Author: Margie Pope

Roof Repair – Why You Shouldn’t Do It Yourself

Margie Pope

When it comes to roof repair, there are several things that can go wrong. These can include leaking, water stains, and even structural damage.

Roof Repair

Most minor repairs are pretty easy to complete and can be relatively inexpensive. However, some problems are more extensive and require a professional’s assistance. Visit Website to learn more.

The shingles and tiles that make up your roof are your first line of defense against the elements. A well-maintained roof prevents moisture and pests from getting into your home, but a damaged roof lets both in. Performing routine inspections helps you spot any exterior problems before they cause interior damage. But the best way to inspect your roof is to get up there yourself and take a close look, which means climbing a ladder or using binoculars.

The most common type of roof repair is replacing missing or broken shingles or tiles. These can be caused by extreme weather or poor workmanship when your roof was originally installed. Missing or broken shingles expose the underlayment and sealant to dry air and sun exposure, which accelerates their deterioration. It’s a good idea to replace any damaged or missing shingles immediately to avoid costly roof repairs later on.

Replacing a single tile is fairly simple, but doing so in a row of shingles can be time-consuming and difficult. A professional roofer will know how to handle this task quickly and efficiently, as it’s a common part of their work. If you do decide to replace a few tiles yourself, be sure to remove the existing ones surrounding the damaged one before starting. Also, don’t skip the step of securing the new shingle to the roof deck with nails. If you forget to nail the shingle correctly, it could easily slip off during windy conditions and leave the roof vulnerable.

Inspecting your shingle roof for leaks is another important task to perform regularly. Leaks can cause mold, mildew and other harmful substances to grow inside your home. Leaky roofs are also dangerous, as they can weaken the structural beams of your house or foundation and lead to serious damage down the road.

If you suspect a leak, enlist the help of someone else and soak the roof with a garden hose. Start low and work your way up, focusing on the areas closest to where you suspect the leak is occurring. If the problem is in a particular corner of your roof, consider hiring a roofing contractor to repair the damaged area so that it will be watertight for the long haul.

Built-Up Roofing (BUR)

BUR is one of the most durable and long-lasting commercial roofing options. This is due to the fact that it uses multiple layers of tar and asphalt in its construction, which creates a strong and resilient barrier against water damage. Additionally, BUR roofs are easy to maintain and require very little upkeep. This makes them a great choice for building owners and property managers who are looking to get the most out of their investment.

One of the most common problems that can be encountered on a BUR roof is open seams. When the seams on a BUR roof start to separate, it’s important to have them repaired quickly to prevent further leaks and water infiltration. The first step is to clean the area and then pour cement into the cracks to help hold them in place.

Another common issue is blisters. Blisters on a BUR roof are caused by damp and swollen layers, which can be repaired by having your roofing contractor cut away the damaged layer with a sharp knife and then re-layering the spot with new bits of felt, asphalt, and gravel.

Finally, bare spots are another common problem for BUR roofs. A bare spot is an area where the surface flood coat of a BUR roof has worn away, leaving bare areas of concrete underneath. These areas should be cleaned, and a new flood coat applied to the roof.

The good news is that BUR roofs are relatively easy to repair and maintain, which can significantly extend their lifespan and help ensure that they continue performing well for years to come. Regular inspections and maintenance can help prevent minor issues from developing into major problems, and ensure that your building’s protective roof is ready for the next big storm.

If your BUR roof is in need of repairs, call a trusted roofing company as soon as possible to avoid further damage. The longer you wait, the more expensive the repair job will be. If you have any questions about your building’s roofing, our team of experts is here to help.

Flashing

A roofing system’s flashing is one of the most vulnerable points where water can enter a home. This is a thin strip of water-resistant material that’s installed at the intersections and projections of a roof, around chimneys, vent pipes, skylights, and wall interruptions to decrease water penetration, which reduces risk for rot, mold, and compromised insulation.

Flashing is typically made of metal, which is resistant to corrosion from the elements. It’s also relatively inexpensive, which is why homeowners sometimes take on flashing repairs as a DIY project. However, flashing must be installed correctly in order to protect a roof from leaks. That’s why it’s usually best to leave these kinds of projects to professional roofers.

