Log Home Restoration: Replacing Deck Boards
When older decks need a few boards replaced because of splinters or cracks, oftentimes unless the board is notched out for a post or has an angled cut, the board can just be flipped over. The bottom side of the board is most likely in excellent condition. This will match the existing older boards much better than buying a new “green” piece of lumber. Do the repair work first, clean or strip the deck, let it dry and then apply the finish . Most of the time this will work very well and blend nicely.
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Log Home Restoration:What About The Caulking?
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Log Home Restoration: Quick Tip
Be sure when taking pictures of the family to say “smile.” If not, there is a good possibility somebody may want to show off. Peggy Sue always behaves. Heidi on the other hand is the prankster……
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Log Home Restoration: Rain, Sleet or Snow
Today it will be in the upper 80s and sunny. In the picture in Staunton, VA. it was Febuary, 33 degrees and had just stopped snowing…….12 inches. The sun came out and melted some of the snow and then it froze that night. The next day we had to use hammers to beat holes in the ice covered snow so we could get the legs of the ladders down through the snow to solid ground. Got the house stripped, then had to wait for a few days for the weather to break and warm up. Three days later it was in the mid 50s and we started staining. This time everything work out. Ole Man Winter had mercy on us.
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Log Home Restoration Media Blasting
Check out our latest media blasting video. This log home restoration consisted of removing Sikkens Cetol 23. It was only 3 years old and already peeling. Probably applied to wet logs, the only solution is to remove the finish and start over. Clean, bare, DRY wood is imperative for good adhesion of any finish, especially a film-forming sealer.
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Log Home Restoration: Spring Cleaning Quick Tip
Now that the pollen is about over, its a good time to wash your log home. Be sure to do this at least once a year to remove any dirt, pollen, mildew and other contaminants. Keeping the logs clean will prolong the life of the finish dramatically. Dirty logs attract mildew, holds moisture and just plain look bad. Make sure the detergent used is compatable with your finish. If something too strong like dishwashing liquid is used it can actually remove some stains. Whatever you decide to use, be sure to start at the bottom and work up keeping the logs wet at all times. Light brushing may be needed but go easy. This to can damage the finish depending on what was used. Rinsing throughly is important so cleaning residue will not dry and streak the logs. Cleaning a log home is not hard but care needs to be taken so the finish will look better when the job is done and not worse, For more tips on cleaning and restoration click here.
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Log Home Restoration: Deciding on a Color
The best way to know what a color is going to look like on your log home or in this case cedar siding, is to brush on some wet samples. During this cedar siding home restoration, a section of the cedar siding was cleaned and allowed to dry. Then several stain samples were applied. This is the only good way to determine what a color is going to look like on your home. Pictures and paint chips are not a very accurate way to determine colors. Each house is going to be different. The type and age of the wood will dictate the shade of a stain so to really know and be sure about the color, wet samples are the best way to determine what your house will look when a new finish is applied.
When this wall is stripped, the samples will be removed and a clean bare surface will be left perfect for applying a new finish. And you will know exactly how the new finish will look.
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Log Home Restoration: Dedicated To Getting The Job Done!
Log home restoration has come a long way over the years with the advancement in technology. Latex stains, synthetic chinking, aerial lifts, media blasting machines ect… all make the job more productive. But, sometimes you have to improvise. This log home was situated on a very steep hill with trees very close to the house. The homeowner did not want to cut back or disturb the trees and it was impossible to get a ladder or anything else in position to be able to access the corner.
So, up the tree we went!
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Log Home Restoration: Quick Tip
Its a good idea to wash your log home at least once a year. In the spring after the pollen falls is the perfect time. It not only makes the home look better but, it also removes dirt, pollen and other contaminants that is a source of food that helps mold, mildew and lichens thrive. Be sure to use a mild detergent and start from the bottom and work up so as not to streak the logs.
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Log Home Restoration: Sanding The Fascia
Log home restoration sometimes requires more than one stripping method. On this log home, we stripped multiple coats of latex paint from the fascia but there was still a tent left from the engrained pigment. #40 grit sandpaper on orbital sanders was used to remove the engrained pigment. #40 grit paper will leave a somewhat rough profile ideal for penetrating stain to absorb. Sanding the wood smooth leaves the woodgrain tight not allowing the finish to penetrate properly therefore preforming poorly.
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