Blog
By Tony Huddleston
VP of Sales and Operations, Perma-Chink Systems
Log home living in today’s world can be linked to the same pioneer spirit that helped many of our ancestors forge a new world. The spirit that dwells in so many of us tells us that we want something different from all the rest. Something that enables us to have a different way of expressing our lifestyle that embodies the individuality in some of us that separates us from the masses.
The months or years that are spent researching log home styles, construction methods, visits to dealers and talking with homeowners about their homes are brought to reality when we finally move into a new log home. Hopefully during our quest for the home we wanted that our dealer advised us to plan for maintenance and to design our homes to be “maintenance friendly”. After all we, like our homes are not going to be forever young, so planning for maintenance down the road will pay off big dividends in years to come.
Today’s log homes are not the same homes our ancestors built, as they were often built strictly as a necessity for their families. There were very few thoughts as to anything other than shelter and protection from the elements as well as other predators. Log homes of today are engineered to be structurally sound and take advantage of energy-saving features, much the same as other homes. They are no longer viewed as “cabins”; they are primary homes and second homes or vacation getaways.
Having said that, all of the engineering, planning, and choices you make should also include planning for scheduled maintenance on your home. Maintenance should not be viewed as a chore or just an expense, it should be considered as an investment in your homes’ longevity and value. Properly cared for; log homes will appreciate in value, rather than depreciate. Download the “Inspection Checklist” in PDF here.
If you are new to the lifestyle of log homes, then possibly you may be new to the care and feeding of a log home and may have some questions or reservations as to how this should be done. With a little planning and timely execution it is not as difficult as it may seem.
Starting with the basics; a walk around your home at least twice a year will help you become acquainted with your home and the condition of the sealants and finishes. If you do see something, get up close and personal to see what is happening. Pay close attention to the South and West sides of your home as that is normally the areas that catch most of the sun, and the ultraviolet rays that come with sunlight will cause those areas to show the quickest signs of needing maintenance. Many folks are under the impression that you always have to re-stain the entire home; when in fact all you may need is a touch up on the weathered side.
During your walk around, pay attention to the sealing system on your home, especially around doors and windows. As checking and fissure development is a naturally occurring process in large timbers, make note of any checks that face upward to catch water and hold moisture that may cause problems. Take special note of any that run behind door and window trim that may allow moisture to work its way to the interior. Also look for any telltale signs that your stain or finish is beginning to need attention; fading, peeling, or dark areas under the finish are good indicators that mean it is time for a maintenance coat.
Plan on washing your home at least once a year to remove all pollen, dirt and other airborne pollutants that may have settled on the surface, and no it does not always mean you have to pressure wash the home. Log Wash™ and a garden hose will remove most unwanted contaminants without hurting your homes finish. Many of the cleaners available today are not suited to clean your home, as they are often very aggressive and may contain chemicals that will be harmful to the finish as well as the landscaping. And contrary to some popular beliefs, bleach is not a cleaner and should not be used as it is not only dangerous to the user, but it also harmful for the environment and the wood on your home.
Any landscaping such as shrubs, bushes and vines should be trimmed back so as not to interfere with air circulation on your walls. The walls should be allowed to have good air circulation and landscaping that is touching the home will; over time scuff the finish and provide too much moisture to remain on the surface.
Remember those upward facing checks mentioned earlier? Those should be filled with Check Mate 2™ as it will standup to the natural opening and closing movement during climatic changes in weather. Inexpensive caulks may not fill the bill in this application, and actually may do more harm than good by creating troughs to catch even more water. Select a product that is designed for that purpose; and follow the directions provided to achieve success. Again any sealant that needs replacing or repairing should be done at the same time as well.
While you are doing your walk-around; look for any evidence of insect activity that could be the start of some unpleasant results. Things to look for include sawdust or “frass” that may be left from the activity of powder post beetles, also look for any signs of termite tunnels that lead from the ground up to the base log or lower plate. Take the proper action to eradicate these types’ of pests by calling the local pest control guy to help you with removal and prevention. Carpenter ants are pesky insects that do not actually eat the wood for food purposes, but they do damage by creating nesting areas in and around the home. Keeping your finish in good shape to prevent moisture accumulation will help to deter these pests, and all insects need water to survive. Store firewood away from the house as it is a haven for insects.