Most common flashing materials include lead, aluminum, copper, galvanized steel, and zinc alloy. While rolls of flashing are available at big-box home improvement stores, these are often not the same quality as the metals that professional roofers use for their installations. Furthermore, roofers use thicker gauge metal than what can be purchased in a roll. This is because the material needs to be sturdy enough to resist weather extremes and wear-and-tear, yet thin enough that it will not deform the roof membrane underneath it.

As with other parts of a roof, flashing can suffer damage from normal wear and tear. It can also become corroded or develop holes from being exposed to moisture, UV rays, and other natural elements for extended periods of time. In many cases, these damages are the result of poor installation.

If a roofer finds that a section of flashing has been damaged, there are several ways to repair it. One way is to simply apply a roof sealant. This is a quick and cheap fix for small areas of damaged flashing, but it’s not a long-term solution. If a roof has extensive flashing damage or rust, it may need to be replaced entirely.

Another option is to use flashing tape to cover the damaged area. This is a cost-effective and temporary solution, but it requires thorough cleaning of the area and good adhesion to create a waterproof seal. This method is also not recommended for areas with a sagging roof, as it can add to the weight of the roof and exacerbate the issue.

Sagging Roof

A sagging roof can be extremely dangerous, especially if it’s left unchecked. It can cause structural damage to the rest of your home, and it may collapse and crush anyone who happens to be underneath it at the time. This is why it’s important to seek the help of a professional roofer when repairing a sagging roof. They’ll be able to determine the cause and make any necessary repairs. In some cases, it may be possible to repair the sagging roof yourself, but this should only be done with the proper safety equipment. It’s also always a good idea to work with a partner when performing roof maintenance, as this will provide an extra set of eyes and hands to ensure your safety.

Roof sagging can be caused by a number of different things, including heavy snowfall, damaged shingles or a lack of support. It can also be a sign of ageing, as older roofs are more likely to suffer from structural issues over time. In some cases, sagging roofs can be repaired by reinforcing the existing structure. This can include jacking up loose rafters, adding struts or supports, and replacing the shingles. In severe cases, it may be necessary to replace the entire roof.

It’s important to note that there is no such thing as a “safe” level of roof sagging. Even if the sagging isn’t particularly significant, it should be fixed as soon as possible. Otherwise, the problem will only get worse over time, which can be expensive and hazardous for you and your family.

Luckily, there are several ways to prevent sagging roofs. These include proper construction and maintenance, using quality materials, and regularly inspecting the roof for signs of wear and tear. In addition, it’s a good idea to install gutters and downspouts, which can help to direct water away from the roof. It’s also a good idea to check with your insurance provider to see if they cover roof damage. However, it’s important to remember that the most common causes of sagging roofs aren’t covered by insurance.

Spotless Success: Demystifying Commercial Cleaning

Margie Pope

Commercial Cleaning Baltimore focuses on cleaning and maintaining workplaces. This includes trash removal, sanitization, and cleaning shared equipment like doorknobs and light switches.

Commercial Cleaning

A commercial cleaning company will also take note of problem areas in the building, such as stains on carpets or water marks on windows. They will then report these issues to the appropriate person to fix them quickly.

Commercial cleaning services offer a variety of different services, from deep cleaning and waste removal to sanitizing restrooms and emptying trash bins. These services can be tailored to meet the needs of any business, including retail stores, restaurants, offices, and hospitals. A clean environment can help businesses attract customers and keep them happy by improving health and safety, increasing productivity, and making a good first impression.

Commercial cleaners can also be used to perform larger cleaning jobs, such as graffiti removal and window washing. These tasks require specialized equipment and training, which many commercial cleaning companies have. They can also save businesses money by performing these services more efficiently than in-house staff can.

Some companies offer additional ad hoc cleaning services, such as disaster cleanup and asbestos removal. This may include cleaning up after fires, floods, and accidents in addition to regular maintenance cleaning. Other ad hoc cleaning services can include washing exterior windows and doors, scrubbing sidewalks and entranceways, vacuuming carpeting, and washing and disinfecting shared furniture.

