Check out this video showing how to properly pressure clean your log home!
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We have seen much debate over the years on whether to pressure clean or media blast a log home. Today we hope to settle this question for the homeowner, and help you make an informed decision on the proper care of your log home. So, whether you are staining your new log home for the first time, or needing a facelift for your older log home, here are a few things to consider.
When staining a newly constructed log home, we are asked frequently why it’s important to pressure clean the home when the logs are new? There are 2 reasons pressure cleaning is important for your new log home: mill glaze and mildew. Mill glaze happens when the logs are being shaped at the mill. The mill blades are turning at such high rpms that it creates mill glaze, which closes up the pores of the logs and will not allow stain to adhere and penetrate the wood properly.
The second reason pressure cleaning is important is the mold and mildew. Keep in mind that just because you can’t see it, doesn’t mean it’s not there. Mold and mildew spores can be in the wood, even when you cannot physically see it. If the logs are not cleaned properly, with the stain manufacturer’s recommended cleaning procedures, the mold and mildew can continue to grow, even after the stain has been applied. This can lead to stain failure, which can lead to having to strip or blast the logs and start from scratch again.
With an existing log home that has been previously stained, most manufacturers recommend doing a light pressure cleaning to your logs, at least once a year, to keep the mold and mildew at bay and keep your stain looking fresh. When it’s time to put a maintenance coat on your log home, always read and follow the stain manufacturer’s recommended cleaning procedures. Make sure to inspect your log home, and the condition of the stain, before you decide which of the 2 options to choose – whether to pressure clean or media blast.
If the stain on your home has begun to fail, then you will most likely need to turn to media blasting. If you try to apply stain on top of logs with stain that has already begun to fail, then the new stain will come off as what’s underneath begins to come off the logs. Any stain manufacturer will tell you their product is only as good as what’s underneath it.
After inspecting the condition of the stain on your home, if the existing stain appears to be in good condition, then a simple, light pressure cleaning will be all you need to do before putting a fresh coat of stain on your home. Make sure you use the proper cleaning chemicals and methods recommended by the stain manufacturer, before using the stain product.
Chinking as we know it today are the materials used between logs that “seal” the gap between two logs. The original builders of log cabins called this outer “seal” “Daubing”. Chinking was actually the material that was placed between the logs, behind the Daubing. So, in reality, Perm-Chink should be called Perm-Daub.Wordnik definition of chinking: From The Century Dictionary.
When staining a newly constructed log home, we are asked frequently why it’s important to pressure clean the home when the logs are new? There arev 2 reasons pressure cleaning is important for your new log home: mill glaze and mildew. Mill glaze happens when the logs are being shaped at the mill. The mill blades are turning at such high rpms that it creates mill glaze, which closes up the pores of the logs and will not allow stain to adhere and penetrate the wood properly.
The Jucklins, A Novel by Opie Read
““chinking,” — as the mountaineers call the series of short slats which are set diagonally in the spaces between the logs of the walls, and on which the clay is thickly daubed.”
So, the chinking was carefully placed in the spaces between the logs and wedged very tightly to prevent this material from falling out. The chinking would be permanent, while the daubing was known as something that would have to be regularly maintained, repaired or replaced.
Once the chinking was tightly in place, the visible chinking would have rough surfaces or even little ledges created by the logs, wedges or stone. These ledges would allow a place for the daubing to “grab hold” and have a place to sit until fully dried or cured.
Daubing, much like chinking, was formulated by what was common to the area. But basically, it was a mixture of mud or clay, mixed with hay/straw/grass and animal hair (pig, horse, cow). Sometimes we find evidence of wood ash from the fireplace and small stream pebbles and sand. Often the final coat of the daubing was smooth and sometimes had lime infused with it. Now inside the house, the daubing was the same materials, but often the daubing was finished off with a lime paint or whitewash. A lot of times the logs inside were covered with the same whitewash. I believe this was done to create light and give it a more finished decorative look.
Daubing would have to be maintained regularly, usually every Spring and Fall after the freeze and thaws.
