SEARCHPreparing for Spring Log Home Maintenance
Sure, we may be in the depth of winter now, but Spring will be here in the blink of an eye. With spring just around the corner, the snow will soon clear and it will be time to start your annual spring maintenance routine. The windows will need washing, the garden will need raking and the lawnmower will need to be fired up for the first time in a long time. It’s a busy time of year for all of us and you shouldn’t neglect some simple maintenance checks on your log home.
Spring is a great time to get back in the fresh air and the outdoors after being stuck inside in the cold, dark winter months. Put your time outdoors to good use and get your home in the best shape possible after the harsh winter weather. Start preparing for summer with our top tips for your annual spring log home maintenance routine.
1. Landscaping
Take a walk around the perimeter of your log home and check that all trees, bushes and other vegetation are at least three feet away from your walls. This allows for much better airflow and allows moisture to evaporate easily. If any of the surrounding vegetation is encroaching on your home be sure to trim it back or consider relocating it altogether.
2. Gutters & Spouts
Spring is the perfect opportunity to clean your gutters from leaves and other debris that may have built up over winter. Double check that all water is draining away from your home and make the necessary changes to amend any issues you might find.
3. Foundations
Winter brings serious changes in temperature and this can result in cracks to your foundations. Check to see if any cracks have appeared in your foundations over winter, especially if the area you live in is susceptible to heavy rain fall or drought.
4. Water Resistance
Test areas of your log home to ensure they are still water resistant. The best way to do this is to take a spray bottle and simply spray down the walls of your log home in sections. If the water doesn’t bead up you may need to re-apply treatments to these areas.
5. Cleaning
Washing the exterior walls of your log home using an appropriate cleaning agent is a good idea in spring. Follow the instructions on the cleaning agent and wash it away using your garden hose. This can also help prevent fading and/or loss of water resistance.
6. Stain Adhesion
Take a lap of your log home and check all of the walls, though pay particular attention to the south and west facing walls of your home as they are subjected to more sunlight. Using a strip of masking tape, stick the tape firmly to the wall and then tear it away. If there is any finish stuck to the tape, you may need to apply a new coat of log stain. If the tape is clean then your finish is good to go.
Follow these simple steps to keep your log home properly maintained this spring. Coming out of the winter months, it is imperative that you conduct these simple checks to ensure that your log home stays healthy for the rest of the year and beyond.
