Good engineering, materials, construction and maintenance are key to a quality log home that will last for many generations. The Forces of Nature Like any house, the longevity of a log home is directly linked to the maintenance of the structure with respect to withstanding the forces of nature. And, like any structure containing wood components, log homes are subject to attack by a variety of wood destroying insects. However, these threats are no greater for log construction than conventional wood frame construction. In fact, a log structure may be better protected from certain insects, such as termites, since termite tunnels and insect activity can be easily seen and treated in a log home. Please refer to the following Log Homes Council Tech Notes: Controlling Carpenter Bees Termite Prevention and Control
Treating Logs Any wood product exposed to the elements needs to be protected to ensure long life and natural beauty. A preservative with a variety of stain choices, is included in the Country Log Cabins package to provide exterior protection for the home. Tthe initial treatment should be applied immediately after the home is constructed. The subsequent treatments should be applied based on the preservative specifications in relation to the homes environment and exposure to the elements. For more detailed information on infiltration, sealants, compatibility with wood treatments and durability, please refer to the Log Homes Council publication: Prevention of Air & Water Infiltration Interior Finish Kiln-dried logs guarantee that interior finish maintenance is minimal and expedient. Depending upon the exposure of the logs to the elements during the construction process, the interior finish can be applied as soon as the home is complete, most commonly with polyurethane or oil finishes. Once the finish is applied, very little maintenance is required since polyurethane is very durable and easily cleaned with common non-abrasive household cleaners. As with any wood product, the logs will age naturally over time, creating a beautiful honey colored tone. Therefore, it is advisable to move pictures and other wall decorations periodically so the wood ages consistently in all locations. Humidity and Log Homes Since some checking is to be expected even in kiln-dried logs, it is advisable to monitor and maintain the home's humidity between 35 and 50, in order to minimize this natural process. This is particularly important after the masonry products cure, as the home's natural humidity levels will tend to drop.
