Is Your Log Home Protected from Spring Rains?

With melting snow and April rains approaching in Indiana, this is the wet season and heavy moisture is a big threat to your log home. So it’s a good time to see how your log home protection is holding up. As a residential painting and staining company, Matthews Painting has expertise in log home staining, restoration, sealing and maintenance. One thing we have learned is that you can enjoy the benefits of a log home for years – if you attend to regular maintenance now. Wet weather poses a huge threat to your log home’s exterior, but basic precautions and regular maintenance will protect the look – and value – of your home.

When it comes to log home maintenance, there are several issues to consider, but the most important is protection from the elements – moisture and UV damage. Wood preservatives are a vital treatment – repelling water and preventing algae, mold and mildew growth. Preservatives also keep insects away. Additionally, many choose to include chemicals called “biocides” in their wood treatments. These chemicals provide another preventative measure against harmful growth. It’s important to apply these treatments every few years for maximum protection of the exterior, but be sure to use preservatives specifically designed for log homes.

Many wood preservatives contain biocides already, which I recommend. Additionally, wood preservatives contain sun block. This is advisable since your log home is exposed to UV rays all year. Over time, UV damage can alter the appearance and strength of your logs. For log home preservatives we mainly use Sikkens products and are one of only four Sikken certified contractors in Northern Indiana for complete log home restoration. Sikkens is one of the leaders in log home staining and sealing products.  For water base options, we like to use Lifeline Ultra 2 from Permachink.

If you are due for a new coat of exterior log home stain, you have further options to enhance protection. Aside from rejuvenating the look of your home, this will create another layer of water-repellent protection and can even help reflect UV rays. Such preventative maintenance and upkeep is typically done every few years. But in the interim, there are other services such as cleaning and washing that are important to improve both the look and condition of your log home.

Regular inspections of your log home’s exterior finish helps ensure the protection and desired look of your precious logs. As a professional painting company, we are also experts in log home maintenance. That means we can do periodic cleaning and pressure washing that is so important to your home’s appearance and prevention of mold and algae growth. When cleaning exterior logs, however, it’s important to do it in ways that cause the least harm to your finishes. Let us know if you would like a complimentary, professional inspection for your log home from a Better Business Bureau painting company.

All these actions not only protect your home, but ensure its beauty. In addition, regular maintenance results in lower costs to maintain your finish over the long haul. Regular care delays the need to completely remove old, deteriorated finishes. Most importantly, it helps maintain peace of mind that your home is protected. Log homes are in high demand and will continue to appreciate in value. We at Matthew’s Painting are house painters with expertise in log homes. Contact us today to help you keep your log home solid, valuable, and beautiful.