Log cabins

Preserving your log cabin

Of course you wish to enjoy your cabin for as long as possible. Correct maintenance will considerably extend the useful life of your log cabin.

All wooden parts of your log cabin require regular maintenance. Wood needs, in particular, to be protected. Wood is an organic material which ‘works' and needs protection against UV radiation, rain, microorganisms, contraction and expansion. You can protect the wood by applying a protective layer, a layer which must be moisture controlling, breathing, elastic and waterproof. Special wood paints and transparent stains exhibit all these properties.

You can opt for an opaque or transparent finish. The grain cannot be seen with an opaque finish, although with rougher wood covers the texture may remain visible. The grain can be seen when a transparent stain is used. However, since opaque stains are thicker transparent stains offer less protection; consequently using an opaque stain reduces the amount of maintenance as compared to a transparent stain.

Stains are available in a wide range of tints. The level of protection from UV radiation increases with colour; since transparent stains offer no protection from UV-radiation it is preferable not to use them for the exterior of your log cabin.

 

Recommendations:

1. Opaque finish for your log cabin (the grain does not remain visible)

• Begin by applying at least one layer of undercoat to the log cabin; this will protect the wood from rot, fungi and insects.
• Next, apply two finishing coats. If you notice the wood ‘sweating' you will need to repeat the treatment.
• We recommend that you finish the interior of your log cabin with one coat of indoor stain.

 

2. Stain (grain remains visible)

• Impregnate the log cabin by applying one coat of stain.
• Next, apply two coats of outdoor stain.
• We recommend that you finish the interior of your log cabin with one coat of indoor stain.

Tip: it is wise to treat the tongue and groove of the sections before you assemble the log cabin, because you will not be able to treat these surfaces once the cabin has been assembled.

 

Renovation/maintenance

Maintenance is necessary once the paint or stain weathers or has become weathered. Slightly-weathered wood does not require a completely new undercoat. Apply one or two coats of stain or paint (depending on the condition of the surface).

If much of the stain or paint has become loose then you will need to sand the surface thoroughly and then apply a new layer of undercoat followed by two coats of stain or paint.

 

Weather resistance

Bear County log cabins feature a special corner joint which creates an excellent seal. However, notwithstanding this special joint structure it is possible that the joint may leak during a heavy rainstorm following a long period of drought. Spraying the interior corners of your log cabin with a silicone spray will prevent leaks. In addition, ventilation is also important; open the windows and doors at regular intervals.

 

Roof: roof shingles/roofing felt

Loads placed on roof shingles or roofing felt during sunny, hot periods may result in imprints in the surface. Consequently we recommend that you do not walk on the roof.

 

Roof loads

All log cabins are equipped with a sturdy roof structure. You can retain the strength and safety of the structure by keeping the roof free of snow and leaves. An excessive roof load can be hazardous, since the roof could collapse.

 

Useful tips:

1. Insure your log cabin.
2. Make sure that the log cabin is sufficiently ventilated.
3. Lubricate the lock with graphite powder once a year.
4. Do not clean the perspex with abrasive cleaners; use soap.
5. Regularly check that your log cabin is sturdy and level.
6. Make sure that barbeques, garden flares, etc., have cooled down before storing them in your log cabin.
7. Do not place heavy objects against the walls; these could cause deformation of the structure.
8. Adjust the wind anchorage at regular intervals; this is necessary since the wood "works".