- Keep all vegetation at least 4 feet away from the building
Why?
Fire Danger. Usually you water your plants which gives up moisture to the foundation and some roots will eventually penetrate and destroy the foundation.
Trees and taller shrubs should be a minimum of 20 feet away from the house
Again:
Fire Danger and after time the roots can lift up your whole foundation or crack it.
They also look for a water source, one easy to find is your septic system. The roots will grow into the pipes and plug them.
- Take care of rodents. Make sure that no mice or larger animals have access into your Log Home. Close all openings.
- Watch for wood destroying insects. Usually you can see them and sometimes you can hear them. Termites, carpenter ants, the list goes on and on.
- Close all gaps with caulk or chinking. Water infiltration is your biggest enemy. It will destroy your Log Home over time.
- Make sure your caulk lines are not too big or too small, follow the manufacturer's recommendations.
- Stain your Log Home on a regular basis. Stain gives a protective coating against the elements. If your Log Home turns grey, you pushed it too far already.
- I recommend not to use a total clear stain. It is not really a protection from the damaging UV rays. A lighter pigmented stain is a better alternative.
- Never apply a new coat or caulk over wet wood. You just trap moisture.
- Watch the first two or three courses of logs above ground level, they are more prone to rot.
- Make sure your flashings are in place and are working properly. A flashing is not very helpful if it directs the water inside the structure or the roof.
- Watch for other visible damage, like large cracks in the logs. This gives water the opportunity to run into the wall structure.
- If you find mold, even it it's just a little bit, it needs further investigation. This can be a serious threat.
- Watch for cracks in your foundation, stone work, wall covering, drywall etc. Maybe something puts some pressure on parts of your house that are not designed to be load bearing.
- If your windows or doors start to stick, this might indicate the same serious problem.
- Make sure the air in your Log Home is not too dry, otherwise your logs shrink excessively and this creates gaps.
- Use only quality materials for maintaining your Log Home.
- Do your background check on the materials.
- Be an informed Log Home Owner.
- Call us regularly, at least every 2 - 3 years for a Log Home Evaluation.
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