Download the "Inspection Checklist" in PDF here.

When inspecting the exterior of the building, look for:

1. Landscape plants within 36 inches of exterior walls.
2. Gutters & down spouts everywhere in good working order.
3. Any wood within 12 inches of (or especially in contact with ) ground.
4. Wood piles at least 18 inches away from house. Look for general patterns of fading of the finish.
5. Look more carefully at areas that are most exposed to weather.

• South and West walls usually get more sun exposure.
• Walls facing prevailing winds are exposed to more rain.

Look for patterns of weathering.

• Fading of the finish.
• Water staining on exposed log ends.
• Water staining on exposed walls.

The First Step to renewing your log home is cleaning the surface. On new wood sufaces brush or wipe off any extraneous debris that might be present. On the log surface where the buildup of fungi is under the surface of a stain or finish - power wash, strip or sand off this coating and wipe it down with a damp cloth or sponge prior to the application. There are several ways to clean dirty, weathered wood. The most common types of surface cleaners offered by Perma-Chink Systems:

Wood ReNew - is an excellent surface preparation prior to staining or restaining, preserving or sealing.  Wood ReNew works well on logs, decks, fences and cedar shakes.
Wood ReNew is a concentrated powder that is mixed with water and applied to wood. It removes stains and discoloration caused by dirt, mildew, and mold-renewing the natural beauty of wood.

Apply solution liberally with sprayer, brush or mop from bottom up. Allow solution to work for ten minutes, keeping the surface wet with additional amounts of solution. When necessary, use a medium bristle scrub brush or stiff broom to help clean surface...

One aspect of preserving wood is preventing wood destroying organisms from attacking the wood. All preservatives are made to stop nature's biological process, so proper precautions with regard to handling, application, and proper disposal of containers is very important. Follow the manufacturer's cautions and consult the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) for special precautions.

Most preservatives offer some type of guidelines to the actual life expectancy of the product, but as a rule of thumb, you can expect two to four years before a reapplication is necessary.

Conventional methods used to apply stain or finish may also be used to apply many preservatives. While they may not require the brushing, they can usually be sprayed, rolled, or brushed in the same way you would apply finish. Make sure you follow the recommendations that are on the label.

Use Shell-Guard for the protection and preventative treatment of wood against termites, carpenter ants, wood destroying beetles, wood decay fungi and for...

Lifeline finishes distinguish your log home. All Lifeline finishes are waterborne, durable and highlight the natural beauty of your log home. They are available for both your interior and exterior walls.

Download "Stains and Finishes Application Guide" PDF

Why apply an exterior finish?

• To make your home look its best.
• To protect your home from UV damage.
• To protect your wood from water damage.
• To provide protection from unsightly mold and mildew.

There is no secret in retaining the beauty of your log home. A little care and maintenance along with the use of quality products designed specifically for log homes will not only keep your home looking great but will also preserve the integrity of the logs and help prevent costly repairs. You can do no better than selecting any of Perma-Chink Systems’ Family of Log Home Products.

Lifeline Ultra-7™ followed with a clear topcoat of Lifeline Advance™ Satin or Gloss combine to form the ultimate...

Download "Log Home Sealants Application Guide" PDF

There are two types of sealants used in construction and maintenance of log homes or log siding. They are:
 
External Sealants - Perma-Chink, (matches the look and appearance of traditional mortar chinking) and Energy Seal (which blends in to hide wall joinery). External sealants are installed after stacking logs and are visible when construction is finished.

Internal Sealants - Woodsman (specialty sealant used between mating surfaces of stacked logs) and Gasket Tape. Internal sealants are installed during the log stacking process and are hidden when construction is finished.

To obtain maximum performance from your sealants, follow these basic guidelines:

Log Preparation: The surfaces to be sealed must be clean, dry and free of foreign material. Do not apply sealants...