Resources
Proper Maintenance of Log Cabins
By David Urmann
Log cabins make beautiful home extensions. These are constructed for purposes of becoming vacation or permanent houses. Although they may look pricey, they are actually cost effective and very functional. As a matter of fact, they are one of the fastest growing home types in the real state construction business.
Log cabins come in different shapes and sizes depending on the needs and desires of the owner and the space available. They are easily constructed because they come in uniformed panels, thus eliminating high labor cost. Different cabins have different features. Owners have the liberty to design and install amenities in their cabins as they their want. Some put insulators if log cabins are built in warm areas. Cabins also have built-in electrical and water systems.
Due to the wood material, log cabins need to be maintained in order to keep the wood from decaying prematurely and to maximize their service. Here are some tips on how to care for your log cabins and keep their beauty for a long time.
First thing that must be dealt are mold and mildew that settle on the wood panels of the cabin. This will keep them from spreading and wrecking havoc on the rest of the structure.
In case of homes with two storeys, the collar tiles, roof structures and the upper potions of cabins should be inspected. Log cabins built during the 1900's were susceptible to structural weaknesses since collar ties during that time were cut short. The constant pressure of the roof on these collar tiles often resulted to three or four logs pushed out. The roof should also be checked for swags and other damaging manifestations like influx of termites or other harmful insects. Older cabins often display this problem and in severe cases, the whole roof should be replaced.
Doors and windows are other parts of the cabins that need to be checked closely for improper settling. When doors and windows do not close properly, they may have to be reworked or replaced including the jambs. It is possible that that the cabin has settled on doors and windows.
Inside the cabin, special attention should be given to stains and water infiltrations. The most likely places that will be affected by water infiltrations are support beams that run through the wall. Water can seep into walls if these support beams are not tightly sealed. This can easily lead to rot and insect infestation.
The ice pick is the handiest tool for determining the extent of damage. Mantels and fireplaces should be checked. There is always the chance for leaks to occur especially since it is natural for logs to move due to pressure. Inside corners should be checked for drafts where cool and heat can escape. There are hardly any perfect corners especially when no appropriate tools are available. Thus, old cabins are often affected by corner leaks problems.
People always have the urge to start in the interior first which is natural since they spend more time inside. However, one must bear in mind that the weather has a lot to do with what job should be given priority. While the weather is fine, the exterior must be prioritized. The interior can wait. After all, it is a place where one can work under any kind of weather condition.
The kind of cleaning to be done will naturally depend on the condition of the cabin. The best place to start is the exterior portion. Pressure cleaner utilizing water mixed with oxalic acid can do a credible job, but before blasting away it is recommended that all molds and mildew should be removed first. There might be rotten logs and woods that might give way, drenching the inside of the cabin. A pressure cleaner with 1500 psi will be just right particularly if the house is quite old.
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