We use a galvanized metal lathe wire nailed on to the logs above and below each gap with galvanized 8 penny nails. We place these nails about every 4” and bend them over to hold the wire taught. I believe the wire (chinking) is key to a durable daubing finish. Our daubing is a mixture of sand, Portland cement, hydrated lime and fiberglass fiber. The mixture varies dependent on the size of the chinking joints.
The placement of the chinking and the daubing are the skilled part of preservation, and the most critical part of long term protection. We “tuck” our wire back under the top log about an inch and a half to allow for ¾” Portland daubing and ¾” set back under log. Then we land the bottom of the wire (chinking) on the log under that about ½”, which will allow for ½” mud and to come out flush on the “face” of the log.
If you allow the daubing to come out to the face of the upper log, water will get in behind it and pull away as the cambium layer of the log fails. If you don’t bring the lower part of the daubing to be flush with the face, you have created a ledge where water will sit and eventually rot the log under it.
After 25 years in the business, and working 5 of those years with Charles McRaven, who has used this technique for well over 50 years, I have never seen any failures from his or my chinking. Now that’s not to be said I haven’t found chinking placed in the wall wrong and found catastrophic log rot. This is where cement base chinking has gotten a bad reputation because it wasn’t properly applied or installed.
While Portland base chinking is good for antique old cabins, you absolutely cannot apply this technique to “new/green” log homes as it will bust and crack out very soon as the green logs shrink. The new synthetic chinking is really the only way to go for the new log homes. Of course, TPC Restoration is knowledgeable and qualified more than I am to address this product. Contact TPC for more information on that!
Happy Chinking!
Written by Tim Beasley from Country Mountain Homes
There are as many different styles of log homes today, as there are different sizes and profiles of logs! People take pride in their beautiful and unique log homes! This is evident through the effort many people put into protecting and caring for the exterior of their homes, keeping them looking like new!
One thing that is often unknown regarding the exterior of a log home, and one that many new log home owners don’t realize can happen, is hail damage. When springtime rolls around, this often means thunderstorms. Depending on the circumstances, that can often mean unsightly hail damage to a log home.
When you have a severe storm which resulted in hail, make sure to inspect the exterior of your log home for any hail damage after the storm has passed. The amount of damage that hail causes to your log home depends greatly on the severity of the storm and the size of the hail. Look for slight or significant indentations into your logs. If you find areas on your home that have damage, not only can it be an eye sore, but unfortunately, it can also cause failure of the stain on your logs. If the seal of the stain has been broken and is allowing moisture to penetrate the logs, the stain will fail.
Depending on the depth of the indentations, you possibly have two choices to fix your home properly:
Figure 2: Media Blasting a home to fix hail damage.
Figure 2: Media Blasting a home to fix hail damage.
Here at TPC, we are experienced in handling hail damage, and can offer a consultation and estimate, so that we can get your log home back to pristine condition!
If you do ever have hail damage, always check with you homeowners’ insurance. They will possibly cover the expense of having your home repaired. In fact, it would probably be wise to contact your homeowners’ insurance company to make sure that you are covered, if such a situation should ever occur.
Most of today’s “packaged” Log Homes are making a play on the All American “classic” hand-hewn Log Cabin. The log home industry today wants to try and supply that rustic look and feel, while giving you the luxury of modern amenities such as large living space square footage, all-encompassing kitchens, and indoor and outdoor fireplaces.
While the original antique log cabins were more like the size of a great room of one of these new log homes, it still holds its own on character, coziness, and durability.
The structures you see that are truly Antique Log Cabins / Homes, were built in the 1700 – 1900s. These were the structures our ancestors built. The materials for some of these cabins were felled in the very spot the cabin was built. So, the species of trees that were used varied from one location to another. The craftsman understood the durability features of one species over another. It’s not uncommon to find a pine log structure with the side logs being white oak, to help resist rot.
The reason the antique log cabins or original hand-hewn log homes are so durable is because they were cut from “old growth” wood, or virgin forest trees. The trees felled were mostly of the same size of trees we have today – slightly larger- 18” to 36” in diameter. The difference is the forest above these trees were once huge trees that today is hard to comprehend.
