Monthly Maintenance Walk-Around

This helpful article is reprinted from Country's Best Log Homes, 2002 Annual Buyer's Guide.

Roof Overhangs and Gutters - Make sure gutters and downspouts are channeling water away from the house.  Check that sprinkler heads are not wetting the logs when you water the grass.

Foundations and Lower Logs - Check for worn finish on the logs.  Insert borate rods if logs are getting wet beneath the finish.  To combat fungi growth, clean logs with water, bleach and TSP.  Apply a wood preservative to the affected areas.  Reapply finishing stain that was used on the rest of the house.

UV Damage - Logs that have graying areas or small checks across the grain should be sanded and a new finish applied in the sanded area.

Checks (cracks) - Seal any upward-facing checks by sprinkling powdered borate into the crack, then caulking with a UV-stable caulk.

Insect Damage - A preservative paste that attacks insects as well as fungi can be inserted into insect holes.  If holes are not large enough, drill your own holes close to the insect hole and fill with paste.

Log Ends - Make sure they have plenty of stain.  If there is any sign of insect damage, insert borate rods into the ends to prevent wood rot.

Plants and Trees - Make sure plants haven't grown so close that they rub the house.  If they have, trim them.  If the stain on logs has been worn, reapply as necessary.

Spigots - Look for leaks that can rot surrounding wood.  Apply preservative to problem areas and restain.

Strip Foam Insulation and Caulking - Joints are vulnerable.  Look for cracked or missing material.  Make sure all joining material is still bonded to the log so moisture can't seep in.

Wondering if you need to reapply your coating?  Sprinkle the log wall with water from a hose or spray bottle.  If the water penetrates into the wood, you need a new coat of finish.

Pay special attention to the sunny or weathered side of the house.

Source: Schroeder Log Home Supplies

Country's Best Log Homes, 2002 Annual Buyer's Guide.

Knowing what to look for, routine maintenance and tending to small problems before they loom large will keep your home as beautiful as it was the day it was built.