Log Home Maintenance

Now is the time to do your final log cabin fall maintenance tasks before the snows set in.  Preventive maintenance is one of the best investments you can make in keeping your cabin warm safe and sound. So do yourself a favor and make sure to inspect and take care of your log cabin’s exterior.

Here are 18 pre-winter tasks to do before the snow flies.

1. Check over all of the stain and finish on your logs and make sure it is still working.  Use a simple spray bottle with some water in it and spray a little water on an area – if it beads up and rolls off you are in good shape however if the water soaks into the log or you find areas of weathered gray or black areas you need to take action.  You may be able to touch up an area.  Be sure to read and follow all of the directions on your stain and seal. Remember most stains require that the temperature be about 40 – 45 degrees.
2. Look for any checks (cracks) on your logs that face upwards.  These should be sealed with stain and caulk.  Leaving them unattended may allow water and ice to build up.  The freeze thaw can do a great deal of damage and widen checks.
3. Check around windows and doors seal up any air leaks and gaps caulk.
4. Inspect, repair and or replace your window and door weather stripping.
5. Give your roof a once over and look for any gaps around chimneys, vents, and flashing.   If necessary you can seal with caulk or roofing tar until a more permanent solution can me made.
6. Make sure that the valleys are cleared of leaves and debris.
7. Look for any openings in and around your roof, fascia boards, and under the eaves as that may be an entry to your attic for critters of all kinds.  Make sure that no animal is inside and seal off any entry ports with a heavy gauge expanded sheet metal or heavy mesh.
8. Check around your foundation for similar entry ports providing access to your basement and crawlspace.
9. Make sure your gutters are cleared of all debris. Check for leaky gutters during the next rain or simply run a hose and seal any leaks.
10. Make sure your downspouts are clear of debris and properly direct water away from the foundation.
11. Trim back any landscape plantings around the house that are too close to the logs.   Trimming back bushes and other plant material helps promote good air circulation around your logs allowing them to dry quickly.  Logs that stay damp for periods of time can promote fungal growth and begin to rot.  Remember, you should have enough room to be able to walk between your foundation planting and your log walls without touching either of them.  If you cannot walk freely between the two then you should either prune or relocate them.
12. Rake leaves away from your foundation.  Wet leaves are the perfect environment for mold, mildew and wood loving fungi.
13. If you have to clean logs soiled with dirt, pollen, bird dropping or other debris first use dry medium bristle paintbrush and simply try to brush dirt away.  If you need to wash start simple. Start with just plain warm water in a bucket and gently blot or wipe down the area with a damp cloth.  Rinse and wring out the cloth frequently and repeat cleaning the area as necessary.  You will be surprised what just a simple cloth and plain water can clean.
14. Clean stubborn dirt using the same method as above but with a mild detergent added to the water.  If you choose to use a bristle brush to help loosen dirt – be gentle.  Please, what ever you do – stay away from power-washing your log home.
15. If you have not had your chimney inspected and cleaned by a professional sweep its not too late to do so and is a good idea.  It will be a little more expensive now then had it been done over the summer but it is still a well worth it.
16. Inspect all the seals on your wood burning stove. Make sure that the window glass is secure and that door seals are intact. Make sure that dampers open and close properly.
17. Your furnace, heat pump or boiler should also have been inspected and cleaned this past summer.  If you have not had this done its not too late to do so and don’t forget to change the filters.
18. If you plan to burn wood in your fireplace and have a fine stack of wood outside away from the house.  Be sure to only bring in that wood you plan to use rather immediately.  Stacked firewood indoors may be wood that harbors wood boring insects that will also like the indoor warmth of your home.  Do your self a favor – leave the wood outside till you need it.

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