Protecting Your Log Home Investment
When your log home dream becomes a reality it is important for you, the homeowner, to begin an easy on-site care and maintenance program. Optimal maintenance treatments should give your home protection from moisture, ultraviolet radiation (sunlight) and water intrusion.
Here's Why...
Unfinished wood in conventional frame houses and wood exposed to weather conditions is subject to rapid deterioration. Pre-weathering for as little as two weeks has been shown to damage the structural strength of the wood and adhesion performance of wood protecting finishes! DON'T PROCRASTINATE! Use this Log Home Care & Maintenance Guide to start your own maintenance program for your log home today!
Periodic Inspections Are Important
The homeowner can do much in wood care and maintenance, particularly in sustaining proper water drainage and treating wood regularly. The following are some inspection items to consider during construction and after your home has been completed.
Grading
Proper grading should be done during construction to avoid expense later. Finish grade should never come in contact with wood.
Termites
Soil treatment, if required in your location, should be performed by a certified applicator. For wood, use a treatment that contains an insecticide.
Roof Overhangs
Protect log walls from excessive water and sun exposure by diverting rain water with roof overhangs of at least 18" to 24" and projected side eaves. Use Organiclear TM5-FT or WR-5 Protective Wood Coatings.
Gutters and Downspouts
Inspect and clean gutters and downspouts regularly to avoid water back-up.
Caulking
Inspect caulking around windows, doors, etc. Repair or replace as required.
Chimneys
Thorough chimney inspections and cleaning should be made prior to the start of each heating season.
Humidity
Heating systems can draw great amounts of moisture out of logs. A humidifier will keep moisture at comfortable levels and help reduce log checking.
Porches and Decks
They should be designed to shed excess water. Slope decks away from foundation to discard water. Organiclear WR-5 should be applied to all porch materials.
Checking and Splitting
Soak all exterior checks with a penetrating water repellent wood coating system such as Organiclear WR-5 to protect against water damage. Exterior checks facing upward should be filled with an exterior wood filler. Interior log walls should be coated with Organiclear™ IWF to minimize checking, splitting and splintering.
Log Home Finishes and Coatings
The best protection against wood rot and decay for ALL LOG HOMES is to keep the log walls dry. Apply a premium quality water-repellent wood coating that "breathes." (Don't use a film-building finish such as latex paint which can crack and peel in a few years and won't allow wood to breathe). The best way to protect and maintain your log home for years of enjoyment is with the Organiclear™ family of premium wood coatings and finishes.
Scheduled Maintenace Program
Upon Delivery To One Month After Construction
We recommend treating all wood surfaces; top and bottom, sides and log ends.
Interiors
Apply oil-based Organiclear IWF interior treatment before finished floors (carpet, vinyl, etc.) are installed. Do not use a varnish that will trap moisture under the surface and crack, peel or blister. Organiclear IWF is not recommended for wood floors.
Wood Decks
Use WR-5 exterior water-repellent wood finish which has the ability to reduce splitting and warping. Organiclear WR-5 is also recommended for dimensional stability of pressure-treated lumber, cedar and redwood. Apply when wood is thoroughly dry and follow label directions carefully.
One Year Later
Inspect the home for changes due to the natural settling and seasoning processes. Apply a clear penetrating wood finish or stain with water repellency protections. We recommend Organiclear™ WR-5.
Every Three to Five Years
Many factors can influence the life expectancy of a wood treatment system. Based on regular inspection, repeat maintenance is usually on a 3-5 year cycle (or as needed) for the exterior and interior log walls and wood decks.
Drying Time
Allow 6 - 8 hours for drying, depending upon temperature and humidity conditions in your area. Longer drying time (up to 24 hours) may be required on humid or cold days.
The Best Protection
The best way to protect and maintain your log home is with Organiclear™ Premium Wood Coating and Finishes from Knight Chemicals.