One thing everyone wants to know about log homes is how much maintenance do they require? At Schutt Log Homes we are asked this question almost daily. Every home whether a log home or a stick-built home needs maintenance. The frequency depends on the building material and quality of the products used.
Honestly, the maintenance of one of our Oak log homes is simple, and if care is taken, no more frequent than a stick build home. My goal today is to walk you through what we recommend to our customers at Schutt Log Homes.
One of the best ways to protect your log home and reduce the need for maintenance is to add shade to your house. Exposure to the UV rays from the sun over long periods of time can damage the logs. This protection can be in the form of porches, overhangs, even trees. It is also important to remember when you are landscaping to keep all the plants and bushes at least 3 feet away from the home. Plants and bushes too close to the house will cause poor air circulation which will cause moisture to be held on the logs and may cause mold which is the beginning stages of rot. Another tip is to never stack old wood or firewood next to your log home. This will attract insects. An insect replant should be applied to the logs when the home is built and as often as the manufacturer recommends, usually every few years.
After the log home is completed a very good log sealant should be applied to all the logs and wood on the outside of the house. Lightly wash the exterior of the cabin to remove dust and dirt before applying sealer and stain. We recommend Perma- Chink or Sikkens. These products are a little pricey but only need to be reapplied every 10-15 years. A lower rated sealant can be used for much less cost upfront but keep in mind it will need to be reapplied every 2-4 years.
After the sealant is applied the chinking material is placed between the logs. The chink will have areas after the first year which will need to be repaired. This is normal for all log homes. After the first year you most likely will never need to chink again. Seal any new upward facing checks in the logs larger than ¼” with chink or caulk.
It is important as in with any home to be sure to caulk around windows, doors, rafter tails and soffits. If caulking is applied correctly you may never need to reapply it.
As you can see the maintenance for a log home really is not more than a conventional home, it is simply different than that for a stick-built home. There is no doubt that log homes do need upkeep to stay in great shape. Conventional homes also need maintenance such as painting, caulking, insect control etc. So when making your decision to build a log home or a conventional home maintenance should be something you consider but it should not deter you from a log home.
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Schutt Log Homes 