Common Winter Hazards (and their Log-ical Solutions)
Don’t let those hot cups of cocoa by the fire this winter make you forget about the importance of maintaining your log home against the elements.
Maintenance Tip of the Month
We generally recommend that you seal your logs every 3-5 years, but this can vary depending on your home’s location and exposure to weather.
Neglecting upkeep can lead to a variety of problems that not only compromise the structure but also increase long-term maintenance costs. Here are some common winter issues for log homes (and how to prevent them):
• Log Rot: Seal logs regularly and properly ventilate your home.
• Cracks Appearing in Logs: Seal drafts and make sure your space is properly temperature-controlled.
• Pest Infestation: Repair rotten wood and seal all holes when they appear.
• Water Damage: Be sure to fix leaky pipes and clear your gutters of any debris that could cause clogs.
• Damage from Ice Buildup: Ensure proper insulation and keep your gutters in good working order.
Maintaining your log home is essential to ensure its longevity, comfort, and efficiency. ■
Best-Selling Maintenance Products
Log Language “Checks”
Checks are cracks or splits in a log.
Staying Vigilant Against Mold
Discovering mold can be concerning, but acting fast at the first sign helps minimize damage. Here’s a game plan:
• Inspect and Assess: Check both visible areas and hidden spots to determine the extent of the mold.
• Eliminate Moisture: Fix leaks, improve ventilation and ensure proper drainage to remove moisture sources.
• Clean Affected Areas: Wearing protective gear, use a mild detergent or specialized mold cleaner for small patches.
• Replace Damaged Materials: Remove and replace logs or materials that are deeply affected by mold.
• Improve Ventilation and Insulation: Use dehumidifiers and ensure good airflow to prevent future mold growth.
• Regular Monitoring: Frequently inspect your home and maintain dryness to keep mold at bay.
For severe mold problems, consult a professional remediation specialist. ■
Tips for Minimizing Drafts
Keep the cold away by properly sealing your log home. Here are some helpful tasks you can do to seal away drafts:
• Chink: Properly chink gaps between logs with a dedicated log home sealant.
• Re-stain: Regularly re-stain the exterior to prevent moisture penetration.
• Weather strip: Add stripping to doors and windows.
• Secure your foundation: Inspect and seal cracks around foundation areas.
• Add additional insulation: Consider further insulation where necessary, especially around corners and wall junctions.
Chop Your Energy Bill This Season
We know as temperatures go down, heating bills go up in log homes. But you can minimize the damage:
• Stay on top of gaps and leaks: Leaks are prominent avenues through which log homes lose their heat, causing your energy bills to rise as your system works harder to maintain a comfortable temperature.
• Keep walls caulked: As the timber logs shrink, swell and settle, new gaps can occur in corners and joints, so it’s important to keep them caulked. Remember, this is an ongoing maintenance task.
• Consider new appliances: Investing in new appliances, lighting, and smart technology not only saves on utility bills, it also prevents more breakdown expenses in the next few years.
Ask the Expert
Are log homes dustier than other homes?
Technically yes, because the crevices between the logs are a natural dust traps. But you can prevent this by applying an appropriate finish. Stain logs and then use a sealer on all sides.
Want our help with this? Reach out for a free estimate