Spring is here once again! And you know what that means: the snow has melted,
the sun is shining, and you finally have the chance to get to those repairs that you’ve been meaning to do since last October.
It’s not all bad– we here at Tru Log happen to like working with our hands, spring sun shining on our backs, listening to the birds and smelling the fresh grass and leaves. But it can get overwhelming when you’ve got a list of fixes and improvements to get to, and no good idea of where to start. That’s why we here at Tru Log have put together a list of outdoor upkeep and maintenance jobs, to keep you on target and keep your cabin looking–and living–great!
Inspection
Take a few hours to do a walk-through of your log cabin. Specifically, you’re looking for any problem areas, including the roof and walls, in order to track down any areas where the weather may have started to get the better of your cabin. For instance, any southern-facing walls may have started to succumb to UV degradation, and the roof may have gotten the worst of that last winter storm and lost a few tiles. Make sure to check all of the joints and corners, including doorways and windows.
Pest and Mildew Control
There’s nothing like an infestation of something to turn your cabin into an expensive burden. Make sure to take special care to note signs of pest infestation including leavings and damage to wood. Likewise, making sure that your cabin stays dry is the best way to prevent mold and mildew. Remember, an ounce of prevention saves a whole boatload of money.
Washing and Staining Your Cabin
If your cabin is made from exposed wood, then the best practice to extend its life is to wash and stain it annually. Using a soft-bristled brush and a mild detergent, wash from the bottom to the top of your cabin, focusing on mildewed areas. Then, wash from the top to bottom, to carry the dirt downwards and off of your walls, and give your cabin a final hose-down and let it dry for a good couple of days before continuing any repairs. After all of this, applying a good few coats of stain can drastically increase the life of your cabin.
Alternately (if you have Tru Log steel log siding):
Hose off the dirt from the side of your cabin, if you feel like it. Or don’t. It won’t damage your walls, either way. But hey– it’s spring cleaning, right?
If you have a log cabin, you know that maintenance is important. Making sure to keep your log cabin dry, stained, and insulated is essential to keeping it intact. For those of us who have washed one too many cabin walls, however, there’s Tru Log siding. Take a look at the product here.
