Services

We believe in being transparent from the start. There’s no such thing as a log cabin without some sort of routinely scheduled maintenance. And thankfully, we’re here to help. Here’s a list of what we can offer to preserve your cherished home:

Log Repairs

The complete removal of a house log that has suffered damage over long periods of time should be removed carefully if it has experienced damage greater than 50% of its mass. Locating the internal damage proves to be tricky and ultimately cannot be completely identified from the outside, but there are usually sections of the cabin most notoriously affected by damage. These areas include logs directly on the foundation, window sills without pitched sills, anywhere where a deck is joined to a log, end logs, and shelves where standing water does not have the ability to dry out. During installation, proper flashing must be taken into consideration to improve the water-shedding performance of the outside wall.

fig. 1 “Face Log” or Half-Log Repairs

If the damage is less than 50% of the log’s mass then a face log repair is a great solution for a seamless finish. The face or profile is chiseled away until undamaged wood is located. In the process of carving the back side of both the cavity and the new log to square, the face log is joined and pegged after fastening.

Refinishing

At one time not so long ago we offered media blasting solutions for refinishing log cabin exteriors, but after some set backs and logistic complications it became clear to us that there was a better way forward. We now work closely within the guidelines of the PermaChink System and step-sand all of our cabins by hand (with power tools of course). Angle grinding and palm sanding allows us to have better control in preparing the logs for stain.

Window Repairs fig.3

A newer development in our work has been a focus on repairing widows. Not just shimming those gaps or getting sashes to operate but we go as far as replacing old glass with historically similar glass, remove and replace glazing, and designing exciting moulding profiles to uplift the look of your windows.

fig.2 Grit

Angle grinding with a 5” ceramic 36 grit disc helps remove the old but textures the log surface with imperfections. To smooth out the appearance an additional sanding up to 60 grit is required to allow stain penetration and uniformity.

Staining

Oil or water-based? What do we recommend? Well, we’ve been there and back and there again. We not only love to use many of PermaChink’s products on our client’s projects, but we also use it for our personal ones as well. Reason being their water-based formula is eco-friendly and lasts up to 5 years compared to the competition’s warranty. And when you hit the 5 year maintenance mark a gentle cleaning of the logs and reapplication of the clear top coat is all you need for the next 5 years. That simple.

fig. 4 Technicals

Application is a 4-step process and can be easily applied incorrectly. It’s important to hire a contractor who knows the subtleties and techniques of this staining system. Back brushing evenly is critical for the best appearance.

Sealing (Chinking)

Smooth finishes or old-world textured, we offer the complete or partial removal of old chinking and can replace with high strength flexible sealants in many color options. Appropriate backer rod installation may be required for best adhesion.

Checks & Balances

Not all checks in logs need filled. If a horizontal check is on the upper portion of the log or even in the middle, it’s recommended to fill them if they measure larger than a quarter of an inch. Below this line we do not need to worry about filling low checks as water does not have the ability to infiltrate.