Question: How many times have you said, “I should really get this project done around the house” and then put it off another year?
We won’t require you to answer (because then we’d have to admit the same thing ourselves…eek!)
Question: How many times have you said, “I should really get this project done around the house” and then put it off another year?
We won’t require you to answer (because then we’d have to admit the same thing ourselves…eek!)
So, you did a stellar job of sealing cracks and checks in your log home. Hooray! Now, a couple of years later, you’re noticing that some of the caulk has cracked. After all that hard work? Ugh. So, what do you need to do to fix cracked caulk? Keep reading for all the details.
Applying some type of wood preservative to your log home is like taking out an inexpensive insurance policy on it. These preservative products are mostly borate-based and designed to protect your wood from rot and wood-ingesting insects. Adding this affordable step at the beginning can save you headaches down the road, including the time and money it costs to replace damaged wood.
So now it’s time to prepare your wood for staining. Substrate preparation is the most critical step in achieving stain longevity. As Kurt Denman of Benjamin Moore® stated in the February 2007 edition of Coatings World magazine, “I cannot emphasize enough how critical proper preparation is to realize a successful staining project. It’s the ultimate determinant on how long the beauty of a job lasts.” Properly preparing the wood from the get-go will save you both time and money down the road.
What is secondary prep? After you’ve gotten down to clean sound wood it’s time to clean up all that media blasting another methods left behind. When properly done, most blasting methods are going to create at least some “felting” — wood fuzz — that should be removed prior to applying any finishing products. All of that wood fuzz will eventually fall off. If there’s stain that is applied to that wood fuzz, it will simply fall off with the fuzz, leaving a mottled look and leaving those areas exposed to the elements. In addition, sometimes blasting can raise the grain a bit too much and make the wood more coarse than most like it. While the coarse texture is good for stain adhesion, it makes for a rougher look and darker stain, neither of which is aesthetically pleasing.
After media blasting, secondary prep is necessary to remove any “felting” or wood fuzz. Removing it will ensure that the stain adheres to sound wood.
We’re proud to introduce you to Mark Nelson, founder of Nelson Log Restoration in Cody, Wyoming. Mark has been working in the construction industry since he was six years old. Mark has a love and affinity for anything involving a chainsaw — especially log structures. (Can you relate?) Mark shares stories of trial and error and a few painful lessons learned. After decades of industry experience, you’re sure to gain a nugget or two from Mark’s experience.
Every log has its own unique grain pattern, knots, and history. Chances are, you know and love each one of them like the back of your hand. Logs are special, they’re not the same as 2x4s. They need special care. Why? Three reasons:
In this month’s “Here to help! ”, we’re peeking inside your log home (don’t worry, no need to clean up on our account). This month, we’ll help you understand the ins and outs of proper interior log care and maintenance.
In this month’s “Here to help!”, we’re breaking down borates to help you deal with unwanted creepy-crawlies and other “rot ‘en” dilemmas.
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.