Log Home Restoration: Quick Tip

Spring is almost here. So what does that mean to log home owners? Well, just like interior “spring cleaning” the exterior of the log home needs cleaning as well.

After a long harsh winter battling the elements, the finish can really take a beating. UV rays from the sun can do just as much danage in the winter as in the summer months and maybe more. At least in the summer, most log homes have some amount of shade from trees around the house. In the winter when all the leaves have fallen, the sun has more direct contact on the logs.  The sun can actually cause more damage to the finish as well as other wood than water by drying out the wood causing it to crack and split. The sun takes its toll on the finish as well.  

Pollen, dust and dirt builds up over time. This build up is perfect food for mold and mildew which can erode the finish in a realative short period of time. Moreover, mildew will keep growing having the potential to cause some major log rot problems.

To keep your log home looking its best and protected, it is a good idea to wash the home with a mild detergent at least once a year.  Be careful what you use as some cleaners can cause major damage to the finish. Clean wood not only looks nicer, but will help the finish last longer. And that  extends re-coating intervals and more importantly, major Log Home Restoration.