When you are considering buying a new log home, your first thought is probably about your financial responsibility and the affordability of your home. You should also consider ways to keep your new log home in tip top shape. Also, consider how much time and labor is involved in home ownership. Just like maintaining your car with regular oil changes to keep your engine happy and healthy, keeping up with home maintenance tasks will save you time and money in the future. Here are some useful tips to minimize maintenance in your log home to keep you from future headaches and wasted money:
1. Use the correct product on the exterior. Do not go to Home Depot and buy what is on sale or says “for log homes” on the label. Buy from a company that formulates products specifically for log homes. This can make a difference of 8 to 10 years in longevity.
2. Porches and overhangs. Add as many porches or big overhangs as you can afford, just make sure they fit your design. This will help reduce maintenance with less water issues and reduce sunshine from beaming on the exterior.
3. Design your home so you can reach exposed exterior wood. The maintenance of logs is easy but the addition of decks, porches or walkways will make it easier for you to reach the logs.
4. Use aluminum soffits and fascia. These are heavily exposed surfaces that can also be very high off the ground. We offer this as a no charge option in our packages.
5. Wash the dirt off the exterior at least once a year.
6. Plant trees or locate your home among trees to limit sun exposure.
7. Use no-maintenance siding like LP’s Diamond Kote Smart Side for gable ends and dormers. We offer this in our “No-Maintenance” Option packages. You still have the log look on the interior of the gables but only 8’ of exterior log wall to maintain. Easy to reach = easy to maintain!
8. Install gutters that can handle your water runoff. If you have a very large roof, you may need industrial size gutters to adequately control the water running off your roof.
9. Use a wood species for your home that is naturally resistant to decay and insects. This would include oak, cypress and cedar. Pine can be treated to last as long but requires your attention more than the other species.
10. Properly prepare your exterior wood surface prior to stain application. This will ensure that you get the maximum longevity from the application of the stain.
Gastineau Log Homes has over 40 years of experience helping people realize their dream of building and maintaining a log home. Contact us today and let’s explore your dreams together.
