Your log home can age over time due to exposure to environmental elements like rain, snow, and sunlight. This natural wear and tear can cause the wood to become discolored, cracked, or rotten. Seeking professional log home restoration services can help renew the beauty and strength of your log home. Here are restoration processes that revive the charm of your log home:
Replacing Logs
When you spot signs of decay or damage to log beams, replacing them is the first step in restoring your log home. An expert log home restoration company identifies and replaces the damaged logs with new ones. These new logs are selected to match the size, shape, and color of the existing logs in your home. You can communicate with your restoration team to choose the type of wood and finish you want for your new logs.
Replacing a rotten log can be done by carefully extracting a section of your log home. This should be done carefully and precisely with delicate sections of wood. Once the new logs are in place, they will be sealed and attached securely to help support their longevity.
Surface Cleaning
Your log home may contain dirt, dust, or old finishes that affect its appearance. Proper cleaning prepares your logs for staining and sealing. Surface cleaning helps to remove these impurities from the logs, restoring their texture. Depending on the condition of your logs, your restoration team may use media blasting or sanding to clean the surface.
Media blasting applies when you have a thick, built-up finish on the logs. This method uses compressed air to propel abrasive media onto the surface of the logs to remove the finish. Sanding is ideal for removing old finishes and is often done by hand or with a power sander. Your restoration team may explain these options to help you make an informed decision before starting the process.
Chinking and Sealing
After your logs are cleaned and replaced, seal any gaps or cracks between the logs. You do this to reduce air infiltration and prevent moisture from seeping into your log home. When you apply modern sealants, you improve insulation by minimizing heat loss through gaps. This affirms your house is weatherproof and keeps insects at bay.
Chinking is a flexible sealant that you use to fill spaces too large for caulk. It comes in different colors and textures to match your log color, giving it a more natural look. The chinking compound expands and contracts with temperature changes, making it a suitable choice for sealing gaps between logs. You improve the protection and aesthetics of your log home with chinking and sealing.
Staining and Finishing
Your log home restoration is not finished without stained finishing and weathering. Finishing protects your log home from harsh weather and UV rays that discolor your logs. This also protects against rotting and insect invasions. Staining adds a touch to bring out the natural beauty of your logs, making them stand out.
In staining, you have various colors to choose from, depending on personal preference. Your restoration firm will guide you in selecting the stain for the type of wood used in construction. Depending on the variety of wood, they absorb stains differently, so choose one that provides long-term protection.
Invest in Log Home Restoration
Once you have restored your log home, maintaining it and inspecting it can extend its lifespan. It prevents pest invasion and weather damage due to gaps. Hiring a log home restoration company that uses quality finishes allows you to improve the aesthetics of your log home. Caring for your log home also increases its value, making it an investment that will pay off in the future. Invest in expert restoration services for better protection and durability of your log home.