As the leaves begin to change their color we should be reminded that cold weather is coming. Now is a good time to take a look at the exterior of your home and inspect your logs/ and or siding. How is your stain holding up? Have you noticed any dark spots on the surface? What about checks? Have you found that you have areas where checks have formed and look like they might be able to collect moisture? If the answer is yes to any of these questions, then now is the time to take action.

• Cleaning- more times then not, a light cleaning of your home is all you need prior to staining. This can be done with your garden hose. If the garden hose isn’t getting the job done, we recommend purchasing a wood cleaner and following the manufacturers instructions.
• Checks- checks are a natural characteristic of wood and are part of woods drying process. Checks are typically just a cosmetic issue (like them or hate them.) The only time we are concerned with a check is if it s on the top of your radius, angled downward and not protected by a porch roof or over hang. In this situation you will want to insert backer rod and then fill opening with energy seal caulk.
• Staining- After you have cleaned and caulked your logs, you are ready for stain. Whether you are staining with Woodgaurd or Perma Chink, it is very important that you follow the manufacturers instructions for application.

Here is some information about a few maintenance products mentioned above.

• Energy Seal- Log home sealant-Energy seal has excellent adhesion and stretch. It is long lasting, UV stable and chemical resistant. Unlike many sealants on the market that look shiny and artificial, Energy Seal is textured to match the visual characteristics of wood. It also accept the color of your wood finish.
• Woodguard- Exterior oil based preservative- Available in a number of colors, Woodgaurd is a highly durable, transparent stain designed for log homes and wood siding. The oil based formula provides long term protection and water by penetrating due into the wood. Application should take place only if overnight temperatures are above 50 degrees F.
• PermaChink Lifeline Ultra 7- Durable state of the art resin that creates a flexible and tough seal on your log home or wood siding. Application temperature above 40 degrees is recommended by the manufacturer for this water based product.

For more information about the above products or any product that Beaver Mountain carries, please contact Mike Santamaria at 607-467-1660 or email him at mike@beavermtn.com . Mike can assist you with all of your maintenance questions as well.