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Please browse the category questions and answers as a form of your question has likely been asked in the past.  If you can't find your answer, The Log Doctor is here to answer any question you may have regarding the repair and restoration of your log home or cabin.  If you are not a do-it-yourself kind of person, please contact us and put all our knowledge and experience to work for you!

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  Question: My new log cabin sat without stain for 10 months and then the somewhat weathered and darkened logs were sprayed with a bleach/water mix and left to sit for a few hours. The logs were looking very nice and clean and white and then, just a few hours after bleaching the cabin was stained with a clear linseed oil based product. The logs now have black spots and splotches. How can I get rid of the black splotches if it has just been stained. Need help much because I want the logs to be light and
  Question: do you know any contractor that are experienced in caulking a log home in the Virginia area?
  Question: I AM LOOKING FOR A CLASS. OR INSTRUCTIONS, OR A CONTRACTOR IN VA. OR SURROUNDING AREA TO CAULK MY LOG HOME
  Question: Hi we're looking to buy a pine log home. The current inspection revealed several logs with problems. They are located on the ends of the single story home, going up to the gables. We noted
several logs which had been drilled with 1/8" bit.
When tapped on they sound hollow. Soft, say from water penetration, or outer ring of the logs coming
apart. I'd like to know what the closest center to,
Hattiesburg, MS 39401, for purchasing needed products to correct the problems. A list of needed produ
  Question: i recently purchased a cedar home. water is leaking through the knots and when there is expansion and constriction of the individual timbers, there is also leaking into the house. is this because of poor construction? any remedies
  Question: I am looking for a company which does log restoration (for a log home) in Bragg Creek, Alberta?
  Question: Our cabin was built in 1968 in NC from rough hand hewn logs out of SW VA est to be 125 to 150 yrs old. I've had exposed logs cobb blasted and since I have sprayed with a borate and sealed. I spent 5 days caulking every joint between log and chink. What is the best product to seal the joint between the logs and chinking with a sandstone chimney. It is caulked as far you can see, but I really want to confirm the connection is waterproof. Thanks for any advice! dp
  Question: Do you know what the directions are to make the stain that the DNR uses for their picnic tables?
  Question: In the question on website shown below the individual mentions Fargo Naturoil. This product is actually still available from Cloverdale Paint Ltd. (they took over Fargo in 2002) you can get Naturoil at Cloverdale Store #51 in
Calgary, Unit 6, 4200-46 Ave SE Calgary 403-236-4777.

"We have a 30 yr old log home in SE Alberta. Our home has had regular maintenance and is now due for a recoat. Our contractor had used a product called Fargo Wood Beautifier and Preservative Naturoil. We
are unable
  Question: I am trying to build an "historic luxury" cabin at a low cost. I purchased 4000 board feet of inch thick rough cut oak. I have framed with 2x4 and plywood and now have the oak nailed to the framing with one and half inch tall gaps between each board to give the chinking look. Can I purchase mortar mix to use for chinking? I cannot afford the 150 dollar 5 gallon chinking at this time. The chinking is just for looks.
  Question: We recently stripped our pine log home and restained it with Woodguard stain-oil based. It has been three days since the new stain was applied, the label says is takes 3 days to several weeks to cure. However, the stain looks very blotchy (25 square foot blotches), is this normal in the drying process?
  Question: Wondering what you might recommend to remove the grey color from weathered logs. Is there a chemical on the market that will do the trick?
  Question: My wive and I are looking at building a log cabin in lexington,Va. area we have talked to log cabins dealer in that area that sell from pine and cedar to cypress. every body says their is the best. what would you recommond using
  Question: We just purchased a panabode log cottage in Northern Ontario and the interior and exterior is so dark. What do we use to lighten the exterior and maybe white wash the interior. Thanks so much
  Question: we are looking at buying an existing panabode home, that is to be to be moved.Can a pan abode be moved intact, or does it need to be disassembled? What would we check for, once the pan abode arrived at our property (30 mile trip, by professional house moving company.We would like to create a more open space in the living dining area. is it possible to remove, or just move, interior walls in a pan abode home
  Question: I have an 85 year old milled redwood D log cabin in Ca. (MILD CLIMATE) I coated the entire place with copper green and am now contemplating applying raw tung oil to it. The seller reccomends cutting the tung oil with a citrus oil for the first coat to help penetration. What are your thoughts on the tung oil, and the citrus oil to thin it for the 1st coat? Thanks Eddie
  Question: We are purchasing a timber home in Pollock Pines CA I believe it is a Panabode from the pictures I've seen on line. How can I be sure? and what makes these type of homes special? Thank you
  Question: What are your thoughts on vinyl half-log siding, we live in a snowmobile access only place & would like a log cabin look and feel. We thought vinyl might look just as good and be easier to care for. Do you know of a good contractor in the Cle Elum, WA area who can add log siding to an existing home?
  Question: Our small cabin [12x36] was built by the Amish. It is square logs. We have no leaks and there doesn't appear to be any mold-----but,yet, our clothing has a musty smell. The cabin is only 3 years old and the smell in the clothing is more noticeable. Any ideas as to why??
