Services

Rot in the logs of a log home is an indicator of a moisture problem. Both the rot and the underlying problem must be dealt with right away. The underlying problem leading to the rot is usually exposure to too much moisture, and the logs are never allowed to fully dry. 

Termites and carpenter ants are prevalent in most parts of the country. Logs properly treated and maintained are not vulnerable to the damage these kinds of insects cause. But you should be on your guard. Telltale signs are little piles of sawdust below the holes insects bore. Termites and carpenter ants like wood that is moist. 

The best results are reached in a so called two-stage process. The surface is first treated by sharp-edged abrasives – corundum or garnet. The surface is unified and cleaned from any dirt, oxides, heat tint after welding, and light surface inconsistencies. At this stage treated components gain opaque look. After the blasting process the surface is prone to scratches or dirt because of the fine sharp-edged relief. This is the reason why the blasting itself is used only as pre-treatment before coat painting. In order to maintain the metal surface, it is polished by glass beads in the second stage of the process. This stage makes the sharp tops of the surface round and products gain nice satin look, which also lowers visibility of any potential damage, scratches, smaller defects after welding, grinding, or spot welding.

Design is linked closely to maintenance. Rule No. 1 is to keep moisture away from the wood. This is achieved by adequate roof eaves (overhang) and height of the first log above ground level since there is a nearly constant flow of moisture coming up out of the soil. Logs within the first two feet above ground level are more prone to decay than those higher up.Besides this design factor, there is also the element of trapped moisture which can occur when a non-breathable finish is applied over a wet wood or when finished wood is re-wetted by water-catching devices. These devices can be a check (a crack in the log) that faces upward and catches water from rain, lawn sprinklers, or hoses when watering foundation plants.The other devices can be decks, sidewalks, or gas tanks at drip line or anything that redirects water toward the house instead of away from it. Also look at foundation vegetation or obstacles that inhibit air flow around the bottom logs, thus creating a moist, humid environment that leads to log decay.

A properly caulked or chinked log home will be much more efficient to heat and cool. Gaps around windows, doors, between log courses and in the corners can rob your log home of comfort. Improperly installed or failing caulk and chink is also one of the primary causes for log rot. While it may seem like an easy solution, we do NOT recommend filling the checks or “cracks” in the logs with caulk.

Over time, with the log movement, the caulk will fail along these checks and leave a hairline crack between the wood and caulk, allowing water to seep into the checks. Since the majority of the opening has been filled, the water cannot dry out, causing log rot to occur.

There are times when you must fill these checks, but they should be kept to a minimum. If there is a check that runs into a window, door or corner, that is allowing the wind, water or bugs to enter the interior of your home; you will have to fill them. You should plan on inspecting these, spring and fall, and repair if needed.

All products are waterborne, breathable, flexible, durable wood finishes which also highlight the natural beauty of your log home. There are Lifeline products available for both interior and exterior walls.

What are the benefits of applying an exterior finish?

• To make your home look it’s best

• To protect your home from UV damage

• To protect your wood from water damage

• To provide protection from unsightly mold and mildew

There is no secret in retaining the beauty of your log home. A little care and maintenance along with the use of quality products designed specifically for log homes will not only keep your home looking great, but will also preserve the integrity of the logs and help prevent costly repairs.