The beauty of a log home resides mainly in the natural, eco-friendly nature of the structure. Building with logs exposed to the elements and hazards of nature requires a certain expertise, one that the Harkins team has in spades. From the first sketches, our team thinks of how it can incorporate architectural elements that will ensure the structure’s longevity.
But once your log (or even timber frame) home is delivered, it’s important to take note of the environmental risk factors, in order to ensure you’re taking good care of your home sweet home.
Here are four top care tips to keep your Scandinavian log home in tip top shape:
1. Keep water and humidity far, far away!
It’s clear that wood and water are not the best of friends, as water can lead to wood degrading over time. As Harkin homes and log cabins are built mainly from white pine, it’s important to keep humidity away and respect the principles of water flow and air circulation:
- Plan on having large overhangs to protect the structure
- A slope to keep water away (it is recommended that you have at least six inches of elevation over the first six feet around the foundation to keep water out)
- No dense, thick gardens, nor ground cover or mulch around the foundation to avoid promoting the development of moisture
- Remove stumps and dead trees within a 45 foot radius of the home
- When planting hedges and other vegetation, keep it 3 to 5 feet from the walls of the home
- Trim any vegetation that creeps too close to the home to encourage air flow and keep the wood dry
- Install gutters with drainage to push water as far away as possible, as quickly as possible (around the whole perimeter of the roof)
2. Prevent unwanted visitors
Some animals and invasive insects may find your new log home very inviting. It’s important to keep an eye on the life around you and avoid opening the doors to unwanted guests. Here are a few tips:
- Cut any branches that might serve as a bridge from the forest to your roof in order to prevent squirrels and other climbing rodents from dropping by
- A slope to keep water away (it is recommended that you have at least six inches of elevation over the first six feet around the foundation to keep water out)
- Make sure to put appropriate mosquito netting on the air vents to make sure they don’t provide an easy way in for little critters
- Install bat houses near the house, to show them they’re welcome to drop by for an insect feast without encouraging them to spend the night in your attic
- When you open your windows, use the screens. Keep an eye out for ants and if you see carpenter ants, call an expert right away
- If you notice a woodpecker getting too close to your home, or a swallow trying to build their nest, contact a local wildlife expert to find out how to keep them away. Their faeces could damage the home, not to mention the harm a woodpecker could cause.
3. Maintaining the paint and sealant around the windows and doors
Even the simplest of log cabins require a bit of maintenance to ensure their durability and weatherproofing. Ideally, you should:
- Repaint the exterior every five years or so (consult your contractor to ensure follow up)
- Annually inspect and repair any seals on the windows and doors, whenever necessary
- Contact your home’s manufacturer at the earliest sign of degradation to ensure quick follow up to fix the problem.
4. Evacuation of interior moisture
Ensure that you install effective moisture evacuation systems that suit your needs. For example, if you want to take advantage of a long hot shower with five jets–the ventilation system will definitely need to be more efficient than what you’d need for a small bathroom with a simple bathtub. Take the time to ask questions when preparing your architecture plans. By avoiding the accumulation of excessive moisture in certain rooms, you’ll ensure their preservation!