Log cabins are the hottest trend in real-estate today. These beautiful dwellings are becoming increasingly popular, particularly as McMansions continue to be so prevalent across the country. It is hard to imagine living in a house so poorly made and the same as all the other houses on the block.
Log cabins have one drawback: they require more maintenance. The cost is well worth it when you consider the value and permanence of log cabins. Log cabins can last generations while a house built cheaply can be demolished before the mortgage is even paid.
These are the five essential things to do when you have a log cabin during winter.
Inspect the Outside
Problems are most likely to arise on the outside of your cabin. The outside can be severely damaged by weather, especially in extreme climates. Wood can be rotted or warped by damp, but sunshine can dry out the logs.
It is vital that you inspect your home before each season begins to ensure there aren’t any potential problems. One example is if a thumb-sized portion of one of your walls becomes soft and presses inward. This could be a sign that rot has begun and can quickly get out of control. You might also notice a bulging plank. Wood warping is usually caused by moisture in the wood, which causes it to expand.
These items can be caught before snow falls, making it easier to repair or replace any that are damaged. It also allows you to restain the wood, which you should do every three to five year.
Check The Inside
After everything is secured, it’s time to move inside. Log cabins are sturdy and comfortable so you shouldn’t have any problems. However, there are always potential problems so be careful when inspecting.
Pests are the first thing to watch out for. Different creatures will seek refuge from the colder weather as the temperature drops. As you read this, mice, insects, spiders, and even small mammals such as raccoons may be looking for a way in to your home. They can cause havoc if they manage to get inside, especially if they have burrowed into wood like termites. Due to their biting, scratching, and waste, they can cause serious damage to your home.
These critters can be found in the smallest areas of your home. Look for signs of these critters in the small spaces such as dark corners, crawlspaces, basements, attics, crawlspaces, and closets. To prevent any unwanted entry, put a few barriers around the house.
If you find evidence of an infestation, you can either bug bomb/spray your home or call an exterminator to fumigate or set traps for you. It is better to do it sooner than later in the season.
Pre-Spring Clean
Pre-Spring Cleaning is something we all know about. It doesn’t matter if your house isn’t ready for winter.
This involves cleaning out your home of all dirt, mold, and dust.
Although it may seem like a lot, this will ensure that your winter is beautiful and not miserable.
Clean and Cover Gutters
If you don’t clean your gutters regularly, they will be a problem. If they become clogged with debris, it can allow rain and snow to accumulate and overflow. It is important to clean them every few months to prevent this from happening.
Winter is a time when you don’t want to climb on a ladder or risk getting swept away by the ice. Clear them before the season begins and make sure that there aren’t any leaves on nearby trees where they could fall in.
Gutter covers can be used to keep debris from getting into your gutters. These little wonders can be attached magnetically or using small clasps to secure them. This protects the contents and keeps them warm throughout winter.
An extender can be added to the drain pipe. It will move water farther away from your home, and prevent water from building at the base of your log cabin. Water can cause damage to the wood and foundation.
Weather strip Your Log Cabin
You want to stay warm as it gets colder? It is possible to stop drafts and leaks by sealing your home. Weather stripping traps hot air inside your home, and prevents it from getting out through cracks around windows, doors, and chimneys.
It is possible to hire someone to do it. This can save you money and make it more durable. Weather stripping can also be done by homeowners. It is a simple DIY project. Materials and kits can be purchased online or at your local hardware shop. An entire house costs around $200-300. It can vary depending on whether you hire someone to weatherize your log house for you or if it is something you do yourself.
It is worthwhile to put in the effort over the years to ensure that your log cabin is protected. Winter is the worst time for wood to be damaged.