Log Home Maintenance 

How Do I Maintain My Log Home?
Log home maintenance should be performed annually, or sooner if you notice dust, dirt, or pollen building up on the logs. Homes located near gravel roads, farm fields, or exposed windy areas may require more frequent cleaning.
Neglecting cleaning for several years can lead to:

• premature breakdown of the finish

• sun-damaged stain (especially on south and west walls)

• water absorption

• accelerated discoloration

• the need for blasting or sanding sooner than expected

Proper yearly care keeps the finish performing and prevents costly repairs.

Annual Maintenance Recommendations
✔ 1. Clean the Logs Gently
Use a damp cloth or soft brush to remove dust and dirt.
An RV wash brush on a garden hose works well.
✔ 2. Rinse With Low-Pressure Water Only
Use a garden hose—not a pressure washer.
High pressure can:

• damage soft wood fibers

• force water deep into checks

• cause long-term mold or rot

✔ 3. Clean During Warm, Dry Weather
This ensures moisture evaporates fully from cracks and checks.
✔ 4. Keep Water Off the Walls
Fix or adjust:

• sprinklers

• leaky gutters

• downspouts

• hose bibs

• landscaping irrigation

Water allowed to sit on logs leads to mold and premature finish failure.
✔ 5. Monitor Sun-Exposed Walls
South- and west-facing walls fade the fastest.
Apply a maintenance coat when needed to keep UV protection strong.

 Common Log Home Maintenance Concerns
Do Log Homes Get Mold?
Any wood surface can develop mold if moisture is present.
Mold grows more readily in:

• shaded areas

• north-facing walls

• under overhanging trees

• areas with backsplash or constant dampness

Keep logs dry, manage vegetation, and maintain proper drainage to prevent issues.
Are Cracks (Checks) in Logs a Problem?
Checks are natural and expected.
They become a concern only when:

• they appear on the top of exterior logs

• they collect water, snow, or debris

Our recommendation:

• treat checks with borate

• insert proper backer rod

• seal with a quality Perma-Chink caulking product (Energy Seal™ or Check Mate 2™)

This prevents water entry and extends the life of your logs.

How Do You Restore a Log Home?
Our restoration process includes:

1. A full inspection of log condition, wood species, UV damage, cracking, mold, or rot

2. Removal of old stain—usually using crushed-glass blasting

3. Cleaning and surface preparation

4. Application of preservatives (if needed) such as borate treatments

5. Application of water-based Perma-Chink Lifeline® stain

6. Application of a clear protective topcoat (if required by the system)

This system restores the fresh, natural appearance of the logs and provides long-term protection.

Do You Restore Panabode Homes?
Yes. We restore and refinish all log and wood structures, including:

• panabode log homes

• milled log homes

• full-round logs

• timber structures

• cabins and cottages

• resorts and lodges

• cedar-sided houses

Do You Restore Cedar Siding?
Yes. Cedar siding can be effectively blasted, sanded, and refinished using the same Perma-Chink stain systems we use on log homes.

How Much Does It Cost to Restore or Re-Stain a Log Home?
Costs vary due to:

• the condition of the logs

• the extent of sun and weather exposure

• presence of mold, mildew, or rot

• amount of blasting or sanding needed

• log species and size

• total surface area