Essential Tips for Applying Log Home Products.

 

Key Factors to Consider

 

• Surface Temperature Matters

While air temperature is important, surface temperature is the true measure when applying products to logs. Even on a cool day, the sun can heat log surfaces to over 100°F. Aim for a surface temperature of 40°F and rising, and use an infrared thermometer to check often.

• Keep Products Warm

Temperature isn’t only important for logs; it also affects your products. Cold sealants or stains won’t perform as well, and it can take days to warm up materials that have been stored in the cold. Place product pails in a small heated room or closet for a few days before starting work. For quick setups, a small ceramic heater can help warm up the space.

• Protect Your Work from the Elements

Cold weather slows down curing time, making sealants vulnerable to rain before they fully set. Covering completed areas at the end of each day helps prevent damage, like uncured chink joints washing down walls.

• Watch Out for Freeze-Thaw Cycles

Even if a product is labeled “Freeze-Thaw Stable,” don’t leave it outside. Repeated freezing and thawing (more than 10 cycles) can break down the product, so it’s best to store all materials in an area that stays above freezing.

By following these tips, you’ll protect your materials and work quality, ensuring your log home projects last through winter and beyond.

– Contributed by Sashco

As winter approaches, homeowners and contractors alike often scramble to finish up log home maintenance. However, when applying log home products like stains, caulking, and sealants, it’s important to keep a few cold-weather tips in mind to avoid costly mishaps.