Log Home Chats
Protect Your Log Home from Summer’s
Elements
Shield Your Logs from the Summer Sun
That summer sunshine might feel good—but it’s tough on logs. Discover how to keep your log home protected from fading, cracking, and UV damage this season.
Summer Sun Protection for Your Logs
Maintenance Tip of the Month
The summer sun can definitely be brutal to bare wood. Its UV rays can degrade stain, dry out your logs, and leave them vulnerable to cracking and rot. Pay special attention to the sides of your home that get the most direct sunlight—usually the south- and west-facing walls.
What to Look For:
• Patchy, faded stain
• Rough or brittle surface texture
• Pale wood grain
• Water soaking in instead of beading up
What to Do:
• Reapply stain or sealant to high-exposure areas
• Choose a product with built-in UV blockers
• Consider doing touch-ups annually and full restains every 3–5 years
Proper stain and seal maintenance not only protects your home, it keeps it looking beautiful through every season. ■
Summer heat causes wood to expand and contract, which can loosen fasteners like bolts, screws, and brackets. Check and tighten exterior connections to prevent shifting and damage.
Best-Selling Maintenance Products
Weatherall
UV GUARD II
Bestt Liebco
Stainer Brushes Energy Seal
Log Language
“UV Degradation”
The breakdown of wood fibers and stain coatings caused by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. Left unchecked, it leads to fading, cracking, and a weakened protective finish on your log home.
Decks and Porches: The Forgotten Areas of Log Home Care
Decks and porches work overtime during summer—from family barbecues to harsh weather. But unlike your log walls, these surfaces are horizontal and often go unprotected for longer stretches.
Key Maintenance Tips:
• Clean thoroughly with a log-safe wood cleaner
• Inspect for soft boards or splintering areas
• Reseal with a water-repellent stain every 2–3 years
• Check railings and steps for loose connections or rot
• Look underneath for moisture traps or insect nests
Even the strongest deck won’t last without consistent care. Show it some love this summer. ■
How Can I Improve Air Circulation Inside My
Log Home?
Poor airflow can lead to stale indoor air, humidity buildup, and increased cooling costs—especially during hot months. Thankfully, you can improve circulation with a few simple improvements:
• Run ceiling fans counterclockwise in summer to push cool air down
• Install attic or whole-house fans to exhaust hot air
• Use a dehumidifier in basements or log-heavy rooms
• Open windows strategically in mornings and evenings to bring in fresh air
• Keep air filters clean in your HVAC system
Remember, better air flow means better air quality, more comfort, and longer-lasting logs. ■
Fire Safety Tips for Log Homeowners
If you live in a dry or wooded area, summer brings increased fire risks. Take action and protect your property by creating a “defensible zone” around your home.
Fire Safety Checklist:
• Clear debris from gutters and roof: Dry leaves, pine needles, and twigs can ignite from a stray spark.
• Keep vegetation trimmed: Grass and shrubs should be kept short and away from the home to limit the spread of fire.
• Store firewood away from your home: Keep it at least 30 feet from the foundation.
• Avoid fire pits or grills near your home: Always ensure flames are at least 10 feet away from structures.
You can also explore fire-resistant stains and finishes for added peace of mind. Preparation is key. Don’t wait until it’s too late. ■
Ask the Expert
How do I know if a crack in my log is a problem?
Small cracks, or “checks,” are a normal part of a log’s aging process and usually aren’t structural issues. However, if a crack runs deep enough to trap moisture, allows pests inside, or goes fully through the log, it should be sealed or professionally inspected.
Need us to come out for a reseal? Reach out for a free estimate