If you own a log home, you know that these beautiful, character-rich treasures require regular maintenance to keep them sealed and protected from the elements. Chinking, staining, epoxying; are all services that Braun Log Homes offers and performs with the touch of a master craftsman.
Not sure if it’s time to maintain? Here are 5 telltale signs that it’s time:
Loss of sheen
Transformation Log & Timber, as well as Cascade clear topcoat, will get duller over time. Look at the surface in the sun or take a flashlight to it. You’ll notice a flatter appearance where the product has worn down over time.
Transformation Log & Timber, as well as Cascade clear topcoat, will get duller over time. Look at the surface in the sun or take a flashlight to it. You’ll notice a flatter appearance where the product has worn down over time.
Color shifts
Does the stain look darker than it did originally? Perhaps there’s some fading going on where it’s exposed to the sun. Both are signs that your logs sunscreen (aka stain) needs to be refreshed. If the discoloration is significant, it may be time for a bit more prep in a few areas. When possible, catch things before they get to this point. Getting significantly degraded areas to match those still in good shape can be difficult.
Does the stain look darker than it did originally? Perhaps there’s some fading going on where it’s exposed to the sun. Both are signs that your logs sunscreen (aka stain) needs to be refreshed. If the discoloration is significant, it may be time for a bit more prep in a few areas. When possible, catch things before they get to this point. Getting significantly degraded areas to match those still in good shape can be difficult.
Water not shedding
Break out the hose or a spray bottle. (Make sure the grandkids are nearby to play. Kids playing always makes this kind of work more fun.) Is water still running down the logs? It should sheet off the wood, not bead up. Any place where water isn’t sheeting well needs more stain or clear coat.
Break out the hose or a spray bottle. (Make sure the grandkids are nearby to play. Kids playing always makes this kind of work more fun.) Is water still running down the logs? It should sheet off the wood, not bead up. Any place where water isn’t sheeting well needs more stain or clear coat.
Presence of dirt, pollen, etc.
Surface contaminants will, over time, eat away at the integrity of your stain. If you can see these contaminants, it’s at least time for a wash down with CPR® Log Cleaner and Brightener and possibly time for more stain or clear coat, too.
Surface contaminants will, over time, eat away at the integrity of your stain. If you can see these contaminants, it’s at least time for a wash down with CPR® Log Cleaner and Brightener and possibly time for more stain or clear coat, too.
New micro checks and cracks in the wood
Have any new micro checks (the tiny cracks in the face of the logs themselves) appeared? If so, those are unprotected by stain and need to be treated! Left unprotected, they’ll allow in moisture that can compromise the integrity of the stain, not to mention invite rot. Make sure new micro checks are filled with more stain or clear coats.
Have any new micro checks (the tiny cracks in the face of the logs themselves) appeared? If so, those are unprotected by stain and need to be treated! Left unprotected, they’ll allow in moisture that can compromise the integrity of the stain, not to mention invite rot. Make sure new micro checks are filled with more stain or clear coats.
If you find that your beautiful home is experiencing any of these results, it's time to call Braun log Homes.