800-490-3695. Mountain Home Building Products is a leading distributor of chinking, log home stains, log caulking, clear wood finishes, log siding, house logs & rustic lighting.