Office cleaning services are a vital part of any business. They involve cleaning common areas, private cubicles, restrooms, and kitchens. Tasks can include mopping floors, dusting furniture and fixtures, removing garbage, and sanitizing door handles and light switches. Cleaning services can also provide other janitorial services, such as emptying trash cans, scrubbing and waxing floors, and cleaning glass surfaces.

Upholstery cleaning is another important service offered by commercial cleaning services. It removes dirt, allergens, and stains from upholstery, which can improve indoor air quality and reduce respiratory problems for employees and patrons. It is usually done with water or solvents, depending on the fabric.

The bathrooms in any business are vital for promoting good hygiene and giving customers and visitors a positive impression. Cleaning services can sanitize the sinks, toilets, and countertops, remove odors, and wipe all surfaces. They can also restock supplies, wipe mirrors and windows, and sweep and mop the floors.

Cleaning services can also perform larger cleaning projects, such as stripping and waxing vinyl and linoleum floors, buffing and burnishing tile and concrete, and deep cleaning hardwood and porous flooring. They can also perform floor scrubbing and finishing, which involves using high-pressure cleaning to remove scuff marks.

Waste Removal and Recycling

Commercial cleaners have to be familiar with a variety of sanitation rules and regulations. They need to know how to properly dispose of items like florescent bulbs, electronics, batteries, and automotive waste. Moreover, they should understand how to recycle items like yard trimmings, food waste, and paper products. This will help them save on landfill fees and ensure that they follow local recycling rules.

Some commercial cleaning services also offer waste removal and recycling services. For instance, they might have a composting program where they convert organic material into soil amendment. This will improve the condition of the soil, which in turn will protect the environment. It can also be a great way to reduce the cost of fertilizer for local farmers.

Another service that many commercial cleaners offer is sanitisation. Sanitisation is a vital process that kills viruses and germs, and it is especially important in places like restrooms and kitchens. Moreover, it can prevent the spread of disease and make employees and customers feel safe in the workplace. In addition to that, sanitisation can also keep enclosed spaces from smelling musty.

Most commercial cleaning companies have rates that are calculated by the square footage of a space. These rate structures are often used because they are easier to manage than individual hourly rates. In addition, they can help the company keep track of its costs and revenues.

In order to be successful, a commercial cleaning company needs to provide excellent customer service. They need to be friendly and attentive to their clients, as well as flexible in terms of scheduling. This is because some businesses have unique requirements that may change from week to week. For example, a client might request that certain surfaces be wiped down or that an extra trash bag be placed in the bin.

Another aspect of customer service that a commercial cleaning company must pay attention to is keeping up with the latest technologies and cleaning tools. This will ensure that they remain competitive and can attract new business. It can also ensure that they have the resources they need to keep up with the ever-changing needs of their clients. For example, a cleaning service might invest in high-powered vacuums that can remove stains from carpets and tile.

Cleaning Equipment

Commercial cleaning services use a range of professional-grade, specialized equipment to clean and disinfect establishments. They can offer one-time and recurring cleaning service, depending on a business’s needs. This can include a variety of machines such as sweepers, scrubbers and carpet cleaners. A wide range of chemicals are also used, including disinfectants and sanitizers. Unlike home cleaning supplies, which can be purchased at any store, these chemicals are often more powerful and require special training to use safely.

The scope of work for a commercial cleaning company will vary depending on the facility, but general cleaning tasks may include cleaning and sanitizing countertops, walls, floors, tables, desks, chairs, and computer keyboards. They might also clean and replenish soap dispensers, paper towels, and toilet tissue in restrooms. Other common tasks include dusting and high-dusting, which may involve ladders or lifts. Some businesses may require additional or deeper cleaning, such as a movie theater that has sticky floors from soda and butter popcorn.

A commercial cleaning service will also use a variety of janitorial supplies to clean surfaces and large areas, including mops, brooms, buckets, sponges, squeegees, and brushes. These cleaning supplies can be used to apply and remove cleaning products to a variety of surfaces, including windows. Door handle tissues can provide a shield against germs when touching doors and handles, while facial tissues are soft for more delicate cleaning.