Some of the white oaks could reach a diameter of 5 to 7 feet. These giants robbed the forest floor of full sunlight, so the smaller trees underneath grew very slow and dense, making them a superior hard product. While an 18” oak today could reach that size easily in 30-70 years, the 18” old growth tree could have 250 -300 years to get that size!
These antique log cabins were small in comparison to today’s home building standards. The most common size was 16’ x 20’ and would vary from story and half or two story. The upper floor was always reserved for sleeping, even if that meant an attic area. There does seem to be a sort of “common” size that were built: 16’x 16’ or 20’ and 22 x18’ or 22’, and of course many other sizes in between. Some large logs were hewn to be 50 foot long!
Because of this slower old growth and the proper wood handling, our ancestors were able to produce a very durable and long-lasting structure. Most people in the eastern U.S. would be surprised how many log home structures are still standing, even in the town where you live. Most were covered with lap or board and batten sidings or were added on to years later with sawn-wood additions.
We run across a lot of structures that people think are rotted, when in fact they only need some cleaning and small repairs. With most of the structures we restore, we are putting back 90 % of the logs exactly in the position they came from!
Here are some pictures of a structure we found in PA and moved to VA. The structure was put back up from the exact location they were taken down. The only thing we did was cut the windows in the back of the house to match the ones on the front and add a bathroom addition with another log structure.
These Smoked Venison Bacon Bites are amazing! Enjoy these anytime but especially with family and friends.
One of the best things about the log home lifestyle is the food. Barbeque and bacon! We will be sharing some of our favorite flavors and seasonings with you on our blog.
This recipe has been a favorite of our for years. Venison is a rich meat with full flavor and is best served hot. Blending Venison with bacon and seasonings brings out the best in both meats for a winning combination.
These bacon bites make an unforgettable appetizer and a favorite at family get togethers and game days where we all get together to watch football and relax.
The process for these Smoked Venison bacon Bites is straightforward. if you love using your smoker then this recipe is for you!
The second reason pressure cleaning is important is the mold and mildew. Keep in mind that just because you can’t see it, doesn’t mean it’s not there. Mold and mildew spores can be in the wood, even when you cannot physically see it. If the logs are not cleaned properly, with the stain manufacturer’s recommended cleaning procedures, the mold and mildew can continue to grow, even after the stain has been applied. This can lead to stain failure, which can lead to having to strip or blast the logs and start from scratch again.
The image above shows the Venison chopped into bite sized pieces and seasoned with Weber Steak Seasoning. Sprinkle a little bit of olive oil on the pan or you can use foil (as seen here) or parchment paper as a layer on the pan to make sure the meat does not stick to the pan, for a less mess experience. Be sure each piece of Venison is covered well with seasoning.
Ingredients:
Directions:
In the above image we have wrapped each piece of venison in bacon and have used a toothpick to hold the bacon to the Venison pieces. Now you are ready to bake your Smoked Venison Bacon Bites.
Slice the whole pack of bacon in half and wrap a half slice of bacon around each venison cube. Secure with toothpick.Heat your smoker to 225 / 250. Once heated, put venison cubes in smoker and cook for 2 hrs or until venison is still a little pink inside.Once finished, they can be served warm or cold. But for the best flavor, serve hot and fresh from the smoker!
ZAR Platinum PRO takes the guesswork out of the equation as log or timber homeowners and professional contractors choose the fresh, vibrant look they want to achieve inside and out while blending in the best available durability characteristics, protection, and resistance to harsh weather. Jeff Brooks and the UGL team have seen some products reach heights of popularity among professionals and do-it-yourself homeowners and then just fade away through the years.
Take these tips to heart. UGL offers sound advice for choosing a stain for those building new homes or seeking the best outcome for improvements.
Choose wisely:
Practical experience counts, and ZAR Platinum PRO delivers. The product provides excellent adhesion on new construction as well as over existing coatings that are in acceptable condition…clean, dull, and dry. Remember, the topcoat will be only as effective as what’s underneath.
