Preparing Log Homes for Winter
With the temperature dropping, it’s important to take the time now to prepare your log home for the harsh conditions of the winter months.The cold can cause a lot of damage to wood siding, but with the proper precautions, you can ensure that your log home will be in great condition come springtime. Whether you are winterizing a summer home or protecting your all-year home, these steps are important to help keep your home in top condition for many years to come.
Inspect Log Exterior
It is important to keep a record of when you last applied stain to the exterior of your home. If you have not done so the past several years, be sure to do this now. It is important to stain your home when the temperature is between 49 and 90 degrees. It can occasionally work if the temperature is a bit lower, but it is important to be sure there is no layer of frost or ice over the wood, as this will interfere with how the stain adheres to the siding. If the temperatures in your area are already too low, you can make an appointment to have this done in the spring. During your inspection, if you find any cracks or openings in the logs, be sure to seal them with caulk to present moisture infiltration and to help keep warm air inside throughout the winter.
Furnace and Fireplace Inspection
This step isn’t unique to log homes, but can be important for different reasons. Just as you would for any other type of home, have your furnace and ducts cleaned and inspected before they are running full force throughout the winter. If you won’t be in your log home the entire winter, it could be beneficial to look into a programmable thermostat. If you log home is your winter getaway or ski home, this will allow you to program your home to be warm when you arrive and then cooler once you leave. It is also important to make sure to clean your fireplace and chimney before you use it. Inspect your fireplace damper as well, as improper closing may lead to higher heating bills for your log home as heat escapes up your chimney.
Gutters, Doors and Window Protection
Making sure your gutters are ready for winter is incredibly important. Clean leaves and other debris out of the gutter to make sure water will be able to flow freely through them. It is important to keep excess water away from your home, especially if you weren’t able to seal it prior to winter.
Keeping your heating bill down is also important and your windows and doors can play a huge role in that. Switching out summer screens with glass or storm windows can help keep heat inside, as well as protect your screens from harsh winter winds and snow.
