For your garden log cabin to expand its lifespan, it is necessary that you maintain it properly. There is no better way to check your log cabin other than calling a professional. However, you can also take care of some things yourself like cracks in the wooden planks, flowers in your garden and many other things. Below are some of the few things to focus on.
Six Main Areas
1. Treat the log cabin as soon as it is made since wood and other elements take a beating from nature, especially when it rains.
2. Be sure to choose the right treatment for the operation and also ensure to apply wooden treatment from time to time.
3. Look for any damages such as leaks or cracks.
4. Take only necessary measures to control moisture in and outside the cabin.
5. Make sure that the cabin if well settled.
6. Lastly, ensure that the cabin is properly secured.
Proper Treatment
Wooden log cabins may be supplied untreated so that you can finish and design it according to your liking. In this case, treat your cabin immediately and continue to do so regularly to strengthen it against extreme weather conditions.
Use a masking tape to protect the glass and hinges, and use ground sheets or old newspapers to protect the flooring of the cabin. When applying treatment, be sure to start at the top of the walls and only do one wall at a time, wait for each one to dry before applying a second coating. Once it dries, remove the newspaper and masking tape.
Reapplying Treatment
Knowing when to reapply treatment can be very hassle. One thing you can do is to spray water onto the outer part of the cabin. If water forms beads and rolls down the surface without seeping into the wood then the treatment is good for another year or two. However, if moisture soaks into the wood, you should reapply a new coating for treatment. Don’t forget to also check the sides and corners of the logs.
Controlling Moisture
Creating an environment in your log cabin that supports moisture control is crucial. Be sure you add extra care for the foundation, roof and surrounding drainage.
Your cabin will likely to get wet when it rains, so be sure that your positioning is right so that wet trees don’t drip onto the roof of the cabin. Also ensure that the roof has wide eaves to prevent snow or rain coming into open contact with the cabin’s outer walls and if you want to add shingles, they usually come with a water-resistant and durable plastic layer which offers additional protection.
Take note to not set your wooden log cabin right on the ground as it will encourage water to seep in. In addition, always make sure that the foundations are properly insulated so that the earth around the structure is not too close to the base of the cabin. Place your cabin at the highest point of the garden to support the drainage system and also use a gutter to direct the water away from the cabin and keep it clean.
Take note of these tips to maintain your wooden log cabin and enjoy years of use.