Platinum PRO is a surface stain with strong inhibitors of the sun’s harmful UV rays along with excellent fade resistance. Platinum PRO incorporates all inorganic pigments in its finish for outstanding color retention; it’s not simply a stain, but a finish as well, a protective finish that is more impervious to mold or mildew growth than penetrating stains, allowing the finish to maintain its natural beauty over a longer period of time.
Platinum PRO is a fast-drying finish with a low odor that provides the professionals who use it with larger windows of opportunity to complete jobs. This is a real enhancement considering the importance of available work time during periods of frequent wet weather conditions. Oils need a much longer block of dry weather in order to cure properly.
The finish provides a natural look on the interior as well as exterior surfaces, and Platinum PRO is available in 10 ready-mixed colors and two sheen levels (low-lustre and rich- lustre), eliminating the need for tinting to maintain color uniformity.
“Conquering the ‘sag factor’ has been a great achievement,” Brooks advised. “It won’t run down the surface like other spray or brush products with lower viscosity. So, it provides more margin for error than thinner products that you have to build up with more coats.
With Platinum PRO, you don’t have to do that. This product is the consistency of honey, and one of the first bits of feedback we received simply said that Platinum PRO was smooth, not messy when rolling out a ceiling, and it won’t run off your brush. That’s one of the things people love about the product.”
With a single coat spray application, a gallon of Platinum PRO covers a generous amount of surface, drying in 15 to 30 minutes. It’s ideal for use with various surfaces, including wood, faux wood, engineered wood/composites, fiber cement, vinyl, fiberglass, metal, hardboard, veneer, and plastic/PVC. The product is recommended for vertical surfaces rather than horizontals that are subject to foot traffic and abrasion, such as flooring or decking.
Value and Versatility
Professionals choose Platinum PRO time after time. Since its introduction, the product has proven itself through ease of application, the right balance of viscosity and color retention, indoor and outdoor usage, and the best return on investment among finishes in the industry.
UGL, along with its tradition of excellence, its dedicated research and development process through testing and affirmation, and then in long-lasting service, stands behind Platinum PRO with a robust warranty. Experience the best value in high- quality finish in today’s marketplace.
Choose with confidence. Choose ZAR Platinum PRO.
When Gerald B. Payne founded United Gilsonite Laboratories (UGL) in 1932, his big ideas were just that – big ideas. Soon enough, though, ideas became a reality. Hard work and commitment to the finest quality products available made the difference, and today, nearly 90 years later, these principles continue to guide UGL every day
While the competitive landscape in home improvement products has continually evolved, UGL has continued to invest in research and development, the best in raw materials and production practices, and most of all, in listening to its customers.
ZAR Platinum PRO Translucent Urethane Finish is just the most recent example of the UGL commitment to innovation, top quality, and responsiveness to a loyal and ever-expanding customer base. It’s much more than a finish, bringing better components and processes to life. ZAR Platinum PRO offers durability and ease of application and maintains its vibrant color and good looks through years of sunshine and rain, heat and cold.
The premium product for those who want the best in interior or exterior finishes, an investment in ZAR Platinum PRO provides confidence, particularly when a variety of options in structural stains and finishes crowd store shelves. Choosing the right product for the job at hand is often a complicated task, and UGL is there to guide the customer through the process, saving time and money while offering consultation and helpful hints that lead to successful project completion.
The introduction of ZAR Platinum PRO began with a simple conversation, and this unique product was developed from the bottom up in a very organic way. “A customer that manufactures utility buildings came to us several years ago and asked UGL to develop a product that would satisfy a need based on a specific request,” explained Jeff Brooks, UGL sales and quality specialist for the last 15 years. “This product would help them increase productivity in the arena of finishes that they utilized. At the time, there was no translucent urethane finish that could be sprayed on a nonporous primed substrate in one coat, drying in 30 minutes.”
“This innovative product allowed our customer to not only save in material costs, going from a two- or three-coat system, but also increased productivity by decreasing the amount of time needed in the drying process before the trim is ready to be tacked on the buildings and sent out the door,” Brooks continued. “Platinum PRO is a versatile finish that can be used in the interior as well as the exterior. The key to this product is that, unlike simple stains, it leaves a finish.
