Log Home Restoration AR Log Cabin Preservation Log Homes Stains & Finishes Cabins Chinking

Log Home/Cabin Restoration

Cleaning and Restoring Your Logs

Log home living is a tradition that never loses its charm, the warmth of its country ambiance unmatched. And with all the modern innovations, this cozy way of life is more comfortable than ever.

The first step of maintenance is clean surfaces. Keeping the logs clean will help prevent many problems throughout the life of your home. A thorough cleaning should be on your schedule every few years. Even logs that have weathered to a gray color can be restored to that fresh-cut look with a good cleaning.

Log Home/Cabin Preservatives

Protect Your Logs from Infestation, Mold and Mildew.

If you want to keep your logs preserved for a long time, use borates, the most popular treatment against mold, mildew and infestation.

The exterior pigmented stains that have “preservatives” incorporated in the stain are ineffective. Most biocides added to paints and stains are what are referred to as “in can preservatives”. Their function is to prevent molding and spoiling of the contents while it is in the pail and they don’t have enough concentration for actual pesticides usage. If they were truly pesticide products they would have to be labeled as such and approved by EPA. If they are not, they do not have enough concentration of biocide to really control any biological activity.

Log Home/Cabin Stains and Finishes

Beautify Your Log Home

The main task of finishing the logs is to repel moisture and protect against UV rays. Basically, all log homes should be refinished every 2 to 7 years. An easy test to determine if it is time to apply a new finish is to sprinkle several logs with water from the hose or a spray bottle. If the water is absorbed into the wood rather than repelled, then it’s time to refinish. If you are applying an oil stain, logs must be completely dry. Dry to the touch is good enough for water borne finishes.

Log Home/Cabin Sealants

Log Home Chinking

When logs are first cut, they are very wet. When they dry out, the logs shrink in diameter. Most of the movement takes place in the first 12 to 18 months, from then on seasonal moisture variations cause smaller but continuing cycles of shrinking and expanding.