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Discolored Logs and Deteriorating Finishes
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Log homeowners are wise to do an annual inspection of the exterior logs, noting spots where the wood stain starts to look drab or shows signs of fading. This is an indicator that it may be time to recoat your home. The southern and western sides of a log building tend to weather at a faster rate than the eastern and northern sides. Deteriorating finish is more than just an eyesore. It is an indicator that the logs are not being fully protected from the elements.
Ultra violet rays deteriorate all finishes and the surface of unprotected logs. The gray or "darkened" look of unfinished logs is usually the result of a combination of dirt, mold and bleached out wood.
One simple way to determine if it is time to recoat the logs is to squirt a small amount of water on the logs in several different areas. If beads of water do not form on the surface, it needs finish. Return ten minuets after you apply the water to the logs and if the spot looks darker or has obviously soaked up the water, they likely need to be recoated. Of course, flaking and peeling also indicate a need for refinishing.
Prior to applying a new finish to the logs, we highly recommend applying a preservative to the logs to help protect them from insects, fungus and other sources of deterioration.
For more information on our recommendations for maintaining the integrity of your log building, contact us.
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