If you’re like most log homeowners, you likely have a lot of pride in your property. You enjoy the rustic charm and want to keep it in good shape. However, you can’t just let it be and hope for the best.
Like most structures and items made of wood, your cabin requires regular maintenance to keep its appearance, longevity and beauty while avoiding deterioration over time. In addition to keeping the exterior in good shape, there are also tweaks you can make indoors to ensure that your life inside is comfortable and to maintain the value of your home.
Whether you’ve lived in a log home for years or are considering the investment, these tips will ensure that your property withstands the test of time.
Power Washing and Staining the Logs
Since your home is made primarily of wood, you’ll want to take a few steps to protect the logs from the elements. UV rays can deteriorate the wood over time, and moisture can wreak havoc. The solution to most of these irritants is to clean and stain the exterior of your home. Stain provides a protective layer of sorts to the wood, so it’s preserved for longer. As a bonus, it will also give the logs a new sheen, bringing out their unique colors and features.
Before you take the time to stain the wood, you want to clean the exterior so you can remove any dust, pollen or other surface contaminants and create the best possible starting point. To do this, you can either use water and a power washer to clean off the home's exterior or use a product currently on the market, like a mild detergent. Apply the stain using a roller or sprayer and follow the instructions provided by the vendor to apply the correct number of coats.
You don’t need to stain the logs every season. If necessary, you can do that every 3-5 years. However, you can consistently reapply the log cleaner, so you continue to keep the elements at bay.
Preventive Maintenance for Common Issues
The key to good log home care and maintenance is to be proactive so you can stop common threats before they escalate.
One significant issue cabin owners face is insects and pests. They love wood and will try to find ways to eat through it and get into your home if you let them. There are several proactive steps you can take. One of them is to create fewer places for pests to live with some strategic landscaping.
Bugs and animals often love hanging out in gardens, so consider making the space less hospitable using rubber mulch instead of wood chips. If you see a lot of bugs at once and believe that they’re setting up a nest, have them exterminated before the problem escalates. You may also have an issue with woodpeckers. To keep them from picking at your logs, put up mylar balloons, strips of aluminum foil or other reflective material that tends to scare the birds away.
Even if you stain your home, you’ll still want to take measures to keep excess moisture away, or it can lead to mold, mildew and rot. Part of the solution is keeping water sources further from the cabin, including plants. To survive, flowers and plants often retain water, and that’s bad if they’re against your cabin. Also, dig, move and situate your topsoil just right so it’s built up higher around your foundation and the water drains away from your home when it rains.
Finally, every homeowner should ensure the gutters are cleaned regularly, especially those in log cabins. When leaves and debris accumulate and it rains, the water has nowhere to go and can eventually overflow. The more water hitting your logs and foundation, the worse it can be for the integrity of your home.
Don’t Forget the Driveway
It can be easy to forget to care for your driveway, but like the cabin, maintenance is essential to keep this area in good shape over the years.
To complete the rustic feel, many log homes have gravel driveways, and there are maintenance tips you can use throughout the seasons to keep them looking nice. Rake leaves and debris from the driveway to maintain its integrity and keep it clean. Add a few inches of gravel every two to three years to make it robust when holding different-sized vehicles. When it snows, don’t worry about getting every square inch when shoveling the driveway; trying to overdo it can make a big mess. Plus, leaving a bit of snow can increase traction.
Different types of driveways require different types of maintenance, so follow the applicable tips. If you have a concrete driveway, clean fluid stains like oil right away, or they could become almost impossible to remove. Also, seal the driveway every few years to keep melting snow from seeping into the cracks. Seal asphalt driveways every three to five years and repair cracks as soon as you see them before they can increase in size.
Add Modern Conveniences to Maintain Solid Property Value
Now that your log home is looking better than ever, continue to preserve it and add an upgrade or two to keep it current and potentially increase the property value. A real winner in this regard is updated windows. Energy-efficient windows look great, are highly regarded and can eliminate most wasted energy when your heater or air conditioner is running.
Maintaining your HVAC system is essential, as is checking and changing the filters. Ventilation problems and excess moisture can lead to mildew and potential structural damage over time. This may also be an excellent time to consider installing a smart thermostat. While there are some downsides to this type of smart tech, such as the cost and the need to upgrade your HVAC system to be compatible, there are many pros.
You can program it to warmer and colder temperatures based on the hours you are and aren't home, which can create ultimate comfort and save on utility bills. Plus, you can connect it to your other smart devices so you can control the temperature with your voice.
A large and well-made wood deck is a final convenience that can turn many heads. It can be a place to sit, entertain guests, set up a grill and so much more. Just remember to seal and maintain it over time.
Conclusion
Owning a log cabin is a magical experience that can provide ultimate happiness as you connect with the great outdoors. However, maintenance is required to keep the dream alive. Consider these tips and keep your cabin looking its best for years to come.