A professional commercial cleaning service can be an invaluable asset for any business. They can save a business money on cleaning supplies, cleaning and labor costs, and employee sick days. They can also improve a business’s image and increase productivity by providing a clean and safe environment for employees and customers. If you are interested in hiring a commercial cleaning service, contact us today to discuss your needs and to see how we can help. We carry top-of-the-line Tennant industrial cleaning equipment that includes power sweepers, scrubbers and carpet cleaners for a complete cleaning solution. Learn more about our equipment and request a quote today!

Training

The cleanliness of a business is important, especially for businesses that handle raw materials or personal spaces. Uncleanliness can lead to pests, health hazards and safety risks. For this reason, cleaning services often work with professional training programs to ensure that their staff can perform their jobs properly and quickly. These trainings can be conducted on-the-job, in classrooms or through online courses and certifications.

Cleaning services may also work to obtain industry-specific certificates and recognitions that prove their quality of service. This can help them gain client trust and increase their chances of winning contracts. For example, a commercial cleaning company can seek Green Seal certification to show that they follow environmental standards. They can also pursue Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) accreditation to demonstrate that they follow best practices for cleaning, disinfecting and preventing the spread of infectious diseases.

In addition to industry-specific qualifications, commercial cleaning services can seek to gain customer service training. This can include learning how to handle complaints, defuse confrontations and take ownership of a job. This training can be provided on-the-job or through online courses and certifications, such as EdApp’s Customer Service Training for Janitorial Custodial Professionals course.

While many cleaning services focus on the inside of a facility, it is important to make sure that the outside of a building is clean as well. This is because the exterior of a building can be seen by clients, which can affect their perception of a company’s cleanliness and professionalism. For this reason, many cleaning services will seek to obtain a certification for outdoor cleaning.

One such certificate is ISSA’s Cleaning Management System (CMS) certification, which teaches cleaning professionals how to run their business. This certification provides proof that a cleaning business follows best practices and has the tools to keep its clients happy and satisfied. In addition, it demonstrates that a cleaning business can meet the specific needs of each client. In order to receive this certificate, a cleaning business must complete a series of assignments and tests. The course lasts for six weeks and includes access to a faculty member to provide teaching assistance and answer questions.

From Detection to Prevention: Navigating the Termite Control Journey

Margie Pope

Several chemical and physical treatments are available for Knoxville Termite Control. These include soil treatment with liquid termiticide and termite bait stations.

Wood preservation with borate treatments also helps prevent and eradicate termites. These treatments prevent molting in the wood, which eliminates the entire colony. This method works for both subterranean and drywood termites.

Termite Inspection

pest control

A termite inspection is the first step in the process of eliminating and preventing termites. During an inspection, an experienced technician will examine your property for signs of termite damage and activity. He or she will check everything that is made of wood including baseboards, window frames and doors and cabinets. A thorough inspection will also include the attic, crawl space and basement. In addition, the inspector will look for characteristic mud tubes and visual damage to wood. Other things that are often checked during an inspection include piles of firewood and lumber, cracks in expansion joints and brick and wood mulch around the house.

The inspection is a thorough process and it may take several hours. To make the inspection go faster, you can prepare your home by clearing items from built-in cupboards and drawers in kitchens and bathrooms. In the garage, remove anything stored against the walls and leave at least several feet of space for easy access by the inspector. You should also clean out your cupboards as much as possible, especially those under sinks. Termites love water and will be drawn to areas where moisture is concentrated.

Once the inside of the home is inspected, the pest control specialist will move outdoors to check the perimeter of the structure and look for mud tubes that lead to the foundation. The inspector will also look at wooden structures like fences, sheds and decks. Finally, the inspector will look at the eaves of the home and inspect any wood-to-ground contacts that are not covered by siding or veneer.

