Maintanining your log home begins with understanding the characteristics of wood. Wood is very absorbant, especially through cuts at the end and through its grain. When logs are living they have natural defenses, once the bark is stripped, they have no protection. What you need to control is the sun and water. The ultraviolet rays from the sun overtime fades the colour, the finishes and the surfaces of most materials, but the homes primary enemy is by far, "water." All construction that is done on the home is intended to keep the water away. For example, overlapping roof shingles, flashing around your chimney and dormers, roof overhangs, design and construction of walls, finishes on the logs, the way windows and doors are installed and caulked. Gutters connected to underground drains carry water away from the logs and foundation, preventing protective finishes from washing away and keeping water out of your basement. Overhangs keep sun and water off logs. You should keep logs two feet or more off the ground to prevent rot caused by water, therefore the first course of logs should be at least two to three feet above final grade. If you follow these steps it will ensure a nice dry maintenance free log home.
Forward additional information, visit our website at Muskoka Log Homes.
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