Living in a log home brings you closer to nature and gives you an authentic rustic living experience. To ensure that you can live in your home for years to come, it’s essential to have some necessary maintenance know-how. From washing the logs to checking for mold, the right maintenance steps can keep the interior and exterior in top condition.
This guide breaks down some of the essential dos and don’ts of log home maintenance. Specific maintenance for your home depends on a variety of factors, so be sure to talk to your contractor or builder. By sticking to these steps and consulting with an expert, you can live in your house for years to come.
Do Set Up A Cleaning Schedule
Cleaning the physical structure of your log home is one of the essential maintenance steps on your list. You need to thoroughly wash the outside of your house at least once per year.
When washing the inside, use a bristle brush and a mild detergent to scrub the surface of the logs. It’s recommended that you wash the walls from bottom to top and then top to bottom. While you might be tempted to simply blast off dirt with a power washer, doing so too often can damage the delicate surface of the logs.
As for the inside of your log home, be sure to treat the logs gently. They should be refinished about every three years to keep the appearance natural. When the walls look dirty, lightly scrub them with a wet rag from top to bottom.
Don’t Forget Pest Control
The nooks and crannies of your log home can be an inviting refuge for critters. Wood is also an ideal home for termites, so it’s essential to monitor your log home for pests. Fortunately, many of today’s log home materials are made with borate, which naturally deters pests.
Contractors should also plug and seal any concerning cracks that may attract insects. However, you should still inspect your home regularly for termites, carpenter bees, and other critters. Call a pest professional to check for signs of an invasion.
Do Remember The Roof
Especially if your log home is in a humid climate, the surface of the roof might be prone to mold and mildew. It’s essential to inspect your roof regularly for this growth, especially around the chimney and in the seams between roof lines.
Also, be sure to clean the gutters regularly and ensure that the structure is stable. If trees surround your log home, be sure to remove any branches and leaves that collect on the surface. This can prevent the roof from sustaining scratches and other damage.
Don’t Try To DIY Everything
Even the handiest homeowners need help with maintenance and repair. Attempting to DIY the specialized maintenance that’s required of a log home can lead to mistakes or damage.
As soon as you move into your log home, be sure to find a trusted contractor in your area. You might consider doing so by asking for recommendations. For example, if you live in Florida, you can ask around for which log home repairs Florida residents trust. Whether you experience an issue with your home’s outer structure or the interior finish, a contractor can provide reliable service while you live in your log home.
Buying your first log home is an exciting step. And with the correct maintenance, this humble house can become yours forever home. Whenever you are unsure about repairs and maintenance, be sure to contact your builder or contractor with questions. By staying on top of these issues, you can help your home retain its structure and appearance.
