Author:
Dave Allaire
When it comes to caring for a log home, keep in mind that these homes are far different from conventional homes. Here are a few things to consider about maintaining your log home.
Like any wood sided home, a log home must be protected against the elements. How often this treatment takes place will depend on a few things.
The quality of the previous stain job will have a lot to do with how long the stain will last. If the surface is prepared and coated properly, you will get maximum life from each stain application.
The exposure of the home is important. A home that is out in the open, exposed to the sun and wind will need more frequent maintenance than one that is sheltered by surrounding trees and hills.
Finally, the color or pigment of the stain will make a difference. More heavily pigmented stains will last longer than lighter or clearer stains.
Professional log home care service starts with a visit to your home. With a thorough examination of the condition of the logs and any prior protective stain, the service person will determine what type of log home maintenance is needed. In some cases, the existing stain can be cleaned and renewed with additional coatings of the same or a similar product. In cases where the stain is partially worn, it may need to be completely removed in order to allow for a uniform coating of any new stain product.
If the home has not been previously stained, the steps to protecting the new wood are as follows. Rinse the log walls to remove any contaminants which may prevent good stain adhesion. Apply wood preservative, if none is pre-applied by the log home manufacturer. This material can be applied by brushing or spraying. Coat the log walls with the semi-transparent stain of your choice. Once again, brushing or spraying (followed by back-brushing) will work.
It is good to know that today there are many high-quality products available to preserve log homes. And these products are safe for both the applicator and the environment. Even the products used to clean log homes have become far more environmentally friendly in recent years.
Log home care is as unique as the log home itself. Proper maintenance can lead to a home you can enjoy for many years.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/diy-articles/log-home-maintenance-tips-4826929.html
About the Author
Visit Log Home Headquarters to learn more about log home maintenance. Here your find quality Sashco products to help you care for your log home.