When you own a log home or cabin, it’s a source of pride to be able to maintain and touch up your house all by yourself. You know how to re-stain it, fix the chinking, and protect it from the elements, but are there instances when you should consider talking to a professional? We’ve put together a list of times it might save you a lot of hassle and money to simply just call an expert:
Bugs
If you suspect any type of insect infestation, from
carpenter bees to termites, you’ll want to call a professional immediately. Sure, there are over-the-counter solutions, but most of those aren’t specific to log homes, and they’re also not as effective as an exterminator. A professional will be able to quickly diagnose your infestation, tell you how severe your problem is, and will be able to deal with it quickly and efficiently––protecting you and your home from even more potential damage.
Rot
Since logs are a natural, porous, organic matter, they’re very
susceptible to rot. A little rot is not a big deal as long as you can
put a stop to it, but if it’s beginning to threaten the structural integrity of your log home, you should call a professional. The logs that are most likely to rot are the ones most exposed to water, like logs closest to the ground, or that get hit with a lot of precipitation. Since these provide the very foundation for your building and can be difficult to repair, you’re better off calling a professional.
Roof damage
If you’ve got any kind of roof damage, it’s a good idea to call a professional. Roofs are dangerous because they’re pitched, they’re high up, and they can be very slippery. Even if you think it’s just a small problem, if you go up on the roof and improperly “fix” something, you could make the situation worse by creating an even bigger issue. Additionally, due to the unique nature of log homes, a little more care than you would take with a normal roof is required. The logs that support the roof can become warped over time, and you’ll probably want a professional to look at that issue as well.
Cracks
Most log home owners know about
checks––small cracks in the surface of logs––but actual cracks are a much bigger problem. While checks occur naturally from the shrinking and expanding of logs, cracks are usually caused when certain logs are supporting too much weight. Generally, a check can extend through the center of a log, but cracks represent a serious structural issue with your home. If you see or suspect a crack in your home, call your builder immediately. They will be able to diagnose the issue and provide you with a plan to remedy the situation.
As long as you regularly maintain your log home, you shouldn’t have to deal with these bigger problems very often. There are a few things you can do to make sure these problems don’t start, like regularly stain and finish your home, prepare it for winter every year, and make sure you apply
anti-insect and anti-fungal products as directed. If you keep your log home up, you should be able to safely avoid these more serious problems.
For any regular log home upkeep products and solutions you might need, be sure to head to the Timeless Wood Care Products website! We've got everything from anti-fungal spray to sealant, and we're always here to answer any log home maintenance questions you might have.
