Frequently Asked Questions About Log Home Restoration

How Often Must I Do a Maintenance Check?

Perform yearly maintenance checks or hire a professional to implement a log home maintenance program. Check for water leaks, signs of insect infestation, and finish failure. The sooner these problems are discovered, the less difficult it will be to repair.

Should I Fill in Checks?

No, unless they allow wind, water, and insects to enter your log home or cabin. Checks are a natural way for the logs to breathe. If you have filled some, be sure to inspect them often for breaks in the chinking. If water gets behind the chinking, the wood can’t dry out fast enough and will cause log rot!

Can I Paint My Log Home?

No, do not paint your logs. Paint will not allow the wood to breathe properly and could lead to premature damage. You are able to paint Cedar siding with minimal to no water problems. It is not recommended or ideal to paint the cedar siding, but it is possible if the procedure is done correctly.

Should I Power Wash Logs?

Never power wash your log home! The pressure can damage logs and drive water deep into the wood, where it may never dry. With cedar-sided homes, you can rinse the boards but not too heavily because water can and will penetrate all the way through the boards, trapping moisture between the house and the siding.