If there is evidence of a termite infestation, the pest control specialist will recommend a course of treatment. Treatment options include the installation of a termite barrier and wood preservation with Boracare. The termite barrier is installed around the exterior of your home and contains a combination of wood fibers and chemicals that are deadly to subterranean termites when they come into contact with it.

In some cases, a fumigation of the entire structure may be necessary. This is the fastest and most effective way to kill termites, but it will require that you vacate the property for a few days while the pest control expert sets up the fumigation tent. This method uses sulfuryl fluoride (Vikane) or methyl bromide gas to fumigate the building and kills the termites instantly.

Termite Treatment

When it comes to termite treatment, there are several different options that can be used. The type of termite species that is present, the severity of the infestation and other factors will help determine which method is best suited for your situation.

For severe and widespread infestations, fumigation is a very effective option. A trained pest control professional will place a tent around your structure and pump in a gas called sulfuryl fluoride (Vikane). This termite treatment is odorless and contains no toxic chemicals that can be harmful to humans or pets. The gas seeps into the wood and kills all of the termites within the affected area. Your home will need to be tented and sealed for several days in order for the gas to penetrate all areas, including hidden termite galleries. Once the infested area is clear of all termites, your home can be re-opened.

Termite barrier treatments are another common way of treating for termites. They involve digging a trench along the perimeter of your home and filling it in with liquid termiticide. Then, the soil is backfilled. This treatment can last on average for about 5 years and helps prevent future infestations by creating a chemical barrier that termites cannot cross over.

In-ground baiting stations are another option for preventing termite infestations. These station are placed in the ground at regular intervals around your property. They contain cellulose-based bait and termiticide. When foraging termite workers find the bait, they take it back to their colonies and share it with other members of their colony. Eventually, the entire colony will be destroyed.

Another way to help prevent termite infestations is to keep the soil around your home dry. This can be accomplished by removing any trees or shrubs that are close to the house, maintaining proper yard drainage and eliminating any areas where moisture is collecting. Additionally, making sure your home’s foundation is not touching the soil and reducing places where moisture can enter the wood through cracks in concrete and around utility penetrations can also help prevent termite infestation.

Termite Bait Stations

Termite bait stations are a great option for controlling subterranean termites. They are often positioned near woodpiles, tree stumps, and other areas where the pests might be found. This is because they increase the chance that termites will come into contact with the product during their normal foraging activities. Termite professionals use different types of bait inside the station to lure the insects in and then introduce a slow-acting insecticide that kills them.

Bait stations are very effective for preventing termite infestations, as they can be placed in areas where liquid treatments can’t be used due to the presence of water or other factors. They also require less disruption to the surrounding area than traditional barrier treatment. Liquid treatments involve drilling around the foundation, which can disrupt landscaping and cause disturbances in the soil underneath structures. This makes them less desirable for homes with landscaped yards and other outdoor features.

A termite bait station is usually a plastic cylinder with slits on the sides that are used to allow for termite entry and exit. A piece of wood (typically eucalyptus or acacia) is mounted in the center to serve as an interceptor. Termites tunnel through and then consume the bait, which they then carry back to their nest where they share it with their colony.

There are two types of termite bait stations, aboveground and below ground, depending on the type of termite species infesting a property. The aboveground stations are placed in the soil around the structure, while the below-ground bait stations are positioned near known termite mud tubes and feeding sites. Unlike aboveground termite baits, belowground baits contain no wood material and instead rely on the termites to detect the poison inside through their pheromones.

Both aboveground and belowground stations are loaded with a slow-acting termiticide, allowing the insect to be killed over a longer period of time before it can affect the rest of the colony. This allows for greater success in controlling the termite population than would be possible with faster-acting products.

Because of this, it’s important for homeowners to work with a licensed pest control professional when installing and monitoring termite bait stations. They can help ensure that the correct product is being used and that it’s placed in the right place to be most effective. They can also provide advice on how to protect a home from future infestations with termites by recommending the correct protective measures and monitoring procedures.

Termite Monitoring

If termites are detected at the very beginning, proper treatment can minimize their damage. This requires frequent and thorough inspections. Termite monitoring systems act like vigilant sentinels, alerting property owners to termite activity as it happens. These systems allow for targeted treatment, minimizing environmental impact and ensuring that the chemicals reach the root of the problem.

