10 year old log home

[bfuller83]

I have a 10 year old square cut log home that I am told was manufactured by Tennessee Log homes that is now out of business. I am the second owner of and nearest I can tell the first owner didn't take very good care of it or it was just empty for too long. I have been looking for advice about what to do to maintain it and most of the people I have out recommend a full on strip using corn cob or glass and re stain and seal. I have had quotes starting at 10k all the way up to 40k. It doesn't seem to me that they are in such bad shape that it couldn't just be cleaned and resealed. I am starting to notice some carpenter bees and holes where I have had wood peckers on the north wall of the house but every where else in perfect shape just a little weather worn looking. One thing to note is it is square cut log for the bottom ~10' and square cut looking siding up to the peaks. Any thoughts? Recommendations? There is no way I can afford to pay someone to do the work any time soon so I am planning on doing something to tackle parts myself at least. Thanks in advance! Pictures at link

https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B7krMztOAWd2ejVrbU80NURnRk0&usp=sharing

[rocklock]

Just a few thoughts to start with...
This is a very big home with lots of exposed wood...
I would start in the inside. I would make sure there are no holes and the roof is down on the wood... I have a problem with square cut wood being called logs... unless they are hand hewn... After getting the inside up to snuff, I would spray the entire outside with some kind of borate solution. We have a home brew, and there are many others out there... Try to not spend more than 100 bucks cause you don't have too...

Wood peckers are looking for food so when you get rid of the fungus and other bugs, the peckers will go away... easy. The borates will do this.

Then sanding or striping can be done. I have sued corn and walnut stuff... Then use Sikkens (there are many) or some stain/finish that is designed for logs - not siding. It will not be cheap - about $300 for a five gallon pail. I would also get some kind of thinner to thin the first coat to let that sucker get sucked in... The first coat will almost disappear. It may require three coats to actually get a solid finish...

good luck cause you have a bunch of work ahead... don't get discouraged... I would work on the gable ends first where there is the most exposure.

[panderson03]

beautiful home. love your dormers and your decks:)

[lilpony]

...........

[ivanshayka]

I see big problem with this house, roof overhangs, at least at gable ends, they are too short. Solutions? I don't have much cause there are better people here to give you advice. It is a nice home though.

[bfuller83]

First off thanks to everyone for the reply's! We really love our house too I just wish I had done some more research before buying so I knew what I was getting my self into. I guess I was kind of seduced by the whole thing :o



I would start in the inside. I would make sure there are no holes and the roof is down on the wood...

I am not sure what you mean here. The inside doesn't seem to have any holes. Do you mean holes from insects coming through? I know that the roof has a venting system and is insulated but seems to be tight otherwise. We had quite the amount of snow sitting on it over the winter so it seems to be well insulated.


some kind of borate solution.

Where can I buy this at? Any specific brand you recommend? and do you just apply with a pump sprayer?


Is the only reason for stripping by sanding or blasting because I am not sure what was put on it before? I see the sikkens stuff has a maintenance top coat it looks like:

Sikkens Cetol Maintenance RE Clear (5 Gallon))

If properly maintained how often is a full strip needed? Thanks for the advice again!!

[rocklock]

In my experience the jacks are never maintained and many doors and windows don't fit... There are just open places... If there are none, great!
Google "log home supply" and you will fine borates... There are also home brew borate recipies available on the internet.
http://www.ehow.com/how_6578644_diy-wood-preservatives.html
Apply with a inexpensive garden sprayer, then brush in.
They also may have sanding or blasting equipment as well as stains...
If you go to all the trouble of finishing the home, the a clear finish would not be the first to apply. Get the color you want - several coats - then follow the instructions on the can... I don't have my can available...
How often is this needed... when ever the wife starts commenting.