Log Home Exteriors
Following is advice from the National Association of Home Builders on how to maintain and preserve log home exteriors.

Most logs for homes are first treated with zinc napthanate to control stain fungi, then dipped into sodium borate solution to protect the logs against insects or fungi. When the log house is erected the owner should follow a three-step maintenance procedure.

3-Step Maintenance Plan

1. Use a homemade cleaning solution to wash the logs. Dissolve 4 ounces of Savogran TSP-PF (phosphate-free) or low-phosphate detergent in a solution of 1 quart of chlorine bleach and 3 quarts of water (cleans about 250 sq. ft. of logs.) Cover any plants with plastic to protect them from the cleaner.

Wet the logs down with water from a garden hose. Use a garden sprayer to apply the cleaning solution and let the solution stand on the log surface for 15 to 30 minutes, or until the discoloration begins to lift. Power wash the grime and solution away, using the washer at 500 pounds pressure. This procedure can be used on either older or new log homes to remove fungi, dirt, and air pollutants. Reapply the cleaner if necessary to be sure the logs are cleaned, then rinse and let dry before proceeding.

2. When the logs are cleaned apply 1 or 2 coats of wood preservative. Preservatives available include Wolman Clear, Flood Seasonite, Sikkens Wood Preservative, and Chapman Wood Guard. Follow the log home dealer's instructions as well as the label instructions on your chosen preservative product.

3. To preserve the natural log color, use a transparent wood treatment such as Flood CWF or Aquatrol; Weatherall Log Guard; Wolman Raincoat; or Chapman Wood Guard. To add color without covering the wood grain use Olympic Semi-transparent Stain, pigmented Wood Guard, pigmented Log Guard, or Wolman Raincoat with Natural Wood Toner.

Never use paint or varnish finishes on log homes, because any hard surface film will crack and peel as logs expand and contract from moisture changes.


written by Gary Branson

Reprinted with permission. Copyright HouseNet, Inc.

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