  Question: I have 13 freshly cut and de-barked 6" X 9' cedar post that are going to be used as porch roof supports. What do I use or what needs to be done to the post to maintain color and preserve?
  Question: Are you looking for experienced, reliable help? I have recently moved from Kansas City to Springfield and am working my way through school. I have run crews chinking, grinding, replacing logs, oiling houses,etc. I have done new construction also. I can be reached at 417-368-9199(home)417-773-6549 (cell)I am familiar with all you do. Am used to "Log Builder" products but can adapt to anything. THANKS!!!
  Question: We have poured individual round footings (16" sona tube)for each log that is going to support our shed porch. I want to secure each log to the cement footing. How can I do that?
  Question: We have a 30 year old Panabode and would like to cut a window between two interior walls,close to the ceiling to let additonal light into the hall from a skylight in the other room. Can we just cut through the logs? Thanks for the reply
  Question: We have a 1950 Pan abode construction cabin with dry rot on the 2 corners with 4-5 logs. Do you have any suggestions on repair. We live in Birch Bay, WA
  Question: From a leak in our roof after a heavy snow, water ran down the wall of our log home. The logs are flat rough and unfinished. The roof is fixed the logs have dried but we are left with water lines on the logs. Is there any way to get rid of them? Thanks Joy
  Question: I am currently in the process of purchasing a log home that has at one point or another, had a cable system installed. I believe that it was installed after the home was completed to keep the logs from separating. Several of the cables have been cut and there is evidance of the logs separating. The log home builders in my area have never seen or heard of such a repair or building method. I think that it is a structural issue that needs to be addressed. The cables are ran on the exterior, through
  Question: can you use motor oil or transmission fuild on a log home???
  Question: I am just sick! We recently had our home half-log sided in pine. We had a "professional" place the siding and stain it. To say the stain job was terrible is putting it mildly. The stain is uneven and there are drips and runs everywhere. The color we had chosen would have been nice at 2 coats, but in some areas it looks like he placed 4 or 5! Help! Can we remove this with stripper or ??? Please tell me there is a solution. The stain used was BEHR semi transparent in redwood naturaltone D
  Question: need to replace a log
  Question: I now own a Log cabin built in 1896 in NW WI. The cabin has a few logs that are exposed to the weather and the rest has not been protected for the last few years. What solution is there for a weather proofing stop gap on a budget and what is best for long term. We plan a new roof with larger eves(in a few years) and a epoxy repair for the rotten log ends. Please recommend a book/s and any thoughts.
  Question: What is the best preservative for a new construction pine log home exteria in Connecticut? Preserving the investment is my concern. Penofin, CTA, Woodguard? It's confusing. Please simplify my decision.
  Question: I am building a new log home by myself. I started it last summer. I bought green wood, fresh cut logs that were milled for tongue and groove. I also bought green wood for the posts and beams etc etc. The wood I used last summer has started turning black (mildew and mold). I should have it under roof by early spring. How should I approach getting the wood back to orignial color before borate and staining? The logs are oak and the rest of the wood is pine.
  Question: When using red cedar log siding, do you advise putting 15# felt paper outside the house wrap, against the cedar? Also, do you recommend putting plastic wrap on the inside of studs, too, before covering inside walls with red cedar dimension lumber? I heard cedar degrades house wrap. Thanks.
  Question: I have a western cedar home that is40 years old.I corn blasted the inside.I want to put in a shower in the bathrom but I want to keep the the logs showing is there a sealent that I could use on the logs. so they wont rot away. TY
  Question: Do you recommend using hickory for a small hunting cabin?
  Question: How often should a pine log home be caulked, stained, or sealed?
  Question: I have recently peeled and stacked ponderosa pines logs into cabin walls. The logs were dried for 6 months prior to peeling, and now have dried another month stacked. I would like to apply a stain/sealer before wet snow falls. A major consumer publication lists Olympic Prem. Latex stain as the longest lasting in their test. I have applied satin Spar Varnish to interior logs before and would like this appearance for the EXTERIOR logs what do you recommend...oil or water stains/sealers.
  Question: We have a handcrafted Log home Lodgepole Pine. It is stained with TWP-100. I have not been happy with the lasting performance would like to later refinish using Perma-chink Lifeline ultra 2. Is there a compatibility issue?
  Question: the tail ends of some of my logs on the corners of my houseare really cracking apart.is a liquid epoxy the correct fix?inject into the cracks as much as possible,brush the ends with it?
  Question: what is the best way to remove chaulking from the exterior of a replacement window
  Question: Which do you suggest, Sikkens or Perma Chink? We have stripped the BEHR off and are ready for finish. The home is a Montana Pine, Rustics of Lindberg Lake in Good repair. We live in moist Western Washington. Do you have a suggestion of another product?
  Question: We're going to be building a new home soon, and would like to use half-log siding. Do you know of any retailers/distributors that are fairly close to Eastern Kentucky?
  Question: We have a 1930's log cabin in the woods of Idaho that has several rotted logs that are causing the structure to sink. Do you know of anyone in the Boise/Lowman/Donnelly areas of Idaho that could do the work needed to replace and repair?
