First of all, a log home requires similar attention and maintenance as a painted, wood-sided home. Need to do:
- annual visual inspection for "checks" (cracks) that are upward-facing on the exterior. We've seen maybe one or two. Caulk with proper log home product.
- visual inspection for carpenter bees. Some areas this isn't a problem, others it may be. Products are available to exterminate within the hole burrowed in.
- staining: you will need to re-stain periodically (just like re-painting). How often depends on (1) product recommendations (2) weather in your area (3) proximity of vegitation (e.g. large shading trees) vs. exposed to sun (dries faster after a rain).
For us, the trick we decided was to stain one side each year. That gets us within the "every 4 years" recommendation, and also makes the job less daunting!
- annual visual inspection for "checks" (cracks) that are upward-facing on the exterior. We've seen maybe one or two. Caulk with proper log home product.
- visual inspection for carpenter bees. Some areas this isn't a problem, others it may be. Products are available to exterminate within the hole burrowed in.
- staining: you will need to re-stain periodically (just like re-painting). How often depends on (1) product recommendations (2) weather in your area (3) proximity of vegitation (e.g. large shading trees) vs. exposed to sun (dries faster after a rain).
For us, the trick we decided was to stain one side each year. That gets us within the "every 4 years" recommendation, and also makes the job less daunting!
