Care & Upkeep of Log Cabin Homes

Log cabin homes are popular for their rustic appearance and "sense of informality and simplicity," according to the University of Georgia. Logs provide natural heating and cooling among many other benefits, but have unique maintenance requirements for homeowners.

Annual Cleaning

Clean the logs every year, both inside the home and outside to avoid decay. According to BuildWise.org, "annual cleaning is probably the most important single task to perform and is best done on a dry day."

Exterior Cleaning Method

Wash exterior logs with a safe solution and a soft bristle scrub brush to remove dust, cobwebs and dirt, but avoid stripping the protective finish.

Check Landscaping

Avoid allowing shrubbery, debris, tree branches, and mulch to contact the logs along the bottom perimeter of the home, at a minimum of 3 to 5 feet distance to prevent both water and insect damage.

Prevent Insect Infestations

Clues that may reveal the presence of insects include small sawdust piles, tunnels and blue-stained areas on the wood.

Reseal to Prevent Water Damage

Water damage should be prevented in every home, but log cabin homes may have exposed wood that extends beyond the roof overhang and could become penetrable over time. Julian Beckwith of the University of Georgia advises checking exposed timber carefully and resealing each year with a water-repellent finish.

References

• University of Georgia
• LogHome.com: Log Home Maintenance Tips
• Buildwise.org: Protecting and Finishing Log Buildings