  Question: We have a cedar home covered with cedar 1/2 log siding. It badly needs restoration. My research so far has shown two types of finishes: Film Formers and Penetrating Finishes. Film formers include many alkyds, latex/acrilics and varnish resins in solvent or water based finishes. Penetrating finishes are oil or water based products which typically contain a drying oil resin in a stain. Also natural oils are in this class along with some newer water based systems using synthetic oils and resins.
  Question: We are in the process of building a Northern white cedar D log home. It is under roof now, but many of the inside beams and inside walls are dirty from sitting outside. Also, there are some minor water stains. Someone suggested cob blasting the interior, someone else said to sand the walls, a third person said to use a bleach solution to wash the walls. What do you recommend, and when should I do it. Thanks1
  Question: I bought an unassembled log bunk bed from a wood products company. It already has the tenon and holes cut into the headboards and frame. What is the best way to fasten the logs together at the tenons?
  Question: purchased a log home 3 yrs ago - home is now 15 yrs old. I am preparing to recoat the exterior. Have Perma Chink log wash for general overall cleaning. Is there a recommended product I can use selectively to retore/lighten the areas which have darkened most from weather. Also what is best for regular cleaning on the interior logs?
  Question: how do I remove water stains from pine logs. I have been asked to remove water stains to the interior of a log home both full logs and half logs due to a roof leak. The stains range from severe to mild any help would be appreciated.
  Question: We are currently under construction with white pine. All our lumber and logs, both those still in bundles and those already up in courses, are mildewing and molding! There are so many different products and types of products we are baffled as to what steps exactly we should take, with what products and in what order. Could you please guide us with this? Thanks!
  Question: We are considering purchasing a 20 year old Pan Abode log home that has been dissasembled in British Columbia. There are no plans for it. What are the issues with taking down and putting up a used home like this There are no pictures of it assembled and I cant seem to find any info on plans etc....is there a site that has old panabode catalouges instructions blueprints etc. It is for sale for 25000 and needs to be transported. Thanks
  Question: what should I use as a replacement for behr liquid rawhide
  Question: I HAVE 4 CEDAR LOGS 11' LONG. HOW DO I STRIP THE BARK OFF OF THEM. THEY WERE JUST CUT- DO IT NOW OR WAIT FOR THEM TO DRY OUT?
  Question: I recently purchased a 2+ story log home in Western Oregon that is 30 yrs old and has been finished over the years with boiled linseed oil and turpentine. The logs, of course, are very dark. I cannot afford to have it all stripped at this point, but would like to put a maintenance coat on the lower 3 rows of logs. Any suggestions for a basic cleaning - and other than using another coat of the linseed/turpentine mix, is there another finish that would be compatible, or is it best just to stick wi
  Question: I have an 8 year old eastern white pine log home in North Vermont. It was originally finished with Behr NWF Waterproofing wood sealer and finish and chinked with Puttylastic sealing caulk. The finish has worn off on the lower logs but is still thick on the higher ones. Also, the north east side is black mostly. How do I clean and finish it? Should I rechink? And if so should I remove all or some old chink? What products would you recommend. Are there any "green products" that I could use?
  Question: I live in upstate NY, in a recent bad storm I had a beautiful white burch fall, I would like to use the log keeping the bark on it, what can I put on the bark to keep it on and seal it?
  Question: I have a 25 year old poplar (aspen) log structure that has never been treated and is now very grey with weathering/mold. The structure is sound, how can I restore these logs look new? I was thinking water/bleach (3:1), pressure washing, then Cetol log and siding stain.
Thanks!
  Question: I am in the process of putting the finish on a new 16x24 log cabin made with 8" white Pine D logs. The logs were damaged by the power washer and the first coat was applied on one wall and it looks poor. Is there a good way to make it look more uniform in color and texture?
  Question: I am thinking of using Perma-Chink but only 5 yr warranty. Other manufacturers offer 10 years. Are they all the same? Do you have a preference?
  Question: I live in northern Colorado near Ft. Collins and Greeley. Can you tell me who does corn blasting in this area? Will corn blasting be effective on 8 yr old Penofen?
  Question: What can I use to treat an axe hanle that in dried out from being left outdoors for months?
  Question: We put a latex dark stain on our less than 10 yr old house and it looked so old , I want to go w/ a more orangey/ or I think cedar color .We started to remove w/ a power washer and some deck stain remover. What do recommend that is any easier to remove it? Also is there a stain that will cover any left over stain that we can not remove fully?? What type of stain do you recommend to use to make the place look like fresh wood!
  Question: What's the best way to seal butt joint leaks? Some of the joints are too small (1\16th ") to effectively caulk. What about grinding a vee into the joint (as welders do for butt joints) and then caulking it? Would this cause more problems?
  Question: what problems can i have from using pople trees for log home?
  Question: hello,

I have a 4yearold southland log home white pine. The logs are infected with carptenter beatles what do you recommend. I live in South carolina.

  Question: Our log home was sealed with CWF about 4 years ago. It really needs re-finished, but we need to strip it first. Some areas still have a thick layer and power washing is not taking it off. Any suggestions to dissolve the old CWF?
