Those of you who own or plan to build a wood log home or cabin want to preserve its beauty and integrity. One thing that some homeowners overlook is protecting their homes from water damage. This can be prevented by applying some basic principles to keep it damage-free.
You can seal joints adequately, apply quality stain/sealant, build enough roof overhang, install gutters and downspouts, and create a sound foundation. You can also place plants strategically, inspect the house regularly, and consult with a contractor. Let’s look at how this can be done.
Seal Joints Professionally To Protect Log Homes
The best way to stop water from seeping into cracks, gaps, and joints is by sealing them well with high-quality caulk. This is especially important for all joints throughout all exterior walls in full log homes. This is generally only necessary in the corners and around door and window trim for pine log siding homes with tongue and groove construction.
Applying chinking is necessary for full log homes that have significant gaps between the layers of logs. It is optional and decorative for pine log siding homes with the tongue and groove end-matching design. Caulking and chinking are available in various colors to match the log stain.
Apply Stain/Sealant After Caulking And Chinking
You can prevent significant water damage by applying high-quality stain/sealant when the home is first built and thereafter when needed. This product helps maintain a water-resistant barrier that will last for many years.
Low VOC water-based and oil-based stains and sealants can be applied with a sprayer or brush. If you apply oil-based products yourself, determine if they are allowed in your state. The following brands are highly recommended:
- Perma-Chink
- Sundance Coatings
- Continental
- Sashco
- U-C Coatings
Pre-finished pine log siding is also available as an option from the best suppliers for your convenience.
“One thing that some homeowners overlook is protecting their homes from water damage.”
Roof Overhangs Protect Log Homes
Design your log home’s roof with a large overhang to direct rainwater and melting snow away from the walls and foundation. One-story homes need 24” or more of overhang and homes with walls that are 12’ or higher should have 36” overhangs. Moisture protection reduces or eliminates mildew, mold, blistering, and rot. Roof overhangs also provide some shade for windows and siding. Consider these factors for roof overhang:
- Building Codes – Make sure the roof slope and overhang meet the building code
- Roof Pitch – Steeper roof pitches may need larger overhangs to keep the fascia above the windows
- Roof Material – Use quality materials, such as metal or fire-resistant materials to prevent hail and sleet damage
Gutters And Downspouts Add Another Layer Of Protection
Next on the list is installing durable and sturdy gutters and downspouts to keep water and melting snow away from walls and the foundation. If you have trees in your yard or nearby, install a gutter guard product to keep leaves and debris out of the gutters and downspouts.
Make sure the gutters and downspouts are functional when they are first installed. Test the gutters with a garden hose to ensure the water flows in the right direction if the installers don’t. If there is a problem, make sure the installers correct it immediately.
Sound Foundations Can Protect Log Homes
Building a sound foundation that meets or exceeds building codes is critical for preventing log and foundation water damage. You can incorporate these essentials into your foundation:
- The foundation should extend above the ground to keep the bottom layer of logs or log siding off the ground to prevent water damage
- Ensure the foundation is properly graded with adequate drainage to move water away from the foundation and prevent moisture buildup
- Protect the foundation with adequate rock and tile drainage where needed
- Consult with a contractor if you do the work yourself
Plant Placement Around The House
Although they look great, avoid planting flowers, shrubs, and trees too close to your log home because they can trap moisture against the walls. This is especially important when the bottom row of logs or log siding is close to the ground. Keep these ideas in mind:
- Root Damage – Larger trees with aggressive root systems can cause cracks in the foundation if planted too close to the house
- Moisture Issues – Dense foliage against the house can trap humidity and rain that create a favorable environment for mildew or mold
- Proper Spacing – Consult with a professional about the correct distance from the walls for planting based on the tree species and its mature size.
Consult A Log Home Contractor For Assistance
You may want to consult with or hire a contractor for periodic maintenance and repairs as needed. You can discuss all the key points covered in this article to see if the contractor has other helpful ideas. The more you do now to protect your log home from water damage the fewer issues you will encounter later.
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