HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU TREAT A LOG HOME

Log cabins and wood homes are some of the most beautiful homes to live in. However, just like with any building, log homes require some maintenance to ensure their longevity. Wood homes need to be cleaned, stained and protected regularly to prolong the quality of the wood and extend the life of the wood home. But how often do you need to treat a log home?

How Often Should You Treat A Log Home

The quick answer is that log homes should be cleaned and stained every four to seven years. However, the actual time between each staining depends on several factors.

• Weather – If you live in a location that gets a lot of rain or snow, like the Pacific Northwest in the winter time, you may need to stain your wood more frequently to protect the wood against water. Stain helps build a water repellent layer along the wood, which protects against mold, fungi and water damage. Additionally, if you live in a place that gets a lot of sun, you may need to stain more to add UV protection, as sun rays can also damage wood through discoloration and deterioration.
• Exposure – If you are staining a wood deck or patio, exposure may be a factor. Wood decks that are more exposed, such as those without roof coverings or tree overhangs, are more exposed to the wind, rain and sun.
• Pests – For those homes built in a location with termites, wood beetles or other pests that bore into wood, you may need to treat the logs of your home more often to protect the wood against pests.

When Is The Best Time To Treat A Log Home

While it is important to treat your wood home every few years, the time of year your choose to complete the work is also important. You will want to chose a day or stretch of days with mild weather, with temperatures between 45 and 70 degrees throughout the day. You will also want to avoid any days when there is a chance of rain. Additionally, the best time of day to stain or apply other wood coatings is during the morning, before the sun has gotten too hot.

How To Choose The Best Wood Treatments

There are many different types of wood stains, coatings and pests treatments. Choosing the best product for your wood home, log cabin or wood deck may depend on several factors, including the location of the home, the type of wood and the desired end look. For a wide selection of products, contact the team at Lovitt’s Coating. Our team can help you find the best wood coating products for you home and job.