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Most people that live in a log cabin can tell you that it feels great. The rustic sensation everyone gets when entering a log home is hard to beat. However, everyone who stays longer than one season can tell you that a log cabin is a commitment that comes with certain challenges. One of them is securing your wooden property from water damage.

During our long years in business, we at Eurodita found many great ways to secure a log cabin against water damage. In this post, we will share some of our knowledge with you. Not just what you can do as constant maintenance, but also what you should be doing while constructing your new log home.

Large overhangs 

This is a primary item you should consider installing. Large roof overhangs will let the water flow further away from the walls. It also acts as a very effective sun block, which could also impact the cabin in a negative way. Some bespoke residential log cabin owners try to save money by trimming the roof short. However, when wetness, dampness and eventually mould will set into the log cabin, the bill will increase exponentially and it will be much too late to change anything.

Wood staining

One of the most important ways you can protect your log cabin home is to pick the right type of stain for it. Always look for the warranty on the stain packaging – this will tell you if the producer is serious about their product or not. Another thing to remember is that glulam planks and full logs need to be stained from inside and out. The ideal moisture content for each should be between 14 and 15 percent and this can only be achieved if your planks are protected from both sides. If the moisture content reaches 18 percent, you will already be running the risk of mould. If it passes 20%, the risk jumps from mould to full on rot.

The biggest risk is in places where your log cabin has a shower. The steam condensation gathers there and we always recommend installing an extractor, to eliminate the moisture from the room. To accurately track the moisture levels inside your cabin, always have a moisture meter present in every room.

Proper foundation 

Just like overhang rooftop prevents the water coming onto your log cabin from above, the foundation does the same from below. A properly laid foundation can save the moisture seeping from the ground and into your glulam log house. One way to ensure no moisture will ever reach the floor of your log home is to install a plastic liner or additional insulation into the foundation. This will keep the moisture out and prevent rot and mould setting in.

Regular maintenance

If you build or buy a log cabin kit, the best way to ensure no water damage occurs is to regularly maintain it. When you and your family come to stay in your log house, walk over the entire house and inspect all timber areas. Check for mould and rot. Also check for wear and tear of the stain and cover a new layer if need be. That way, your logs will stay protected and fresh. Also check the state of the foundation, if no new holes appeared. Make sure to fill them in with quality products. Inspect the roof as well, check the tiles and see if any are chipped or missing. Make sure to replace them to save your bespoke summer house from the rain.

Ventilation 

We already mentioned briefly the importance of ventilation in the bathrooms. It’s no less important in the entirety of the log home. Make sure there’s apt air circulation everywhere in your log home, so that the logs stay dry and mould free. This is a very important step and should be discussed with your manufacturer before you pick the design. Make sure there will be enough room to build a proper ventilation system.

No matter how large or small your log cabin is going to be, these rules apply to everyone. Proper roof size and reliable foundation are a must. Good quality stain applied every two years at least is also a requirement. Regular inspection of every corner and careful maintenance will ensure that your log cabin will live on for long years to come. Also, never forget to instal proper ventilation system and air out your log home manually regularly. This will ensure your enjoyment of that rustic feeling everyone gets when staying in the log house. Good luck!