In today’s economic situation, energy conservation has become paramount due to higher energy cost, so you might consider having an energy audit on your home that includes a blower door test to locate any areas that are allowing air to enter or leave the home. In case you are wondering what a blower door test involves, a technician will install a seal over one door in your home and draw a vacuum on the entire structure. Once a certain level is obtained they will use an infrared camera and check for temperature changes that may indicate a leak. The results will be entered into a software program and it will be determined how much energy you may be losing, and solutions will be offered as to remediation. Many of the leaks can be easily sealed or eliminated by other means, so it does not always involve spending a lot of money. And yes, all homes and buildings do leak in some areas, no matter what construction type they are.
In summary, creating a simple maintenance plan for your home will eliminate the need for more expensive maintenance needs as time goes on. As the very old saying goes, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is also true on log home maintenance. Keep it simple, and keep it small and your home will love you for it.
Perma-Chink’s customer service provided by Billy Cash and Jimmy Kennedy has been outstanding, and the products are excellent. We are a new build and have used all Perma-Chink products on our exterior as well as interior throughout our build and are very well please with the application and performance. We have personally done all work on staining and sealing since being jilted by a contractor, so we are pleased to have Perma-Chink by our side throughout this process!
Sonja & Steve L
Cleveland, TN
“I wanted to drop you a line and let you know about the good feedback we have had on the Perma-Chink’s Energy Seal caulk. When our customers come into our office, they’re able to compare all of the different caulk lines that we carry. Due to the great variety of color options, Energy Seal is typically a winner for them. Our customers report that they like the texture of the caulk and the ease of application. I also want to thank all of the Perma Chink staff for the quick and friendly service we always receive on our orders. Keep up the great work, and I look forward to a great year forward!”
Kathy Webb
Twin Creeks Log Home Supply, Inc.
“I just wanted to say thanks for all the help and excellent service that Greg Sweets has given me on selecting products for our log cabin. I love the colors in the Lifeline Ultra-7 wood stain line, especially the Oak color. We are using Sure Shine on the interior of the home and it is excellent for making spills come off the walls easy. When you have children and grandchildren that is essential. Greg’s help has always been excellent and it is always a pleasure talking to him. Thank you, Greg for all your help in the past and in the future.”
Catina Coody
“About 30 years ago we used Perma-Chink on our own home, then we became applicators, creating our business Log Connections, Inc. Over the course of those years we have applied Perma-Chink to countless homes and receive accolades from our customers . Each customer tells us how their homes are now more energy efficient than before the Chink was applied. Over the years the Chink product has evolved and become much more user friendly. Not only has the performance quality of the Chinking improved, but the color choices have given our customers the ability to personalize their homes as well. Perma Chink has been a life changing product for us, and our customers! Thank you, Perma-Chink!”
Mike and Judy Gross
Log Connections, Inc.
From Peter H. Miller, Traditional Building:
Not every great leader was born with wealth and privilege. In fact, some of the greatest U.S. presidents came from the most humble of abodes. Today we take a look at some of our favorite presidential birthplaces.
1) Abraham Lincoln
Arguably one of the greatest leaders in our nation’s history, Abraham Lincoln could not have come from a more humble beginning. This one-room cabin in Hodgenville, Kentucky, measured only 16 ft. x 18 ft., had a dirt floor, a stone fireplace, and a single window, featured at the top of the page.
2) Dwight Eisenhower
Dwight D. Eisenhower was born in this simple 2-story frame house in Denison, Texas. He was the first U.S. President from Texas–although he didn’t know that until he was an adult. Eisenhower’s family moved to Kansas when he was 2 years old, and he had no knowledge of his Texas origins until a local school principal named Jennie Jackson contacted him and asked if he was related to the Eisenhower family of Denison. Once Eisenhower’s mother confirmed that it was indeed his birthplace, Jackson set about raising funds to buy the home, which was then donated to the city of Denison. It is now operated by the Texas Historical Commission, and is a designated Texas Historic Landmark.
