How To Do Log Home Maintenance And Save Money.
Routine log home maintenance will keep your home looking beautiful as well as cut down on costs. Everyone knows that a $30 oil change twice a year beats a $2,000 mechanic’s bill. Routine maintenance on your logs, timbers or wood could be the difference between $2,000 every 3-5 years or $20,000 to completely redo the job. It’s truly the key to “a better way to stain.”
1. Cleanliness is Still a Virtue
Lightly power wash your logs or timber to remove grease spots, pollen, bird droppings and other surface contaminants.
If mildew is present, apply Sashco’s CPR® in the cleaner strength according to the directions, or apply fresh bleach in a 4 parts water to 1 part bleach solution. Allow it to sit no more than 10 minutes, and then thoroughly rinse. Allow the surface to thoroughly dry. (This generally takes 2-4 days in ideal weather. To know for sure, use a moisture meter to check!)
2. One More Coat, Please
Spray on one maintenance coat of stain according to the manufacturers instructions. If only a brush is used, be sure to drench-apply the stain to ensure adequate coverage. Don’t skimp.
Vigorously brush the stain, pushing it into the wood, catching any drips. This promotes the best adhesion and penetration, and leaves an even, consistent coat of stain.
3. Check the Rest of Your Home
Download these handy guides to use as a jumping-off point to check the rest of your home: Exterior Caulking & Stain Maintenance Checks and Log Home Inspection Guide