Log Home Maintenance Basics

What happened to my logs?
If you ever visit a log home restoration company website and read their frequently-asked-questions, you will quickly see that there are many log home owners asking the same question, "What happened to my logs?"

These owners are often concerned with blackened logs, failed finish, bug damage, UV damage and the list goes on. Many log home owners are concerned with how to restore and maintain their log home. With so many log home owners searching for answers, they wonder “Is log home maintenance really this confusing?”

It can be confusing
The answer is yes, it can be very confusing, due to conflicting information and advertising claims. There are manufacturers claiming that their logs are chinkless, and coatings companies stating that no logs are chinkless. One coatings company believes an oil-based deep-penetrating stain is best and another claims a water-based film-forming stain is best. Some professionals prefer to caulk upward facing checks (cracks) and others say never caulk checks. To remove your existing finish some restoration companies only corn cob blast and say you should never power wash a log home. Other companies believe media blasting is messy and leaves the wood pitted and prefer to power wash after using a chemical stripper. Why do log professionals have such differing opinions?

Understanding why
There are two answers to this question. One is that the industry is competing for your business and promoting their products. Even the most inferior product on the market will sound great after reading their marketing materials. The second reason is that there are several ways to achieve the same result. There are different methods for removing the existing finish logs. Corn cob blasting, power washing or chemical stripping and other blasting media such as glass or walnuts may be used. All methods have pros and cons and are effective when done correctly. However, either method can damage your logs when done incorrectly. Many log professionals find what works best for them and they have years of experience mastering the technique.

What to do
You should contact an experienced, reputable log restoration company that use products specifically designed for log homes. These companies see the results of a poorly designed log home or an inferior coating. We encourage you to talk with each company about their specific method. Keep in mind they can be very "opinionated and passionate" about the technique they use.

Restoration companies may differ on corn cob blasting versus power washing and other issues, but the end result will be clean logs ready to effectively accept a stain. Even though there may be differences of opinion between companies, there are some industry-wide standards that most will agree on.

• For best log stain performance, proper log surface cleaning and preparation are the most important    factors.
• Apply Borate to logs after they are cleaned to prevent mold, mildew and insects.
• Having wide overhangs, good drainage systems, adequate ground clearance and keeping shrubs away from logs are very important for protecting logs from water damage.
• Use high quality products for best results.
• Use only coatings that are specifically designed for log homes and repel water, protect wood from sunlight and allow logs to breathe.

Simple steps
So, if you are wondering how to take care of your older log home or want to know how to maintain your new log home, there is a way. The coatings industry, log home manufacturers, and log restoration companies are beginning to work together on what is best for you and your log home. The industry is continually changing with a trend toward energy efficiency and developing environmentally products. 

Log protection starts with design and continues with proper preparation of the log surface and a quality log stain. This should be followed up with maintenance inspections on a regular basis (once or twice a year). Prevention is key to properly maintaining your log home.