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Just like a periodic car wash, tune-up, oil change, and tire rotation keep a car looking better and running longer, so an annual inspection and as-needed maintenance will keep a log home looking good with integrity and value.

Each log home is unique in its own ways and therefore costs are custom priced. No log home is the same as the next one. Different variables are taken into consideration when pricing our homes. Size, condition, accessibility, and so on. A full restoration is by no means a cheap or easy fix and should be done by a log home specialist such as GSLHS. Call us for a quote. Most quotes are free. If extensive travel needs a fee will occur and if you choose to use GSLHS that fee will be deducted from your rate.

While each log home is different it takes on average 3-6 weeks from start to finish. It usually takes this long due to drying times, application times, preparations, curing time for any caulking or chinking, and weather conditions. The average restoration job involves normally about 5+ trips around the entire home. This means, moving ladders, scaffolding, equipment, and so forth multiple times.

The two most important protections are adequate roof overhangs and eaves troughs. Insects and fungi prefer damp wood, so it is very important to keep your wood dry. As well, the finish treatment of the logs helps prevent decay, insects, and fungi.

Applying finish requires repeat treatments. The finish should be high-quality, allow the wood to breathe and water repellent. Do NOT try to save on exterior finishes. They keep your log home protected and the wood looking good. Also, keep all shrubs and firewood off your log walls

Basic stain products are OK and probably affordable, but the reduction in price usually means a reduction in quality. This will eventually cost you more in the long run. Find a log home supply store or go online to view all companies. You may want to ask a local log homeowner what they use. A good log home stain is formulated to prevent moisture from entering the fiber of your logs and has the right amount of pigment to prevent sun damage. A log home stain will give you the best overall look for your home. Make sure you have a professional log home specialist apply the stain.

No! Please don’t. Painting logs will not allow the wood to breathe. Paint will keep moisture trapped in the wood causing decay soon.

If you use a high quality log home stain then you should get 4 to 6 years out of it. This depends on the environment it’s built and also sun exposure. Under porches will last much longer than open sides with southern exposure.

You want to use a high quality stain formulated for log homes. You have a choice of petroleum base or water base products. We prefer water base.

Yes. Especially after approx. 2 years after construction. After 2 years the logs have gone through their settling process and stabilized. This is the best time to have a professional sealing performed.

All areas that will allow water to infiltrate into the log wall system.

Not all of them. All checks are not bad. Some can actually assist in helping the logs to stay dry. The checks to be more concerned with are the ones over 1/8″ that will trap water. These are normally on round logs on the upper radius side.
You want to use caulk that is designed for log homes. It stays pliable, expands and contracts with the wood. You will also have multiple color selections to match the existing stain color.

If your log home is currently stained and in good condition, do not pressure wash! High pressure will break down the stain and reduce longevity of the stain. It’s best to clean once a year. We use Log Wash and soft brushes and regular water hose nozzles.

All you’re trying to do is to remove dust and pollen build up and any mildew on the surface. It’s better to do this after the spring pollen season.

There are basically 2 ways. One is using a chemical stripper. We really don’t use or recommend this method. These chemicals are harmful and toxic. If you elect to use chemicals, read the label well and follow the product instructions.
We prefer to use media blasting, which is basically a portable sand blasting operation. We use crushed glass which looks and feels like sand but less aggressive than regular sand.

Yes. Gutters are a great preventive maintenance item. They keep off most of the water splatter on the lower courses of logs.

Yes. Just make sure that vegetation stays at least 24″ from the log wall to allow for ventilation. If your home is on a concrete slab, make sure soil and mulch is a minimum of 6″ below the base log.

It depends on what type product you use, the geographical location and exposure.

Oil base stains will need to be applied 3 to 5 years.

Water-base stains are a little different. For example PermaChink stain. The last coat of this process is to apply a clear top coat UV protector. In three years it is recommended to clean and apply 1 coat of clear top coat. This will enhance the life of the stain for several years.