5 Ways to Keep Your Log Cabin Home Well Maintained

You love your log cabin home. You worked hard to own one, so you could take advantage of the beautiful nature that surrounds it and the small towns nearby. It is the perfect family vacation spot or weekend getaway for you and your partner. Or perhaps you rent it out for a second income. No matter what you use your log cabin for, maintaining it should be a high priority. The better maintained the log cabin home, the longer it will last and the more enjoyable it will be to stay there. Below are some tips for keeping your Ohio log cabin home or whatever state it is in taken care of.
Inspect The Log Seals and Checks

Wood cabins withstand all kinds of weather, but over time the weather takes its toll on the log cabin. This can lead to leaks in between the logs that can allow air and other elements in. Thus, you want to check the foam in between each log for cracks or wider holes. While this is something you could do on your own, it can be time and labor intensive because it involves stripping caulk and reapplying it among other things. Best to leave this to a professional.

Inspect Windows and Doors

Windows and doors are important in your log cabin home. They keep air and elements out. They protect you from wildlife that might want to come inside and stay for a night. Plus, they are a decorative piece that can make your cabin look great. Thus, you want to inspect these for the weather stripping for bugs and insects as well as holes.

Check Your Roof and Exterior Pipes

Climb on your roof and look for debris and clear it. Look for birds nest or other nests that may have built up and clear them too. Ensure the chimney screen is clear of debris as well. Plus, make sure the rain caps are in place. When walking the exterior of the log cabin home, ensure that you look at the pipes to ensure the sealant around them is in good shape. You want to make sure there are no cracks or leaks that can lead to pipe damage. This could be a job for a professional if you are not familiar with or comfortable with this process.

Inspect Gutters and Eaves

When walking around your house, pay special attention to the logs at the bottom of the cabin. They are most likely to have leaks or damage as they sit in the rain and snow that builds up. Next, clear your gutters and eaves so that no rain or snow can accumulate and cause damage to the roof due to standing water. Clear all areas where water will exit the gutters and eaves as well. This can be done seasonally, especially during fall when leaves can get stuck and cause issues.

Check Inside The Home

Go into the attic and look for cracks. Any upward facing cracks are not good news as it allows water to into the wood, which creates moisture problems. This can lead to mold. While you are up there, check for insects and rodents to ensure none are getting in that could be dangerous to your family and the structure. Plus, check the ceiling in each room and bathroom for cracks.

It is also wise to check your kitchen, bath, and air ducts to clear them from birds nest. Moreover, clean your fireplace and change your furnace filter.

Now that you have taken a look around and inside your log cabin home, you will know what needs to be fixed. Knowing this allows you to make any small fixes before they become costlier and bigger projects. Hiring a professional is not a bad idea because they are trained and skilled in knowing what to look for and use the right tools for small fixes that can be done on the spot. With over 20 years of combined experience, fixing, maintaining, and refinishing, and restoring log cabin homes, we know we can help show you how to keep yours in tip top shape. Contact us today for a free inspection and consultation.