Therefore, Platinum Pro can be applied in the care for custom log homes to ceilings, walls, doors, horse stalls, and more! Inside the home, the polyurethane component helps give the look as if someone applied one coat of interior stain and two coats of polyurethane to the interior of a log or timber home. It provides a high-end, elegant look in either a rich or low lustre sheen option.”
Accepting a challenge, rising to the occasion, and exceeding expectations – all part of Gerald Payne’s legacy and instilled in the core values of UGL – have shone through with the development of ZAR Platinum PRO. For generations, people and purpose have made the difference. The UGL team decided to explore other possibilities with ZAR Platinum PRO and made incredible discoveries.
“Although its inception is rooted in spray applications for nonporous, pre-primed surfaces found in the utility building industry, we continued attempting to find the boundaries of this unique and unconventional product’s application,” Brooks commented. “So, we began testing the effectiveness of ZAR Platinum PRO on wood, applying the Platinum on rough sawn wood, as well as d-log siding, and exposing them, positioned horizontally for moisture to gather and for direct sunlight to test the durability of the finish.”
Then, kicking it up a notch, they even applied a well-known and often used oil base log and siding stain on a piece of d-log, let it dry for three days and brushed the Platinum PRO directly over it. Of course, it was possible that this would create adhesion and failure issues on multiple fronts. “It has been two years with the Platinum PRO applied directly over an oil base stain, and the surface looks like it did the day it was initially applied,” Brooks noted.
From there, UGL’s laboratory and other independent laboratories conducted tests that supported these results.
Professionals choose Platinum PRO time after time for the care of our clients and their custom log homes. Since its introduction, the product has proven itself through ease of application, the right balance of viscosity and color retention, indoor and outdoor usage, and the best return on investment among finishes in the industry. UGL, along with its tradition of excellence, its dedicated research and development process through testing and affirmation, and then in long-lasting service, stands behind Platinum PRO with a robust warranty. Experience the best value in high-quality finish in today’s marketplace.
Choose with confidence. Choose ZAR Platinum PRO.
We thought we would start off our blog with a post about prepping and staining a new log home under construction!
When the logs are delivered to the build site of your new custom log home, the first thing to remember is that it is very important to keep the logs covered and protected from the weather as much as possible until the construction on your new custom log home begins.
Unprotected logs can develop a number of issues including mildew or greying from the sun.
So, whether you are building it yourself or with the help of a contractor, keeping the logs protected until you start stacking them, will help keep you from having additional, unnecessary work down the road. Then when you are ready to clean and stain your home, the logs will look nice and new.
Welcome to our first blog post for TPC Restoration Blog for Log Home Restoration and Peakswood Custom Furniture!
The goal with our blog is to help and inspire future and current log home owners. We desire to equip log home enthusiasts with the knowledge necessary to make wise and informed decisions.
The TPC Restoration blog will include information about many topics including planning, designing, prepping your log home and building your dream log home, tips for log home maintenance and upkeep, pest control, and the best supplies and materials to use on your home.
We started TPC in 1998 with a passion for log homes, and we are proud of the accomplishments and growth of our team. Over the past 23 years, we have helped hundreds of log home owners restore and preserve their dream log homes.
We have noticed, from the hundreds of interactions with customers, the need for more information and education about caring for log homes. We desire to help meet this need with our blog.
We have also recently expanded our business and started Peakswood Custom Furniture to help log home owners and all those who enjoy the rustic lifestyle to make the interior of their home as unique as the exterior.
We seek out the most unique types and pieces of wood to craft one- of-a-kind, handmade furniture pieces to accent the beauty and uniqueness of your home or business.
Our new office for TPC and Peakswood is a beautiful and inspiring, rustic space where we meet with customers to collaborate and design custom wood pieces for their homes. We want to help your dream home be exactly as you envision it, inside and out.
We hope you will follow our TPC Restoration blog for inspiration and information about owning a log home!