Typical Restoration of log home

McKinney residence in Holiday Island, AR


Our twin chemical process removes old failed
finish coat, mold and grime.

Our chemicals are eco friendly!

You gotta love these results!

Early rot detection is critical to the health of your wood!

No one likes to go looking for trouble. But avoiding trouble is as simple as early detection and preventative maintenance. It's important to look for signs of rot around your home.

Take a hammer and walk the length of your logs, tapping on them. What you are looking for is a a hollow tone. If you don't hear it, that's good news. A hollow or low tone can indicate rot is present. Make sure to inspect under windows, on the log ends, especially if they stick out past the overhangs of the house. Water running over log ends has a cascading effect and can create problems for the entire corner of a home. Look for hollow spots forming on your log ends as a sign of rot.

What should you do if you have suspect areas? Mark off the suspect areas of the logs by marking them with masking tape so you'll remember where they are, and so that we can see them. Measure the length of the area you believe to be effected. Take photos, and email them to me.

You will also need to look for grey wood, active insect holes, and areas that are soft to the touch. Places growing heavy amounts of algae, or fungus are also important, and need to be taken care of promptly.

If you have concerns about the corners of your home, we can also install impel rods, to help inhibit fungus growth.

To discuss your home and wood issues please contact me at 479-363-1193 or email me at: steve@ozarkwoodcare.com

We look forward to caring for your home!

Fall maintenance check list

1. Wash your logs. Using a sodium percarbonate solution to get rid of that summer grime, cobwebs and pollen. This is especially important if you need to reseal your logs.

2. Visually inspect the stain or coating on your logs. If there are areas where the coating looks thin, it's time to apply a new coat.

3. Locate and seal air leaks with caulk. Finding the leaks can be tricky. Perma-Chink Systems has a fairly easy method in their own fall maintenance newsletter.

4. Watch for checks. Checks can allow water into the wood and act as an invitation to water penetration and eventually rot. Fix checks by filling them to absorption with stain and caulk.

5. Check your window and door weather stripping to make sure it's in good shape. Bugs can squeeze through even the tightest openings.

6. Inspect your roof. Check the flashing in valleys, around the chimney and areas enclosing plumbing vents to ensure a tight seal against water. You can seal any lifted edges with roof tar.

7. Seal exposed timbers. The ends of exposed timbers are susceptible to rot, so check and reseal these every year. Pay special attention to log ends on the underside of eaves that are flush with or extend past the overhang.

Cracks in logs (checking)

Have you ever wondered about the checks (cracks) on your log home? Should they be filled? Can they create problems? Yes, they can. In short, a check provides an entry point for moisture and insects, and is a place for rot to begin. On round log, checks facing on the upward part of the curve of the log act a a trough for water to flow into. Water sitting inside a check with no escape creates an environment for rot. It is wise to install a backer rod and a bead of Check Mate to keep out moisture and insects and to help improve energy efficiency for your home.

If you have concerns about the checks on the logs of your home, please contact me at 479-363-1193 or email: steve@ozarkwoodcare.com.