Whether your cabin is newly built or has weathered a few winters, these 5 products are must-haves for year-round cabin care.
These are products that you’ll use again and again. They’re the ones that you want to have when things go wrong around your cabin!
Chances are, most problems can be fixed with one of these 5 products.
Here’s 5 products to keep at your cabin and uses for each one:
1. Caulk
Many log homes use caulk between their logs to create a seal that keeps out airflow, water, and pests.
Caulk is not only used between logs, it can also be used in corners where logs meet or if there are cracks that go along the logs.
If there are areas of your cabin that have cracks (larger than 1/4″ inch), add caulk to seal it up. Delaying sealing cracks can cause damage to the logs or allow cold air or pests to get in your home.
For a helpful video on how to apply caulk between logs, click here.
Keep extra caulk on hand so that when you spot a crack in your log it’s convenient to take care of it right away.
And make sure to choose a color that will blend in with your logs (the below color is Warm Honey but there’s others available on Amazon in this same recommended brand).
2. Insecticide Spray
In a cabin, the types of bugs you encounter range from pesky invaders to downright destructive. Carpenter bees and carpenter ants in particular can cause severe damage to log homes.
Keep an insecticide on hand so that you can quickly respond to bugs in and around your home. This is a product that you’ll be extra thankful to have ready when the time comes to use it!
Use a general insecticide like this one from Amazon, which kills almost any bug. Or use a log home specific one like BEE-Gone, which is formulated for Carpenter Bees, Bark Beetles, and Carpenter Ants and others.
3. Stain or Sealer
A log stain or sealer is important to keep on hand year-round to touch up any areas that need it.
Stain is a protective layer on your logs that helps prevent damage from dirt, bugs, and weather. Keeping your stain intact is one of the best ways to preserve the longevity of your logs.
Here are a few tips for how to spot areas that need a touch up:
- More exposed areas of your cabin (those that face the sun or severe weather) will need more frequent re-staining
- Areas that have older or worn stain will appear faded
- If your stain or sealer is cracking or you see exposed log – it’s time for a re-stain and seal
Maintaining your stain is one of the most important parts of cabin care! Touch up areas that need it throughout the year and then re-stain your cabin every few years.
When it comes time for a compete re-stain, here’s A Guide To Staining Your Log Home.
4. Backer Rod
Backer rod is usually made of foam and it’s what goes in the cracks between your logs before chinking or caulking.
The benefits of backer rod are that it provides insulation and a cushion for the logs as they expand and contract.
You want to keep backer rod on hand because if you have a large gap in your logs (or a crack) backer rod should be added before you caulk.
Gaps in log cabins are one of the largest sources of maintenance issues. Backer rods are a must-have for these repairs.
If you spot large cracks in your home – grab a backer rod & caulk and you can do the repair relatively easily (here’s a video that shows how).
5. High Reach Dusting Kit
While this product is more for cleaning than maintenance, it’s an essential part of cabin care. One of the most frequently asked questions we get is ‘how do I clean hard to reach places in my cabin?!’
This product is the answer! It’s a duster that’s able to extend and reach high areas easily.
Dusting your log cabin is important to its overall longevity and care. Dirty areas may attract pesky bugs or (especially when combined with moisture) result in decay.
If you still have questions about log cabin maintenance after reading this post, the below book is a life-changing resource!
This book covers cabin maintenance in-depth and will help prepare you for any scenario. From bugs to repairs to routine cabin care, this book is a must-have for every cabin owner.
For more posts on cabin maintenance, check out our Cabin Resources series.
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