Every month we feature a contractor, business, or success story. After all, learning from each other is one of the best ways to grow. Up this month: Nate Demers with Northland Blasting & Restoration in Elly, Minnesota. With over a decade of experience in the industry, Derek has built a solid reputation for breathing new life into old log homes.
(more…)Blisters in sealants aren’t uncommon, but they can be avoided and are fairly simple to fix. Following is a brief discussion of their causes and solutions.
The basic cause of any blister is a build-up of gas between the substrate — a log, wood siding, concrete slab, etc. — or backing surface and the sealant. It occurs during the early curing stages when the sealant is soft but has formed a skin on the surface. Heat, usually in the form of direct sunlight, causes the gas to expand. As the gas expands, it pushes the sealant out, creating a blister. This gas can come from water, wood sap, or even the backing material.
As water-based sealants cure, they give off water vapor. Any physical condition that traps the resulting water vapor could cause a blister, especially if the substrate and the sealant are heated by direct sunlight.
Dead-end cracks in the substrate where moisture vapor accumulates can expand when heated.
Logs in particular often have what is termed “pitch pockets.” These are areas of concentrated pitch, or sap, sometimes containing several gallons! (Pitch pockets of 50 or more gallons are known!)
This sap (or its vapor) will follow cracks in logs, coming out of the log — almost anywhere. Sap has a volatile component and, when heated, forms a gas which causes blisters.
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The basic cause of any blister is a build-up of gas between the substrate — a log, wood siding, concrete slab, etc. — or backing surface and the sealant. It occurs during the early curing stages when the sealant is soft but has formed a skin on the surface. Heat, usually in the form of direct sunlight, causes the gas to expand. As the gas expands, it pushes the sealant out, creating a blister. This gas can come from water, wood sap, or even the backing material.
Considering a little log home maintenance? Maybe a larger-scale restoration or renovation is in your future. Home improvement TV shows may make this process look easy, but for the average the homeowner, the skillset required is typically outside his/her wheel- house. To be successful, you may want to call in the pros.
Nick Burch, a third-generation log home products manufacturer and restoration expert knows exactly what to look for, and what to expect, from a log home maintenance and restoration contractor. “Reduce what they need to know in order to know what they need to do,” is his motto, meaning that you, as the homeowner, don’t have to be an expert to figure out how to proceed with your restoration. You just need to know what to look for in the contractor you choose.
You don’t need to get into the weeds on procedure here (see point #2), but you do need to understand the extent and complexity of your project. Your knowledge, combined with a contractor’s experience, will encourage open communication from the get-go. Even basic comprehension will allow you to partner with the right contractor for the job.
As the homeowner, it’s not your job figure out how to proceed with your restoration. The contractor you choose should be the expert on the details, but they also should be willing and able to explain it to you.
But don’t stop there — use these as criteria to help you find the contractor that best fits you and can deliver on those expectations. Here’s how: Envision how you want your home to look and perform once the work is complete. Then, create a comprehensive list of these details and prioritize them. Not only will doing so help you understand your desires and expectations, it will help you better communicate them as you interview prospective contractors — especially after you hire someone.
For example, are they in the business of log home restoration or is this a side component for them? How many have they done? What kind of training do they have? Do they use log home-specific products and have the right equipment? Log home repair is a different beast that a jack-of-all-trades contractor may not be prepared to handle. You should feel satisfied that he/she is knowledgeable and invested in the log home trade. One question that’s a no-brainer is “how long have they been in the log home maintenance/restoration business?” Longevity counts, but don’t discount someone new to log home finishing. They often will go above and beyond as they work to establish their reputation
Sure, this seems obvious, but you’d be surprised at how many people don’t do it. A contractor should provide you with references who are willing to speak to potential clients and give them detailed feedback — both the good and the bad. We know this may not always be the case, so ask the provided references if they have any friends or neighbors who used the same contractor and would be willing to speak with you. Sometimes the second tier of references provides interesting intel. And always check the Better Business Bureau. No, not everyone reports an issue to the BBB, but it’s ideal if their report card here is good. You also may want to check if your prospective contractor is part of a local home builder’s association. Not only does membership in this type of organization indicate a willingness to stay on top of the industry, you may be able to get a sense of your prospect’s reputation within the building community.