  Question: We have a lott of red oak on our property in Pa and would like to timber them to build our dream log home. Is red oak a good species for a log home? Do we need to treat the logs before staining? Are there problems we should be aware of using red oak? Any information would be appreciated.
  Question: Our log home is 22 years old and we have some logs that are rotted. We want to cover it with stone or half logs. What do we put on the logs before we fix them to keep wood ants or termites from getting behind the stone or half logs?
  Question: how often a log home needs to be chaulked,stained,or sealed of a pine log home?
  Question: If you were planning to build a new log home near Springfield, MO and were considering oak, pine or Engelmann Spruce logs, which would you choose and why? Please disregard shipping costs when answering.
  Question: I bought a one level log home in WV that was treated a hideous orange color at the time of purchase. It is time to retreat and repair woodpecker/bee damage. The horrible orange is wearing off slowly, but I would like to change to a brown. Should I powerwash it? Painting would not hurt the look of my home, so what do you recommend painting vs staining? What brand of either do you recommend? Also, have you recommendations for repairing large holes made by wookpeckers? Someone told me that it is
  Question: We have a 30 yr old log home in SE Alberta. Our home has had regular maintenance and is now due for a recoat. Our contractor had used a product called Fargo Wood Beautifier and Preservative Naturoil. We are unable to find this product now and are unsure what to use. Our climate is very dry with hot Chinook winds which dry and flake off any type of Sikkens type product. Can you recommend something that will withstand our harsh dry weather?
  Question: does cedar sided log homes need to be borate treated before stained and which would be better latex or oil base stain. Thank you
  Question: Hello Doc, I know women who owns a log lodge. She insists on treating the logs with linseed oil. I have suggested a professional oil based penetrater with uv inhibitors and the other usual protectors. What do you think?
  Question: buying a five yr. old log home. It has had nothing done to exterior since built. planning to clean and restain it. what sulution to clean, how lomg to wait between cleaning, and what product would you use to stain. i think you are giong to say dont preasure wash, this is in ms.
  Question: We had a house fire and I am trying to find info on our home. It was a tongue and groove home made of redwood. The whole house was made of this,no drywall. It was a kit home from, I believe Oregan or California, built in the 70s. How can i find info on manufactors of kit homes from the 70s?
  Question: I have an 1800's log house in Indiana that we are in the process of restoring, the chinking is mostly creek rock and mud with horse hair with an avg gap of 8 inches between logs. I need to rechink it. Do I need to remove the chinking that is there or can I rechink over the exsiting chinking after I remove any loose material, and what is the best chinking to use?
  Question: We just discovered that our contractor used CWF exterior to paint the Interior of our log home. The CWF clearly says only use on exterior--should we remove--corbn blast the interior or will the toxic properties of CWF exterior go away?
  Question: I have a 26yr old pine log house the inside has been stained a dark brown how would I go about lighten it or would I have to strip it
thanks carol
  Question: My house is a 26 year old yellow pine log home and I have maintained it well. I have primarily used CWF stain but have restained about every 2 to 3 years. I am looking for a better stain to use this spring. Woodguard sounds like a good one for exterior. What would your recommend? Also, what should I do to clean the logs prior to staining. Normally I have just used a cleaner and water hose.
  Question: Just bought 1.4 acres in mid-Wisconsin. Want to build 3K to 4K sq ft ranch style log home. Like Heartbuilt and Hiawatha 12" swedish cope log homes but not sure about which wood to use. Choices are Norway Pine, White Pine or Engelmann Spruce. Just based on wood which would you recommend? Heartbuilt does not seem to chink. Is it always required or recommended?
  Question: We have just raised the Cypress Timbers for a timber frame home, the timbers got wet during raising and have grown some mold on them, we have sanded but the mold is still showing, it seems to be down in the wood. Is there something we can use to remove the black stains from our exposed beams?
Thanks
  Question: I want to use logs in my living room as a divider.
i have access to bitter pecan, cypress, overcup, persimmion, and pine trees. which of these would keep their bark on the longest?
I have family member that bought a bed and the bark is still on it but it looks like they sprayed something on it because it has a gloss about it. Any advice?
  Question: We are getting ready to retire and build a lake home in Northwest Arkansas. It appears you have a serious problem with Eastern White Pine. We have spent years looking for a plan that we like, and finally found the perfect plan. Problem is, the manufacturer of this home uses only eastern white pine. Would you go so far as to recommend we not go with this manufacturer, and if so or not, could you please explain the problem?
  Question: We are building a cabin in Wisconsin. We cut the trees (jack pine) from our land and made them into logs. Logs have been drying for a year, but are grey now. What would you recommend to clean them and stain them with, please give us you recommended brand of products. Also when is the best time to wash the logs, before or after they are up? Are there any good on-line guidelines?
  Question: We have a cabin sided with cedar logs. We like the color of the wood as is and want to use a penetrating clear preservative, but every one tries to sell us a pigmented stain. Any sugestion for a clear preservative or why we should not use it? Thanks.
  Question: we have water stains on unfinished logs inside our home it is less than 3 yrs old is there any way besides sanding to remove them???
