Indiana homeowners that have the pleasure of owning a log home are always looking for information regarding the best ways to promote the best look and longevity of their property. With the growing number of log homes in the area, our goal is to provide people with the best information and available services that enable these structures to look breathtaking for years to come. Here is an inside look at the steps that produce the healthiest log home possible.
Preparation and Elimination
Pre-treatment is a necessary step for the longevity of the logs because it will slow the drying of the logs and in turn, prevent cracking. Another important maintenance ritual should include ensuring that an insecticide/termiticide/fungicide application is applied to the logs. Although these threats may not be visible from the outside, it’s still a necessary precaution as insects such as termites and boring beetles can cause significant structural damage. Be sure to inquire about a solution that has the ability to penetrate deeply into the wood to eliminate areas of weakness.
Removal
Mold and mildew (aside from being unsightly and pretty gross) are enemies of logs and homeowners. They can slowly rot and break down logs individually or in large groups. Unfortunately, costly replacement is a process that can be avoided with a little bit of diligence. With the fluctuating temperature and often brutal wet seasons in the region, mold and mildew will happen to even the most well-kept log homes at some point.
Cleaning
A routine cleaning will always serve as the best line of defense against mold, mildew and ultimately rotting logs. Last week, I wrote about the advantages of pressure washing key areas of the property that are often neglected. Scheduling a few sessions to address those areas and clean the logs will pay off immensely in the long run. Especially because regular maintenance can be easy to forget during busy warmer months.