God forbid someone is injured on the job — but if it happens, you certainly don’t want to be on the hook for it. Ensure that the contractors you’re considering not only have insurance to cover onsite incidents but also are licensed to perform work in your area. Depending on the job at hand, specialty licenses for things like electrical, gas fittings, etc., may be mandatory. Each state has different requirements, but, in general, a contractor has to receive a designated amount of classroom and on-the-job training, as well as pass a test, to receive a license. Also make sure they are compliant with all applicable laws in which they do business.
Once you have your short list, start investigating each prospective contractor’s operations. One tell-tale area is how thorough their preparation process is. For instance, if your home-improvement project involves re-staining the logs, proper log prep is THE most important step for making your stain and sealant last. The preparation phase likely will (and should) be more involved and expensive than the staining itself. Attention to detail is key.
Ask a contractor what products he or she uses and why. Words like “durability,” “strength” and “warranty” should filter to the top. If the contractor says, “it’s the cheapest on the market,” as their primary driver for product selection, this should be a big red flag that sends you running. You want a contractor who is consciously choosing products that will give you the best performance.
Make sure each contractor gives you a detailed, itemized bid. Open-ended time and materials bids are appropriate for some jobs and not for others. For example, don’t accept something to the effect of “apply two coats of stain” as a description for that portion of the job. Instead, it should say, “spray on, according to manufacturer’s instructions, two coats of stain. Back brush each coat. Must allow adequate dry time between coats – usually 24 hours.” Having as much detail as possible will leave less room for misunderstandings during the project.
You want to save money, of course, but if one contractor’s bid comes in a lot lower than the others, there’s probably a reason. Less scrupulous contractors may come in low to get the work and then upcharge you later for “unforeseen circumstances.” Then again, a good contractor’s rates might simply be less than his competitors. Again, this is where the level of detail included in the bid will go a long way to helping you decide if a price is fair. Remember: This isn’t an area where you want to skimp. Being cheap may cost you in the end.
The smart shopper gets at least three to five bids before making a decision. And yes, all of the above research is important to keep in mind. But in the end, you should choose a person who is the right fit for you personally. If a contractor’s reputation is stellar and their price is right, but you don’t get a good feeling from him or her, there’s probably a reason — even if that reason isn’t tangible. Trust and communication are key components in any home-im-provement related process. With those, you will be well on your way to successful log home maintenance or restoration and achieve a log home you will love for a lifetime.
We’re here to help see your project through to the end.
Not sure which stain product is right for your home? Looking for the nearest location to buy products for your log home project? Looking to hire a log home contractor? Don’t know exactly how to apply your stain samples? We’re here to help.
At least some of the above statements apply to everyone reading this. All the above are a waste of time and money.
We’re here to help see your project through to the end.
Not sure which stain product is right for your home? Looking for the nearest location to buy products for your log home project? Looking to hire a log home contractor? Don’t know exactly how to apply your stain samples? We’re here to help.
Dive into our digital log product guide, it’s packed with all you need to know about our log solution lineup, from specs to application tips, plus a peek at the cool color options we offer. Perfect for any log project!
Every month we feature a contractor, business, or success story. After all, learning from each other is one of the best ways to grow. Up this month: Nate Demers with Weatherwize in Engadine, MI. Nate has been in the business of log homes for over 20 years and is the Vice-President of the International Log Builders Association. Keep reading for more details on how he got started and what’s led to his success.