  Question: I installed 1/4 pine log siding on my home 1 1/2 years ago form a local building company and they recommended CWF-UV. I have already applied 2 and 3 times and now one side has mold and areas in direct sunlight are aging and CWF is not staying. I need to put a new sealant on it. Can you apply a acrylic latex finish over the CWF applied 6 months ago? Can you get acrylic latex in different colors? I have no idea who in my area can corn blast...what else can I do?

  Question: We have a 20 year old log home = Yellow pine. I am trying to choose the best stain for our home. We have stripped the home of previous stain and sanded and put a borax persever on/ I havesent for several sample - perm a chink, sikins, sascho and tested on the home. All the colors are darker than I was looking for. I want a good stain that has the color of yellow when applied. What stain would you recommend?
  Question: how do you protect soffit facia and windows when you are corn cob blasting?
  Question: hi. we have a 1930 log house in idaho. someone added a bathroom and the shower has plastic curtains hung directly over the exterior wood walls as shower walls. i want to put corregated metal as a tiling for the shower. do i need to put anything in between the wood walls and the corregated metal? Thanks!
  Question: We have a20 year old yellow pine Log home in Delaware. We have purchase east strip and stripped our home. We have tested several products - Prema chick - Sascho - Silkens. We have not found any stain that we are looking for. We are looking for a stain that has a yellow finish to it when applied. All the stains we have tried the wood becomes reddish. We have the logs cleaned and sanded ready for stain. What stain would you recommend and what type is better - Oil base or waterbased.
  Question: We just moved into a log home that is about 7 years old. I have seen a woodpecker on the side of the house. What can we do to protect the house against this bird?
  Question: We are thinking about purchasing a log home and would like to get a home inspection just on the logs and their condition before purchasing. Is there someone in the Blacksburg or Roanoke area of Virginia who would be able to check on the log condition and give us a plan for future maintenance?
  Question: I want to remove boiled linseed oil from an interior wall of my pine log cabin.What would you recommend?
  Question: we have water staines on the inside of our log home its 20+ years old . Logs inside are not pine not treated with anything. Looking for something to remove staines. And what to put on afterward. Also if anyone in the CT. area does this kind of job.
Thank You for your Time
JIM
  Question: Is cyrpess superior for log home, does it have to be stabilized every 8 feet, and does it have a "musty" smell. Eastern white pine seems to be the prevelant wood for log homes here in VA, but I want something else, is white cedar better than pine?
  Question: I'm conidering peeling my logs for a cabin with a pressure washer to save time over using a draw knife. Is this a good idea? How soon after cutting down the trees should you peel the bark? Will a pressure washer take off both the outer and inner bark leaving a white log?

Thanks,

Jim
  Question: I own land in the MO. Ozarks and want to build a small cabin. I have plenty of Eastern red cedar. Would cedar be better than oak, hickory or other hardwoods. Seems most older cabins are made of hardwoods.
thanks,
Dale
  Question: my pine log cabin is 5yr old and needs to be stained again. what type of stain do i use and where do i purchase this? what type of cleaning agent is used to clean the green off the outside?
  Question: I have a friend that purchased a 6 year old cabin. The interior logs have never been sealed and have grayed slightly. It is not bad enough that sanding or corn blasting is required and we feel that cleaning with a solution of 1 C of bleach and TSP with 5 Gal. of warm water will work. Is there a any additional tricks to brighten the wood slightly without having to rinse?
  Question: I have a custom cedar log home in Florida. The logs on the south side have been leaking with driving rains for years. I have permachinked which helped but they still leak. The only option I can now see is to build a porch to cover them. Am I missing something?
  Question: I live in Illinos and need someone to assist in staining my log home. Do you know of anyone?
  Question: we have a home built in 1985 and have chaulking needed to be redone.Is there a special way to chaulk on log homes? How do we do it? do we use a foam or something behind chaulk? Pull out old? Help!!!!! Thank you
  Question: i have a red cedar log cabin in northern Ontario. I have been noticing that in the outside corners, the roof doesn't clear the corners and I am having dripping from rain fall onto the outer logs and they are starting to rot and turn black. I have had two roofing companies come in and even with an additional piece of evestrough put on, I am still having the problem..Any suggestions?
  Question: i want to seal the log on the inside it's a new cabin what should i put on them
  Question: I have gotten a 100 plus year old log cabin down to only logs and want to rechink it. I am going to pressure wash it soon. I want to know if I need to stain or just water seal the logs or can I leave them natural? They are chestnut logs but have been painted with whitewash.
  Question: I'm looking for someone in the Syracuse/Ithaca area that can replace rotted logs. Thanks for your help!
  Question: I have a 25 year old cedar panabode and want to treat the wood inside and out. How should I treat the wood? What should I use?
  Question: I have a 25 year old panabode and want to treat the wood inside and out. How should I treat the wood? What should I use?
  Question: We had built a new half log shed. It is 10" X12". What should we do to protect this new wood. List all the steps from the beginning to the end. I am especially looking for stain and/or sealer info.
