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Log homes, also called log cabins or log houses, are a common choice for individuals looking for beautiful and unique home structures.
While the use of logs as the main material for constructing these bones is unique and aesthetic, they require consistent maintenance to keep them looking good and in an excellent structure.
Over time, log homes are susceptible to being damaged by insects that feed on the woods, elements, and wear and tear, among others.
Especially when log homes are left without proper maintenance. If damaged log homes are left unaddressed, it could result in serious problems such as structural instability, pest infestation, and water leakages.
Log home repair and restoration involves the process of fixing damage on your log home and returning it to its original condition.
This involves thinking and recaulking to seal gaps between logs and replacing or repairing damaged logs. All these and more are essential for reviving and maintaining the integrity of your log home.
If you have a log home or are planning on setting up, here is a rundown of common log home issues you should be aware of. You will also discover some log home repair and restoration techniques.
Log Cleaning And Stripping
When repairing a damaged or abandoned log home, the first step is to clean and strip the logs. You need to remove dirt, grime, and old finishes.
Proper log cleaning and preparation will allow you to accurately assess the condition of the logs and identify the necessary repairs. It will also allow new finishes to blend and hold into the logs.
To cleanly strip the logs, there are different options you could choose from. However, the popular ones are pressure washers or chemical strippers. If using a pressure washer, it should be in a low-pressure setting to avoid damaging the logs.
Meanwhile, the manufacturer’s instructions for the chemical stripper should be strictly adhered to as they can be dangerous if not handled properly. Visit http://www.simplifydiy.com/painting-and-decorating/paint-stripping/chemical-strippers to learn more about chemical strippers.
Repairing Damaged Logs
After thoroughly cleaning and stripping the logs, the next is to inspect them for damage. If there are any cracked or rotten logs, they need to be repaired or replaced.
You need a wood filler or epoxy to repair a cracked log. However, if the crack is deep, you will require a butterfly joint or spline.
Meanwhile, if the log is rotten probably as a result of moisture or pest infestation, you will need to cut out the rotten wood and replace it with new wood.
Chinking And Caulking
Chinking and caulk are essential steps used in sealing the gaps between logs.
This prevents the infiltration of moisture into the home which can lead to damage over time.
However, chinking and caulk is not a one-off thing. It needs to be done continuously as they tend to deteriorate and need replacement over time.
You can learn more at https://www.superiorlogrestorations.ca/ about custom log home repair and restoration services. Log homes are unique structures that require specialized care and attention, they have the expertise to get the job done right.
Staining And Sealing The Logs
After repairing and chinking or caulking the logs, you need to stain and seal them to protect the elements. For long-lasting results, you should apply the stain and sealant every two to three years.
To choose a stain and sealant for your log home, you need to opt for products designed mainly for log homes.
The stains and sealants used for log homes should be flexible and breathable. As the logs expand, they will contract with changes in temperature and humidity.
Repairing Or Replacing Windows And Doors
Log homes can be prone to settling, this can cause the windows and doors to stick or become misaligned.
If your log home windows or doors are not working as they ought to, you may need to have them repaired or replaced. Read here on how to properly fix it.
To repair a window or door, you need to adjust the hinges or latches. However, if the problem persists, It’s best to seek the services of a professional to repair the foundation or the window or door itself.
Common Log Home Issues To Watch Out For
Moisture Damage
One of the biggest enemies of log homes is moisture. It causes logs to rot, chinking to deteriorate, and mold to form.
Moisture that harms logs can come from a variety of sources including rain, humidity, and even ground moisture. Therefore, it’s essential to divert water away from your log home’s foundation and regularly maintain the structure.
Settling
This is a natural process caused by wood drying and shrinking that occurs in log homes over time. It causes cracks in the logs and chinking. it can also cause the doors and windows doors within the log home to be sticking.
Insect Damage
Insects, such as termites and carpenter ants, can also cause damage to log homes. They tend to burrow into the wood and weaken it, making it susceptible to other damage.
Rotting Logs
Rotting logs is a serious log issue that can be caused by diverse factors, including pest infestation, moisture damage, and weathering. Rotting logs causes a lot of damage to log houses including weakening of structure and mold growth.
Cracked Chinking
Chinking is a sealant used in sealing the gaps between logs. It effectively deters moisture and pests from gaining access to the logs.
However, Chinking can crack and fall out over time allowing pests and moisture into the home. Therefore, thinking needs to be applied regularly.
Final Words
Log homes are beautifully structured homes that provide one with a connection to nature. The use of logs in their construction makes them unique, however, must be regularly maintained to keep them in good shape and prevent damage.
Log homes, if not properly cared for are susceptible to pest infestation, log rotting, and moisture damage, among others.
If your log home is damaged, there’s a need for proper repair and restoration. Ultimately, performing routine maintenance on your log home will keep it looking its best and protect it from factors causing damage for years to come.
