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How To Maintain A Log Cabin

How often does a log home need to be sealed?

How often should I reseal my log home? The short answer is usually every 3-5 years but this can vary due to many factors.

What is the upkeep of a log cabin home?

So, how DO you maintain a log home? The most important factor is to clean: Clean and dry the wood’s surface before and after you stain, and keep the dust, pollen and mold off your logs every season. Pay special attention to the south and west walls of your log home, as they are more susceptible to the elements.

Is it hard to maintain a log home?

The average maintenance cost for a 2,000 square feet cabin is around $1,350 per year: $150 for 5 gallons of mild cleaning detergent. $767 for 35 gallons of log cabin stain every three years.

How long will a log home last?

While a log cabin can last for as much as 100 years in ideal circumstances, anywhere from 20 to 80 years is more realistic. The quality of the construction matters, as does the weather in the cabin’s location. At worst, a cabin will fall apart in five years. Log cabins can be durable rather than flimsy structures.

What are the problems with log homes?

The most common log home problems are: Moisture problems in log homes. Rain, snow, humidity, and damp places all cause moisture damage. Insects and critter problems in log homes. Insects and critters tend to love our log homes just as much as we do. UV Ray damage in log homes. 0 comments.

How much does it cost to reseal a log cabin?

Sealing and Chinking Repair The cost of resealing and repairing log cabin chinking can cost anywhere from $2-$5. For a typical 1,500 square foot home, the price tag for this type of log cabin maintenance may run anywhere from $3,000 to $7,500. Homes that are not maintained properly may sustain damage.

Do log homes hold their value?

The value of log homes not only holds steady, but often increases. All of this means that most log homes are high in quality and value and are well-cared for, so they generally don’t depreciate and have a good resale value.

Can you pressure wash a log cabin?

You’ll need to prepare the surface beyond cleaning for best results. Whatever you do, never use a pressure washer on log cabin walls. Almost all cabins are made of softwood. It’s too easy to damage the wood surface or accidentally drive water deep between the logs.

Does a log cabin add value to your home?

Yes. A log cabin can be a fabulous investment. It not only adds valuable living space to your garden, it can add, on average, at least 5% – even up to 15%! – to the value of your house.

Do log cabins get termites?

One of the first questions people ask about log homes is “How Much Termite Damage Do They Get?” Well, rest assured: log homes are no more susceptible to termites than a traditional framed house. Termites thrive in a damp environment; they dehydrate when exposed to the air for too long.

What are the pros and cons of a log home?

Owning A Log Cabin: 3 Pros And Cons Pro #1: Energy-Efficient. Pro #2: Environmentally-Friendly. Pro #3: Much Needed Comfort And Relaxation. Con #1: Maintenance-Prone. Con #2: Little To No Insurance Coverage. Con #3: Prone To Pests. Conclusion.

How do you repair a rotting log home?

How to Repair Log Rot Make a vertical cut on either side of the soft spot to the depth of the soft wood. Then use a coal or vibrating chisel and hog out the rotted wood until you reach solid sound wood. Level out the area to a flat surface. Coat the area with Shellguard RTU (borate) to prevent further expansion of rot.

Are log homes high maintenance?

Maintenance Concerns All homes require some exterior care and maintenance, but log homes require a bit more than usual. Once a year, the home’s exterior should be washed to remove pollen, insect debris and other dirt. At that time, the home should be checked for mildew and mold, which should be removed if present.

How do you maintain the outside of a log home?

These are the five main things you must do to maintain a log home exterior: Wash the House Annually — Keeping the vinyl siding clean on a traditional home keeps its curb appeal. Touch-Up the Clear Coating — A clear coat is applied on top of the stain to all Gingrich log homes to protect them from the elements.

Do log cabins depreciate in value?

Traditional caravans and lodges will depreciate in value from the moment they are purchased. With such high quality build, these properties are an appreciating asset which will maintain saleable value as a brick building would.

Are log homes warm in winter?

No, it’s not your imagination— log homes are warmer than traditional “stick-built” homes and there’s some science behind this concept. Insulation is a substance that slows or limits the transfer of heat over time. The wood studs are not as insulating as the fiberglass bats.

How do I keep my log cabin from rotting?

How do we keep a log home dry and stop rot? Maintain a good finish on the exterior logs. Have adequate overhangs wherever possible. Have gutters in place and keep them in working condition, again –preventing water from ever getting to the logs. Free board – in other words: keep the house up off the ground.

Are log homes stronger than regular homes?

The Walls of Log Homes Are Stronger Than Traditionally Constructed Homes. Contrast this to a wall made of logs. The logs used in modern homes are of exceptional quality – they’re dense, strong, and totally solid, and these massive walls are what provide a lot of the strength that log homes are known for.