California Log Home Spring Maintenance Checklist
Regular maintenance of your California log home is crucial to protect your investment so you can enjoy it for years to come. In addition, being proactive in preventing and addressing issues early can save you a substantial amount of money and stress. To get started freshening up, inspect your home for signs of wear and tear or damage and make a list of any improvement tasks. Here is a checklist of items to add to your maintenance list to get you started in keeping your home in optimal shape this spring.
Clear Your Gutters from Debris
Gutters and downspouts that fail to work properly can cause detrimental damage to the roof and wood of your California log home. Remove dirt and debris that may have collected during the winter to prevent water backup and overflow from clogging. Make sure your downspouts are securely connected and direct water away from your home. Trim vegetation close to your home that can trap moisture and encourage the growth of mold and mildew.
Repair Minor Roof Issues
While cleaning the gutters of your California log home, look for any missing or loose shingles or chimney flashing. You may want to consider hiring a roofing professional who knows what to look for to perform an inspection. These minor roof issues can lead to damaging water leaks. If you notice any damage, you may want to contact an experienced and licensed roofing professional to repair these minor issues.
Give Your California Log Home a Bath
Winter debris and spring pollen can settle overtime on your California log home. If this grime is allowed to remain, it can damage the exterior finish on the logs. You can give your home a spring bath by using a gentle cleaning solution designed for wood and log surfaces and rinsing with water. Your builder can recommend the safest products to use.
Examine Your California Log Home for Log Checks and Cracks
Checks or cracks can invite pests and water damage to your California log home. These issues commonly appear around doors, windows, and where your deck is attached. New log homes are most vulnerable to checks within the first few years. Any cracks that face upward on any side of the home where water can enter should be repaired using an elastic caulk specifically formulated for log homes. Call a professional immediately to repair larger cracks.
Clean and Stain Your Deck
The spring season is the perfect time to freshen up and maintain the deck of your California log home. During the winter, mold and mildew can accumulate on stone or concrete surfaces and retaining walls. Pressure wash your deck and apply a concrete sealer to prevent further damage.
If you notice flaking or peeling stains on your California log home or deck, clean the wood and sand down any stains. Flaking or peeling stain can encourage the growth of mold, mildew, and algae on the logs. Using a stain that contains UV inhibitors and fungicides can help. Although it isn’t the stain type we recommend to our clients, some stain manufacturers recommend applying a clear topcoat to protect and prolong the lifespan of the stain.
Professional California Log Home Design and Maintenance
Your log home is one of the most important investments you may make during your lifetime. Unfortunately, taking care of all tasks on your spring maintenance list now will help you enjoy the upcoming beautiful summer weather with peace of mind. If you need help with designing, building, or maintaining your California log home, call Sierra Log & Timber for assistance. Design professionals and other team members have been successfully serving customers for almost 30 years with dream log homes. Request a consultation today.