Each station houses a high cellulose attractant that lures foraging termites. The stations are buried in the ground at 10- to 20-foot intervals around your home. They are placed in areas where termites are expected to live, such as tree stumps, existing damage or along foundation walls.

Termites feed on the bait and share it with their colony. Over a period of time, the entire colony is poisoned and eventually dies. The poison in the bait also kills any termites that come into contact with it, and new colonies that form in the area are unable to reproduce. This process is known as “colony elimination.”

Once the termites find the bait and begin eating it, they carry it back to their nests where it is shared with the other members. As a result, the entire colony is eradicated and future infiltrations are prevented.

In addition to monitor and bait stations, Terminix offers a variety of other wood treatments that provide additional protection for structures. Surface sprays and foams can be used to treat wood framing, decking and other wooden components of a structure. These products soak into wood to kill existing termites and prevent future infestations.

After conducting a comprehensive inspection and pinpointing potential trouble spots, your technician will create a customized termite plan. Using a combination of liquid termiticides and Terminix’s proprietary barrier, your technician will create a protective barrier around your home. In addition, your technician will strategically install termite monitoring bait stations on your property. A yearly contract with routine termite inspections will ensure long-term protection from these destructive pests.

Log Home Repair – How to Spot Problems Before They Become Costly

Margie Pope

Log homeowners need to perform regular maintenance. In the long run, this minimizes more costly problems like replacing logs that have become damaged from water, sunlight, and insects. Black surface fungus or mold can be signs of failure of the protective stain. Fungus and mold should be eradicated before re-staining.

Inspect the Logs Regularly

log home repair

Log homes require unique care compared to traditional structures, and you must be on the lookout for certain issues. Regular inspections from https://richardsonloghomes.com/ will allow you to spot and correct problems before they become costly. This will help protect your investment and ensure your dream home is well-maintained.

Moisture in wood can lead to mold, mildew, rot and insect damage. It is essential that you regularly check for any moisture problems in your log home. Inspect for damp areas, and areas where the logs are sagging, as these can be signs of excessive moisture.

You should also regularly examine your stain to ensure that it is in good condition. If your stain is faded, it is time to add another coat. Look for water beading on the surface of your logs after it rains or when you wash the exterior of your home. If the stain is wearing away or peeling, you need to apply new stain to protect your logs and keep them safe from moisture.

Another important consideration is that you must watch for fungus growth on your logs. This can be an indicator that the logs are becoming soft and need to be replaced. Fungus growth can be caused by a variety of things, including improper staining, leaking gutters, rubbing of tree branches against the house, putting too much mulch or other greenery around your log home, and high humidity levels.

A common problem that many people run into with their log homes is that the caulking and chinking are starting to separate from the logs. When this happens, it creates cracks and crevices that are inviting to insects, can cause leaks and allows water to seep into the home. There are a variety of caulking and chinking products available that can be used to seal these cracks and crevices, making your log home air and water tight.

Clean the Logs Regularly

Logs require regular cleaning and staining to protect against rot and insects like powder post beetles and carpenter ants. This is a big part of the reason that most log home owners hire a professional for their maintenance. However, you can do basic maintenance yourself by regularly inspecting your logs. A few things to look for include:

Check the caulking (chinking) to make sure it is in good condition. This helps prevent water from seeping into the logs. Look for cracks, gaps and missing chunks of caulking.

Also, if you can stick a screwdriver into a crack without any resistance, it’s probably time to caulk that log. Also look for spots on the log that are discolored and appear to be rotting. Using a screwdriver or pocketknife you can also test to see if the log is rotting by pressing on it gently. If it feels hollow or spongy you’ll want to call in the professionals to assess the damage and take care of the repairs.

Moisture is the biggest natural hazard to wood logs, and clogged gutters or overgrown landscaping can cause pockets of moisture to collect against your log walls. This can lead to costly water damage, mold, mildew and rot.