  Question: I have a friend that I met on the internet appox. 9 years ago. She and her husband puchased an old 1870's log home in Ontario, Canada and added on to it. Three years ago her husband came down with Lue Garreg's Desease, and as a result the upkeep on their dream home has deteriated greatly. Her husband just past away approx. 7 weeks ago, and my friend has mentioned that the chinking in the original 1870's portion of their home has become cracked to the point where it is falling out and she has
  Question: I bought a cedar log cabin a year ago. I know very little about the up keep. I want to pressure wash and restain it. Is this the right order and what do I use? But before I do this I have to seal the cracks where the logs meet what do I use and where do I get it? Can you help?
  Question: Have a 26' x 24' "Model Log" home, built in 1984. I have used Boiled Linseed Oil & Mineral Spirits 2:! since new. I had a bid to re-oil and was told NOT to use Lineseed but to use another product that costs $40.00 / Gal (Alaskan log siding ???)and will last 15 years. What do you think? He wants $3000.00 to do the job. The logs are in fine shape now, I just thought it was time to add a new coat.
  Question: I have a log sided home.
The siding is pine the new painter came out and applied cedar stain and it's now freakin orange!
Help what can I do? What product do I use to make my home look normal again?
  Question: We are thinking about buying a log home but I am wary that the guy selling it does not seem to know much about log homes (hence why I am on an internet site asking questions that he should be answering). I noticed that he used Cabot stain on the exterior and was wondering, is Cabot just a bad choice for log homes? Is this something we would have to sand off and replace within a couple years? (The property is well shaded and does not appear to be blasted by the sun)
  Question: My parents own a log home and the previous owners didnt do a very good job sealing around the outside of their chimney. whatever they put inbetween the chimney and the house needs to be removed and replaced. What do you recommend I replace it with?? I am doing the work for them. I have already chinked the entire house but I dont think that that is what needs to be replaced in that area.Thanks!
  Question: We have log dirt coming in from the outside in one spot. What needs to be done? Just sealant?
This used to be a home, but is now a library. Thanks
  Question: We are getting ready to restain some exterior logs on our home which is part cedar also. In your opinion, is Woodscapes a better product than Behr? Also, if we can't get an exact match on the stain but can get close, will it turn out blotchy?
  Question: I also have had woodpeckers do damage to a log on my home. I have checked for the energy seal you have said to use and have not found it. Is it a special brand. Also were can I find the owl with the glass eyes? I have only been able to find owls with plastic eyes.
  Question: We built our retirement dream log home two years ago and are becoming frustrated with the exterior maintenance. We used Defy stain which has not only largely failed, but when we powerwash, apply Defy Wood Brightener, rinse, and reapply the Defy stain, we are getting many darker brown areas along the top halves of the logs. Please don't tell me to cob blast a two-year-old home. We'd welcome any advice that would prevent the maintenance from being a nightmare! Thanks.
  Question: We own a log home built in 1978. We have one or two logs that are rotted. Is there someone in the Rochester, NY area you know of who could do the repairs? Also, we are building an addition on our home and are planning to use log siding on the exterior, but I'm having trouble finding yellow pine in a 5 3/4 inch drop to match the rest of our house. Any suggestions?
  Question: I need to find an interior log cleaner or recipe for cleaning logs. Our logs are twenty-five years old, collect dust, and need to be rejuvenated.
  Question: I have purchased a 100+ year old log cabin on the river which the DNR regulates any changes done and doesn't want to permit magor repair like log replacement,they want to see it gone.It however has some small dry rot places and large cracks on the exterior logs what can I do to insure it does not get any worse.it needs rechinking and is painted a dark brown which I would like to lighten back to a more natural color what products and preceedures would you sugest I try.The interirior is in great
  Question: We live in south-western KY. We live in a 15 yr old Gastineau oak home that has had NO staining, watersealing, or cleaning for the last 11 years. We need to take action. Where should we begin? With powerwashing?
  Question: We bought a 1985 pine log cabin, little rot, bad stain, and poor chinking in Maine, and want to enclose it, insulating and plastering inside, cement fiber boarding outside. Should we reconditon the logs first or will exiting problems cease once logs are protected?
  Question: Hi,
I have a cedar deck, the prvious owner of our house stained the cedar(but with the wrong type) so most of the staining has come off.
1) What's the best way to remove the remaining staining on the cedar?
2) What's the best product to put on cedar for protection?
Thanking you in advance,
Attilio
  Question: I am thinking of buying a 35yr old log home. It hasn't been maintained, lately anyway. It shows some rot behind window boxes and above a porch roof. Nothing that looks to bad, but am wanting some help with what should be done to correct any problems and someone to do the work. Home is in Southern Maine, who/what would you recommend?
  Question: I purchased a hand-hewn log home in Washington, and the bottom logs are getting wet from rain. What would you recommend to protect them? Would board shellac work if applied only to exterior walls, allowing wood to still breathe?
  Question: What is the best wood to use for a log home? Cedar or Cypress
  Question: Where can i find the closest log home supply store near Lake Luzerne NY?
  Question: looking for someone in the Lake Luzerne NY area that does log restoration
  Question: I own a log house in Pawleys Island, SC. It's estimated to be about 25 years old. I saw the question about the "musty" odor in clothing and I also have the same problem. Is the "musty" wood smell normal? What causes it? Any general remedies? Thanks
  Question: If I wanted to refinish a log home, where would I go to find the products and tools needed to do that? I understand corn blasting is recommended. Where woulld I find this product and tools to apply this. Also, staining and coloring products.
