Keep Your Log Cabin Looking Like New With Proper Maintenance & Restoration

Log Cabins are built to last a long time, but that doesn’t mean they don’t need special care and upkeep to keep them lasting as long as possible. After all, they are made primarily from wood, and wood needs care.

What Type Of Maintenance Does Your Log Cabin Need?

Those who own or have known owners of log cabins realize that ongoing maintenance is needed for the structure to stand the test of time. OutdoorTroop.com states that quite a few things should be monitored frequently before damage is done. Here is a short checklist of some things log cabin owners should check.

By staying on top of the projects on this list, log cabin owners will ensure their homes are in good condition and welcome future generations.

• Check frequently for any signs of mold.
• Make sure that a good stain is used on the home exterior.
• Check for any gaps in the logs and frame and caulk them as soon as possible.
• Check the insulation each summer and winter.
• Check for signs of insects. Termites love wood, so be sure to look for termite “tunnels” close to or around the structure.
• Check for rodents. They may build nests in wood piles and tall grass adjacent to the home.
• Make sure the gutters are free from leaves and debris.

Doing these simple maintenance chores frequently will save you much work later.

Occasional Maintenance:

CabinLife.com advises log cabin owners who may not live in their homes all year. These items should be conducted every couple of years.

• UV rays and moisture are detrimental to log cabins, so it is important to power wash the home and ensure the exterior is clean. This should be done before you stain the home. In most cases, you won’t need to stain the house every year, but it should be done in three—to five-year intervals.
• When landscaping around your home, be proactive and think ahead. Reduce the number of places pests can live and breed. Use rubber mulch instead of wood chips to make the area less hospitable to rodents and pests. Of course, if you see any signs of pests, call the exterminator immediately.
• Animals can also be problematic. If you have woodpeckers, put up Mylar balloons, foil, or other reflective materials to keep the birds away.
• Do not forget the driveway. Many rustic log cabins keep the theme with gravel driveways. Keep it free from leaves and debris, and remember to refresh it with new gravel every two to three years.
• Every year, ensure your energy-efficient windows and HVAC systems are running correctly.

Don’t Forget To Inspect Your Home From Top To Bottom:

Many people are deterred from building log homes because they must know what is occurring inside and outside their homes.

Check for water damage that could have occurred in spring in snow and freezing winter water. In the spring, check for UV damage from the previous year, ensure the air filtration system works properly, and check for signs of rodents and insects. Should you find any issues with your log cabin home, companies like Log Masters Restorations can provide help should your home show signs of settling and keep your home looking as good as it did right after it was built. Quality restoration companies can provide the most advanced treatments to maintain and protect the wood without altering the home’s natural beauty.

If you are looking for a quiet place away from the bustling city, you should consider buying a parcel of land and building your log cabin.