(more…)Every month we feature a contractor, business, or success story. After all, learning from each other is one of the best ways to grow. Up this month: Ryan Sullivan with RI Log Home Restoration in Tiverton, Rhode Island. Keep reading for more details on how he got started and what helped has led to his success.
(more…)Every month we feature a contractor, business, or success story. After all, learning from each other is one of the best ways to grow. Up this month: John Schmitz with Alpine Log & Timber Finishes in Golden, CO. Keep reading for more details on how he got started and what helped him succeed.
(more…)Every month we feature a contractor, business, or success story. After all, learning from each other is one of the best ways to grow. Up this month: Nicole Carr with 888-Log-Guys in Ozark, MI. Nicole is managing 10+ log home finishing and restoration crews across 15 states, all while maintaining a customer-first mindset. Keep reading for more details on how she got started and what’s helped make 888-Log-Guys successful.
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Capture the Timeless Beauty of Natural Grain
Don’t compromise at the end of a long and arduous journey by using an inferior stain not designed for logs. Capture and Cascade deliver performance worthy of the journey that got you here.
Available in 11 popular colors.
Backer Materials that Seal Things Right the First Time Backer Rod, Grip Strip, and Log Gap Cap all help you create the ideal joint desing for a long-lasting, durable seal
Logs are in constant dynamic motion. That's why there's Log Builder®, the sealant made for log structures. Stretches up to 500% of original size, while still maintaining tenacious adhesion to the wood.
When other chinking pulls away, Log Jam holds its seal With Log Jam chinking, you can keep the cozy feel and rustic look of a log home without compromising comfort and performance.
Available in 8 popular colors.
Easy to Use - Hard to See Keep out weather, bugs, and moisture without seeing it. Conceal disappears into the woodwork so you don't know the wood starts and the caulk begins.
Available in 7 popular colors.
It's Music to the Eyes Symphony works in harmony with the unique character of your logs and wood to reflect an atmosphere or cozy warmth and elegance while creating and scuff-resistant and durable surface that's easy to dust.
The Easiest Stain to Maintain Transformation Siding & Trim is the no-peel, easy-to-maintain stain for your siding, trim, and decks.
Restore What Nature Destroyed
Bring old, damaged, gray and weathered logs back to life with this flexible oil-based semi-transparent stain
Right Color. Right Quantity. Right Now. Never run out of stain at the jobsite again. Stock exactly what you need in your truck or trailer at the jobsite.
Maintenance Made Easy Now that Capture® Log Stain is applied, it’s time for Cascade® Clear Topcoat to bring out the depth and character of your unique woodgrain while protecting it against moisture, mildew, and algae. Predictable and affordable routine maintenance with Cascade throughout the years means your home stays protected and beautiful. Easy!
Keep the Color the Color Colorfast delivers the ideal canvas for stain application and leaves behind the strong foundation necessary for long-lasting color. It’s color confidence for your log home.
Rot, weather, insects, fungi all pose a serious threat to your logs. Protect your investment—treat your logs first to make them last. Tim-bor® helps protect your home from the costly damage caused by rot and insect infestation.
Remove Wood Felting and Raised Grain Remove wood fuzz (called felting) after power washing or media blasting, and knock down excessive raised grain with Sashco's finish sanding tools
Clean and brighten bare logs and wood, remove surface dirt, pollen, and kill mold for maintenance, and keep your logs looking fresh with CPR Log Cleaner and Brightener
The Serious Fix for Concrete Cracks Just say no to cracks
Textured like mortar - stretches like rubber
It's easy, it's fast, and it works.
Available in 5 popular colors.
The sealant that integrates into your design.
No mold. No mildew. No scrubbing needed!
Mold is gross. Stop feeding it.
Available in white and almond.
Won't Crack...It just stretches
All homes move - Big Stretch moves with them.
Available in 12 popular colors, and clear.
Seals leaks that asphalt can't
Stop leaks now!
The Tough Elastic Sealant For Every Job
Sticks To Most Anything
Available in clear and white.