A professional can help you keep your log home looking great and preventing major problems in the future. An experienced log home professional knows how to clean and repair logs, chinking, storm water control and more. They can also provide recommendations for specialized inspections such as structural engineers, radon inspectors or mold specialists. With proper maintenance your log home can last for generations. A little work now can save you thousands down the road.

Keep Landscaping Away From the House

If you have a log home that is in the early stages of rot, there are a number of things you can do to save it. One of the most important things is to make sure that the conditions that promoted the rot in the first place are corrected. This means addressing issues like leaky gutters, poorly installed base flashing or splashing water from sidewalks. The next step is to keep your logs clean and protected by staining them regularly. Stain is an effective way to protect your logs from the elements and to give your home a beautiful finish.

If your log home needs restoration work, you should know that on average it takes about 3-6 weeks to complete the work. This time includes drying time from washing the house, time in between staining and curing times for caulking or chinking. It is also important to choose a contractor with experience and references.

A good contractor will be familiar with the local environment and codes that affect the construction of log homes. They should also be licensed and insured. Before you hire someone for the job, ask them to provide you with a cost estimate. This will help you to establish a zone that costs for your specific project should fall into. Anyone who provides estimates outside of this range should be culled right away.

Many people choose to paint their log homes instead of staining them. This is a mistake. Paint does not allow moisture to escape, which can cause rot in the wood. The best solution is to remove the existing stain using a method like media blasting or chemical stripping and then stain the log home properly. Choosing a high-quality water- or oil-based stain, such as those from Sashco or Perma-Chink, is the key to protecting your logs and maintaining the beauty of your home.

Inspect the Foundation Regularly

Log homes require regular maintenance to protect against moisture, insect infestation and the damage of extreme temperatures. Taking the time to perform routine inspections is the best way to keep your log home in great shape, and to avoid costly restoration work down the road.

During your inspection, it’s a good idea to take notes, and to use the camera on your phone to capture images of any problem areas that need attention. It’s also a good idea to clean the gunk off of your log home before you inspect it, as this will give you a clearer picture of any issues.

The areas of your log home that should be inspected most closely include; chinking, caulking, cracks in the logs, crevasses or soft spots, popped knots, faded stain and any areas that appear damp. In addition, you should look for a chimney that is in need of repairs, wood rot around windows and doors and any areas where the roof sits on top of the log walls.

Check that the base of your log home is raised at least six inches off of the ground. Logs that come in direct contact with the ground are prone to soak up water and can be a breeding ground for insects, fungus and bacteria. Also, check that the logs are properly stained – water should be repelled by the stain, not absorbed.

Another area to check is the corners of your log home. It’s common for older log structures to have corners that don’t fit perfectly, and this can cause them to deteriorate over time. Check for rot and dampness in these areas, as well as checking at the corners and areas with gables. Also, check that the gutters are not causing puddles on the roof, as this can lead to water logging and rot.

Schedule Regular Inspections

Log home restoration is a serious project and should be left to professionals. The best way to prevent major rot issues is to ensure the logs are properly protected from moisture. This can be accomplished by installing gutters and downpipes, proper base flashing or simply ensuring that garden sheds or walkways are not situated too close to the logs of your home. Also, having the logs regularly re-coated with a high quality water or oil-based stain is essential.

Inspect the entire exterior of your log home on a regular basis. Look for signs of moisture damage, dirt and mold. Also check the condition of the caulking and chinking to make sure they are still solid. Look for any insect or rodent activity as well. Catching these problems in the early stages can save you a lot of money in a log home restoration.

If you see that a log is starting to rot, or that the wood has begun to crumble or become spongy then it is time to call in your log home restoration contractor for some serious work. If the rot is not too severe, the pros will typically cut away the damaged log and replace it with a new one that is of the same species and very similar in size and shape. They will then apply borate treatment to the area in order to prevent future rot from occurring.

Moisture is the biggest natural hazard to your log home. It can be caused by clogged gutters or downspouts, splashback from sidewalks or gardens, improper stain application and other factors. Proper maintenance of your log home can help prevent moisture and other problems from damaging the logs, making them last longer and saving you thousands on a full log home restoration.