Lofty Living :: Summer 2008

When you buy a log home you are making an investment in your future. As someone wanting to protect your investment you want to take every measure necessary to make it last as long as possible. Routine maintenance inspections should be performed no more than three years apart, during which all of the following should be completed:

Calking & Seals: should be inspected to ensure that no failures have occurred
Checks: larger than ½” should receive back rod and caulk with colored caulk to match stain
Spouting & Downspouts: should be inspected
Structural Integrity: Logs should be inspected for decayed areas and pest activity
Windows & Doors: should be inspected, including all seals and door thresholds for leakage
Misc: all beehives, bird nests, etc. should be removed as quickly (and painlessly) as possible

Q: Wouldn’t this be better left to a professional?
A: While it is possible to perform the required routine maintenance yourself it is highly recommended that you employ the services of a company who specializes in this type of work. Businesses such as Log Building Solutions offer comprehensive maintenance packages that can be built right into your monthly mortgage costs. This will give you the peace of mind that your investment is securely protected.

Q: Do the logs need to be treated?
A: Yes they do. Any wood product, no matter what species it is, when exposed to the elements of nature will have to be taken care of to insure long life and to maintain the beauty of the wood. Products such as Transformation Stain by Sashco can ensure that your home will maintain its color look just as majestic in 10 years as it does when you first build it. Weather repellants such as Cascade are used to protect your home against harsh weather conditions which aides in the preservation of the wood’s integrity over long periods of time.

Q: What about termites or other pests?
A: Insect protection is a major concern for log home owners. Insects can damage logs by building nests, boring holes and digesting wood. Sashco offers a variety of environmentally friendly products that aid in the prevention of insects.

If you are building in an area that has a strong termite population it will be advantageous to provide termite shields on the foundation wall. It is an inexpensive deterrent to these pests. It is also recommend that the ground be treated when your home is constructed.

Kiln drying is a very large factor in the prevention of bug and pest infiltration. During the kiln drying process any resident bugs within a log will be killed along with their larvae. This is good news for the log home purchaser, as it will save the cost of possible treatment later on for pests. It is said that some larvae can actually live dormant for up to seven years prior to becoming active. Kiln drying is an investment that kills these larvae.

In conclusion, professional finishing and preservation of a log home immediately upon completion followed by scheduled inspections and preventative maintenance is key to guaranteeing the beauty and longevity of the structure. The long-term cost savings homeowners will recognize is an added benefit: proper maintenance will eliminate costly restoration that may otherwise occur. And proper maintenance offers the assurance and peace of mind that your investment is protected by professionals who specialize in log homes, structural integrity, maintenance and the latest in preservation agents and technology.

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Log Home Maintenance - Preserving Your Investment