3) Bill Clinton
William Jefferson Clinton, our 42nd president, was born in the small town of Hope, Arkansas. He lived in this modest house in Hope with his recently-widowed mother and her parents until he was 4 years old. It was in this home that Clinton first learned about social equality, justice, and a commitment to serving others from his beloved grandfather.
4) John Adams
John Adams, the second president of the United States, was born in this Quincy, Massachusetts saltbox house that was built in 1681. This historic American colonial structure still stands in its original location, surrounded by the six acres of land that Adams’ father–a prominent deacon–bought soon after his birth. Adams lived in this house with his family until the age of 29 when he married Abigail Smith.
5) Ulysses S. Grant
Ulysses S. Grant’s parents paid $2 a month to rent this tiny home in Point Pleasant, Ohio. Grant was born in this home, but lived there less than a year–his family moved to Georgetown just prior to his first birthday. Today, this site is a historic house museum operated by the Ohio Historical Society, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
“It was hard to make up our minds to switch from competitor’s products to the Perma-Chink products but we are glad that we did.
The Lifeline stains are so much easier to work with.”
Ross Mahosky,
Mountainside Log Homes Inc.
Jim Barna Log & Timber Homes.
“Perma-Chink Systems and Marks Lumber have been partners for almost 5 years. We take pride in offering our customers best-of-breed products that add value to our core specialty lumber products business. With Perma-Chink we have confidence in the full-line of products, and we can rely on the great customer service and product expertise. This makes Perma-Chink recommendations to our valued customers the best choice for our industry partner.”
Marks Lumber, Inc. Clancy, MT
Products in Picture – Ultra2, Lifeline Advance, & Perma-Chink
I’ve received the samples you sent and have been playing with them. I cannot put into words how impressed I am with the few I’ve already tried!!! Even on “old” weathered wood!! The richness of the stains (have used a few of the Lifeline Ultra-7 stains and topcoat) have blown me away and is building the confidence to tackle our log home! I’m trying out a few of the stain strippers today but had to let you know, rather than dreading this project alone, I now look forward to it! I tried to call your TN office but think they’re closed today so I’ll try them again on Monday.
Again, thank you for allowing me to test these products!!
Catherine Hazen
Brandon MS
Paul,
Don & I would like to thank you for coming by the house to advise us on the log cabin. It was so generous of you to take the time to walk through the place & share your knowledge & expertise on all things “log cabin”. I can’t tell you how helpful that was for us. We also appreciate the references for contractors & I will be calling them to meet & hopefully be to engage their services.
Thank you again we really appreciate it!
Warm Regards
Colleen Timney
Don Camody, Esq
Brentwood, TN 37027
Perma-Chink Systems Inc.,
Over the last year or so I have ordered a number of products from Permachink for a cabin project I have going on. I just wanted to drop a note and say that I have dealt with people from Perma-Chink Corporate, Dave in PA, Brad in the online orders dept., and several others who have assisted me with advice and their knowledge. It’s very rare that I find a company that everyone I deal with is friendly and helpful every time you call. I am in the commercial construction industry so we don’t typically use Permachink Products on commercial buildings but if we did I would make sure that you guys were who we went to for our supplies. Thanks and not sure who will receive this but if I had the option I would send this note straight to your CEO.
Chris Schnurbusch,
President South East Region
Crossland Construction Inc
Rogers, AR 72758
Stephanie,
We have been living in our log home for over seven years now and I can’t begin to express how pleased I am with the performance of Perma-Chink Finishes! Last year the only thing we did was switch from a flat finish to a semi-gloss top coat. The stain we initially used has performed well with very little pealing or fading. I would highly recommend this product to anyone. It is a easy product to work with and looks great!
Jerry Turner
Stone Lake, WI