  Question: My Timber Log home is 21 years old. Last year before we Weather Sealed our home, we had it powerwashed to remove all of the mildew. Now, whenver we get a heavy rain, water leaks in between some of the logs. We have used log home caulking between all of the logs are around all windows and can't figure out where the leaks are coming from. I have 2 questions:
Where could the water still be leaking in from? and How do I remove water stains on the inside? The interior logs are unfinished and sandi
  Question: when it rains hard i get leakage from the beams that hold the upstairs floor boards,the beams are notched into the exterior walls, i have caulked and restained the outside,and i can't tell from the outside where it is comeing from. it is a pine log home the logs fit together toung and groove,should i try caulking from the inside where i can see where the water is coming from.
  Question: We are putting 1/2 log tounge and groove siding on our newly constructed home. What is your suggestion on the nails I am to use?
  Question: What do i use to seal cedar logs with to keep the bark from peeling off?
  Question: I own a Gastineau Oak Log home. They use TWP on their logs and recommend it. I was researching Wolman F&P natural and was wondering what you might use/recommend. Sometimes log home manufacturers just have a marketing deal with these companies. I just want to protect my investment. The home was built in 1992. I am the second owner as of May of 2006. I'm guessing a stripper/chemical wash will prepare the surface for an even application?
  Question: i have a New England Log home built in the 70's. It is very small and dark inside. I was wondering if there was some way to lighten the appearnance of the logs inside.
  Question: Which wood do you prefer for new home construction, white cedar, red cedar, yellow pine, white pine or other? I understand yellow pine is the strongest, cedar the weakest. Any comment would be helpful. Thanks.
  Question: I actually have two questions, I have a log that needs replacing, 1/2 the log and had someone come out to look at it, to which they said is was a load bearing log and they didn't have the expertise to repair. Any suggestions on who could help just outside of Rochester, New York? The second question is that I had some leaks from my roof, which of course came through and have damaged the rough cut joyces in the ceiling, leaving black marks in a couple areas. I have since put a new roof on, bu
  Question: I was told by the builder that the only compound used between the d-logs and were the logs butt up against each other was liquid nails. Is that a wise and/or common practice?
  Question: In a previous post you spoke of a side grinder, would this be the same as a angle grinder?
  Question: A rew years ago our log home was powerwashed, the person doing the job used little care and forced water betwen the logs causing water stains on the inside. Most aren't too bad, but a few are very dark. I asssume that sanding is the only way to remove or lighten the stains. Three questions: Would a belt sander be the best type sander to use? What grit sandpapers would work best? Once sanded should the sanded log be treated?
  Question: I have purched a log cabin built around 1860.
The logs have been painted green. What can I do to restore the logs?

Thanks
  Question: We are in the process of building a new log home...like others the exterior logs inside and out have dark runs, black marks, etc...i have used a bleach solution 50/50 and a sponge...is there a better way to do this...very time consuming and the house is 2300 sq ft. Someone said use power washer...others say don't.. please help.....
  Question: WE HAVE PAINTED OUR PANABODE LOG HOUSE WITH AHEAVY BODY STAIN. IT LOOKS GOOD FOR ABOUT A WEEK THEN IT START TO BUBBLE THE SUNNY SIDE THE SHADY SIDE NOTHING CONSISTENT.ITS BEEN A YEAR AND IS GETTING WORSE.SOME PLACES HAVE ABSOLUTY NO PROBLEMS AND OTHERS ARE BUBBLEING ALL OVER THE PLACE. I STAINED MYSELF AND THE HOUSE WAS COMPLETLY DRY SO IT WASNT LIKE I PAINTED ON A WET SURFACE. I AM BAFFELED HOPE YOU CAN HELP THANK YOU
  Question: We are in the process of purchasing a log home, and there are several ceiling beams on the inside that have black all over them. We've tried two-part bleach to no avail. My husband sanded a bit but the black goes very deep and now we're not sure whether the beams are rotted, or this is mold, etc. Any idea of what it is and how to get rid of it, if possible? Thanks so much for your insight.
  Question: We have a NEW log cabin built in 2005, the logs have been chinked but we are still getting water coming in thru the horizontal joints. What can we do to stop this?
thank you
Brad
  Question: we have a old log cabin approx 45 years old
we need to re chink some spots but are wondering if the new chinking compound will adhere to the old cement type that already exsists
do we have to remove all the old chinking some of it is still in good shape?
  Question: our logs where delivered in may '05 and the house did not get enclosed until jan.-feb '06. the logs have been sitting thru out the winter getting rained on and everything. we have not treated, stained ,or sealed the logs yet due to money. we have cleaned the logs with tsp, bleach, and pine cleaner. how soon do we need get the logs treated, sealed and stained before the logs will runion? and is it ok to caulk the logs before doing any of that?
