We have already discussed some of the very popular myths about log houses. But there are many more myths about log homes maintenance that are just myths and have no relation with the facts. So, let’s try and find out more about log house maintenance myths.
Log house maintenance is a one size fits all task: Usually people think that all log houses are the same and so are their maintenance requirements. But both these things are far from reality. Log house maintenance requirements differ depending on the manufacturing standards, the quality of the logs used and how well you take care of it through the years. Also atmospheric conditions and the products you use to maintain the newness of your log walls ultimately decide how much repair and restoration will be required and how often. This means that after checking the condition of your log house thoroughly, you should decide on what type of maintenance is required and how much. Check if it’s just the stain that needs to be reapplied or there are cracks in the logs or the moisture content of the area has enabled mould to develop on the interior and exterior of your house. Don’t be influenced by what your friends or neighbours have to say about log house maintenance and what techniques or strategies they have used to restore the look of their house. Customise your own maintenance plan.
Log houses are not sturdy and no amount of maintenance can guarantee longevity: Log homes are considered by some to be not very sturdy due to their simple construction and consequently individuals find regular maintenance nothing but a waste of money, time and effort. However, these are far from the facts. Log cabin homes have proved to be very strong against earthquakes due to their simple construction. So, if you own a log house and because of these rumours you have not given it the care and maintenance that it needs, then you are making a big mistake. By giving your log house proper and regular maintenance you can easily keep its aesthetics intact as well as ensuring better service for an enduring period of time. Log houses have even proven to be relatively fireproof. A traditional house may burn to ashes but solid whole-log log houses continue to stand. Also, it is known that log houses made of cedar logs are insect and rot damage free due to the presence of natural oils in the wood.
Log house stains are not environmentally friendly: Gone are the days when stains were high in VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) that are harmful to the air. Stains have now been reformulated to decrease these pollutants. Oil based stains have been wrongly criticised, water diluted petrochemical stains are also environmentally friendly just like wood stains that utilise modern vegetable oil based techniques. You can easily find environmentally-friendly stains for your log cabin and be rest assured about you and your loved ones safety and well-being.
Cleaning a log house is difficult: This is another rumour created by people who have never experienced the comfortable and cosy lifestyle of a log cabin. Log cabins are easy to clean, just as you clean the mess of your conventional house, you can clean the dust and dirt by sweeping the floors. On the other hand, if we talk about cleaning log house stains etc. as part of the restoration then even this can be easily achieved by following a step by step guide. Ideally you should stain your log house every season, and it is not very complicated. Start by cleaning the logs, and then dry them off before applying the stain. Be more cautious when doing the south and west side as they are more exposed to the sun and other natural elements. As long as your house is free of mould, cleaning won’t take much of your time and effort. By creating a schedule for regular cleaning and staining, your log house maintenance won’t seem very time consuming and you can experience the joy that a log house brings.
Log houses settle: This is another myth. Gone are the days when log houses were nothing more than a simple wooden box. Now manufacturers use advanced techniques to build a durable and sturdy log house. The logs are properly dried before they are used for construction and manufacturers use skills and great techniques to prevent settling. So, without worrying about any such issue you can invest in a log cabin and use it for a multitude of purposes.
Log houses are cold, so you have to spend a lot of money on insulation: If the term log house gives you an image of cold evenings in a den or tree house and the feeling of cold? Then you are mistaken. Log houses in reality are very energy efficient and compared to conventional concrete and brick homes they are 40% warmer in cold weather. Their natural insulation also means that they stay cooler in hot weather. In addition, the log houses now available on the market are insulated, thus you can rest assured about great comfort. Also you will be able to keep your heating and cooling costs low. The most commonly used insulation materials are: fibreglass, cellulose, foam board, polyurethane foam and reflective insulation. If these are kept undamaged, dry and away from UV rays, all of the materials can provide service for 100 years or more.
Finding a service provider for log house maintenance is not easy: This is a sheer myth. There are hundreds of log home manufacturers that provide regular maintenance services as well, so you don’t have to worry about DIY maintenance for your log house. You can easily get in contact with a service provider in order to ensure the aesthetics and durability of your log house. These services can be had at extremely affordable and pocket friendly rates. So, without worrying about any maintenance issues you can safely invest in a log house.
