How to Restore Log Cabin Homes
Energy efficient, durable and ascetically pleasing, log homes and cabins can be found in the United States and around the world. Log homes require loving care. With time, the natural elements and air pollutants may cause unsightly dirt and moisture damage. Log homes need to be cleaned, repaired and maintained. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Clean Exterior Logs
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Use a stiff bristled broom to manually sweep the exterior logs to remove surface dust and debris. Be sure to clean around the foundation and under eves. Wash the logs with a pressure hose. A pressure washer can be used, but keep the pressure fairly low. You want to wash the logs, not strip them of their sealant. Allow to air dry.
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Treat logs with a preservative. Re-stain and re-seal as required.
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3
Consult a professional to choose the right products to use on your log home. There are a plethora of products available from log home building supply stores to lighten gray, weathered wood, to clean or remove old finishes and others to protect against moisture and insect damage.
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4
Inspect your home. Old or damaged caulking and chinking can be chipped out and replaced with modern new materials. Modern chinking products are much more durable and elastic than the mortar chinking used in the past. There are several colors to choose from to match previously used colors. Take a few of the chips of the old material with you when purchasing new caulking or chipping.
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Talk to a log home restoration contractor if rotted logs need to be replaced. You may be able to do some minor repairs, but repairs that impact the structural integrity of the home should be left in the hands of experience log craftsmen.
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Protect the foundation. Remove snow build-up against the logs around the base of the log building. Snow that drifts and sits against logs all winter long can cause a lot of moisture damage.
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