Wooden houses have been perceived to be restricted to the woods and farmhouses. But that is not true anymore with log siding.
There has been an increased presence of log-sided homes in the last decade than anyone may have expected. But one may question, how long does log siding last?
Log siding can last as long as 25 to 40 years and as long as a building exists. The longevity of the log siding is affected by the maintenance it receives and the severity of the weather condition. Regular maintenance is needed to keep the log siding.
Maintenance is an important practice for having a log siding. This is why this article has focused on ways to maintain log siding, the problems that face log siding, and some other vital information to help with the lifespan of log siding.
Keep reading to know more about these.
What are the problems that face log sidings?
Contents
As it is with other forms of siding, log siding has its peculiar problems. In order to manage it well, it is necessary to have a good idea of the problems that face it. Let us look at the four main issues.
Termites
Termites are usually living within the soil feeding on logs and wooden materials. Every wooden structure will attract termites for a treat. They are capable of feeding on the logs and destroying them over time.
The log siding must then be treated against termites.
The areas around the house, yard, garden, and lawns should be treated against termites. The siding should also be sealed, and this should be repeated every three years.
Mildew, Mold, and Rot
Fungi are a group of versatile microorganisms that have visible growth bodies. Molds and mildew are in this group of organisms.
They can use wooden materials as a source of energy and nutrients for their growth, causing the destruction of the wood in the process.
The growth of mold and mildew are encouraged by increased moisture content in wood. Their growth leads to rot and degradation of the log siding. It is important to treat the sidings with antifungal agents.
Bugs
Different insects and their larvae love to reside in and around the woods. Insects can nest in the log sidings if not regularly checked for infestations.
Constantly, insects and bugs must be removed from the sidings to stop them from increasing in number.
Weather Conditions
Natural conditions like rain and snow have their effects on the log siding. Water is the main facilitator of rotting and the growth of molds and mildew. Snow and rain must not have any way of getting collected around the log sidings.
How often do you have to treat log siding?
Treating the log siding is important to keep away insects, bugs, mold, and mildew. The wood must be treated and sealed every 3 years.
The log siding should also have a repainting every 5 years. This maintenance process will help shield it from infestations.
How do you take care of log siding?
I have established earlier in this article that maintenance is key for log sidings. The length of the wood is dependent on the amount of maintenance. So, how is log siding maintained?
Annual Cleaning
A time must be dedicated yearly to get the log siding well cleaned off any dirt. The collection of dirt around the logs can attract insects and bugs. Molds and mildew can also find a place to begin their infestations if proper cleaning is not done.
Once the log sidings are well-sealed and painted, the cleaning should be easy. Hosing down the logs is suitable to clean them. The annual cleaning should also involve proper inspection for any damaged parts or rotting logs.
Bug and Insects Removal
Routine checks must be performed for early discovery of any potential infestations. Any log that is rotting must be removed immediately. Rots encourage bugs and Insects to infest wood. Molds and mildew will increase as the log rots.
And this will spread to other woods if the affected ones are not removed in time.
It is equally important to avoid stacks of wood around the house. Any form of rotting wood or furniture must be taken away from the house. This will ensure that the infestation is not transferred to the sidings.
Snow Removal
Scooping snow off the log siding as soon as possible is important for its lifespan. Snow is an immediate source of moisture as it thaws. Water is no friend to log sidings and any other wooden materials. The snow must be scooped away in time before the logs absorb the moisture.
Proper Drainage
Drainage around the Home must be functioning properly. Gutters or any other means of draining rainwater must be effective. This will keep the log sidings from getting drenched as rain falls, or rainwater is collected around them.
Household water must also be conducted away efficiently. Any form of standing water around the logs can lead to the growth of molds and mildew.
The logs will be subjected to rotting when too much water collects on them. Drainage must be checked regularly to ensure they are working well.
Avoid planting too close
Moisture is one of the necessities for plants, and they will attract it. Plants are capable of drawing moisture to their surroundings. Plants should not be grown too close to the log sidings as the moisture they attract can cause the logs to rot.
Plants should be cited at about 8 feet, at least away from the log sidings. This will ensure that moisture is not drawn to the logs.
The more moisture they attract, the more molds and mildew grow on them.
What are the advantages of log siding?
Log siding is an insulating layer for the home. The home is kept cool and warm with log insulation. Another advantage is the aesthetics. It adds beauty to any house. It gives a contemporary look that is chic and stylish.
Another pro of log siding is the ease of installing it. It fits easily into the house, and it is wind resistant. In comparison with other sidings, it is cheap and affordable. There is also increased durability as the log sidings are kiln-dried.
What are the disadvantages of log siding?
The main con of having log siding is the required maintenance. It requires constant pest control because the logs will keep attracting them. The logs need to be treated and painted every three to five years.
Conclusively
Log siding is chic and stylish, but it needs a whole lot of maintenance. It can last as long as 40 years if adequately managed and maintained. To do that, water in every form must be kept away from the logs as much as possible. This will keep molds, mildew, and bugs away.
Annual cleaning and checks must be done to ensure the logs are still in good condition. Ensure to keep away any rotten wood from the building.
It is a whole lot of maintenance required compared to other sidings. But it is also easy to install and quite affordable.
I think routine maintenance is worth it in the long run. The aesthetic is compared to none for the lovers, and so the work is also needed to keep the look.
