Taking care of your log home doesn't have to be a monumental task. Frequent "check-ups" will help your home stay as beautiful as the day it had its first coat of finish. Wood should be properly cleaned and sealed after the logs have been erected. With Strongwood's kiln dried logs, applications of stain tend to penetrate deeper and last longer. However, we recommend applying a second coat of sealer on the exterior after the first 12 to18 months. From this point, your next application of sealer on the exterior should not be necessary for another three to five years. This also depends somewhat on the amount of exposure your home gets from the elements.

The application of exterior and interior stain and sealer is essential for the lifetime of your home. Your home will require periodic maintenance to keep the finish looking the way it should and to offer the most protection at the same time. A regular maintenance shedule is recommended, including washing the extrior once a year to determine what maintenance needs to be done. Strongwood Log Home Company recommends Perma-Chink stains and sealers for its log homes. These products have been used by Strongwood log home owners with very positive results.

The interior of your home requires a finish, too. This can be applied soon after the home is completed. Many customers choose to leave the natural look and color of the wood. This requires a clear finish, such as Lifeline Interior stains and finishes, which will not yellow and allows the natural beauty of all types of wood to show through. Not only does an interior finish enhance your home, it reduces the absorption of normal household odors into the wood and is more easily washed, cleaned, and dusted.

For more information on Perma-Chink products and caring for your log home, visit www.permachink.com
For more information on protecting your long home, refer to Preservation and Maintenance of Log Structures at NAHB Log Homes Council at www.loghomes.org