  Question: our logs where delivered in may '05 and the house did not get enclosed until jan.-feb '06. the logs have been sitting thru out the winter getting rained on and everything. we have not treated, stained ,or sealed the logs yet due to money. we have cleaned the logs with tsp, bleach, and pine cleaner. how soon do we need get the logs treated, sealed and stained before the logs will runion? and is it ok to caulk the logs before doing any of that?
  Question: I have a old log cabin up in Northern Saskatchewan.9 years ago we used boiled linseed oil for finish and protection,we first cleaned the logs with a water and bleach solution.The logs are black with fungus again.Do we do the same treatment and finish or is there something better to do.
  Question: I have a smal log cabin built in 1879 on property in Buckingham County, Virginia - 20x22 approx. - hickory and oak logs - slate roof - partially decayed rock chimney. A few logs on chimney side have decay. Any idea what I can sell this form and to whom?
  Question: I have a smal log cabin built in 1879 on property in Buckingham County, Virginia - 20x22 approx. - hickory and oak logs - slate roof - partially decayed rock chimney. A few logs on chimney side have decay. Any idea what I can sell this form and to whom?
  Question: I have a log home at Milan, Mo. It is not made like thay are today. I have some soft logs under a set of windows. This home I'm approximating at 35 years old. I'm needing to know if I shoud have this sided or what I should do.
Needing to know cost,etc.
Looking for your expertise information.

  Question: I want to put 1/4 logs on a small cabin I have in Wisconsin. How /where do I fasten the logs and where can I buy the screws/nails? Thanks for your help.
  Question: New construction. Eastern red cedar logs. What should we use to treat/preserve the logs as they go up, and after construction, to preserve the color and protect against sun, fading, weather, etc. Thanks!
  Question: My log home is 18 years old. We had been haunted with condensation from the roof. That was corrected by putting on a totally new roof BUT not under where the farmers porch goes onto the cabin roof. The first winter after the new roof there was no condensation but last winter I was in tears as there was dripping where the porch roof covers the cabin roof. .....Can you suggest how we can fix this problem....
  Question: Our log home is built from the logs of two log cabins dated around the early 1800's. We have one spot close to the front door that has a rotten area in the middle of the log approx. 5" x 8" and 3" deep. What do you suggest to fill or fix this area with?
  Question: What type of mainenance should be onging for a log cabin. how offten and when should it be done.
  Question: My log home was chinked with Permachink about 10 years ago. Soon afterwards, bubbles began appearing. The contractor said they would go away. They didnt. We are soon going to be removing old stain and applying new. Do we pull out old chinking or just don't worry about bubbles. We also have a few cracks in chinking.
  Question: looking for clinking material MP 30 for interior logs of 1864 house that we have just exposed.
  Question: We are getting ready to clean, stain, and seal our log house. Can borate be mixed with stain or seal and applied together?
thanks
Brian Litz
  Question: Where can I purchase a borate product to spray logs with?
  Question: What kind of rain gutters are out ther that will match my log home and not look too modern or standout?
  Question: What is the best method the brighten interior logs? I have a log home that has never had the interior stained or sealed. I have ruled out liquid cleaners since they must be rinsed with water or pressure washed. I'm considering Osborne brushing or cob blasting to bring the logs back to their original color.

Will Osborne brushing brighten the logs?

What is the general cost for cob blasting. The house is two story and 1800 sf.
  Question: What is the best method the brighten interior logs? I have a log home that has never had the interior stained or sealed. I have ruled out liquid cleaners since they must be rinsed with water or pressure washed. I'm considering Osborne brushing or cob blasting to bring the logs back to their original color.

Will Osborne brushing brighten the logs?

What is the general cost for cob blasting. The house is two story and 1800 sf.
  Question: I have a log home built in 1988. I plan on corn cob blasting and re-staining it in early May. It is a 2900 sq ft home. What sort of stain should I use. I was planning on Cabot.
  Question: What do you recommend for large cracks in verticle logs. Some of the cracks are large enough to stick your hand into.
  Question: Hi,
I have a PANABODE house, what kind of- interior stain do I use?
tessie
  Question: We used Menwood to seal the exterior logs. Now that it is time to do this again, can we change to another sealant product, and what would you recommend?
  Question: what exterior finish do you recomend (new constuction)
  Question: how do you repair warped logs around a door entry? is there some cosmetic applications that can be used?
  Question: All clothing inside my log home smells musty...quite strong actually. What can be done to solve this odor problem?
  Question: We love log furnature. We are making a log bed. We are trying to strip the bark off of the logs but it is taking forever by hand. Is there any easier way to do this?
  Question: My "Lincoln Log" home is 19 years old. The first few years after it was built, we had several water leaks around windows and sky lights (which has been rectified). We have "lots" of water stains on the inside log walls and wish to get rid of them. Over the years we've tried several options (ie. bleach). Some of the stains are deep inside the wood fibers and sanding may not be an option. Is there a chemical on the market that would take care of our stain problems or do we have to sand.
  Question: is it prudent to build a log cabin in florida? if so what is the best type of log species? thank you much
  Question: what type of wood is best for a log cabin with square logs, in the 6" x 10" or 8 X 12 range? I live in southern Indiana. there seems to be an abundance of yellow popular in my area, would this be a good choice?

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