Log construction – staining of logs

Causes

Walls and eaves continuously damp due to heavy planting/overhanging trees/a bank in close proximity

Localised water run-off across the face of the wall

No rain washing resulting in build-up of dirt

Insufficient cleaning

Listed under: Exterior, timber and wood-based, stains, timber, cladding, walls, moisture, eaves, wall cladding, log construction

Cause

Walls and eaves continuously damp due to heavy planting/overhanging trees/a bank in close proximity

Repair

  • cut back the heavy planting and overhanging trees or take the plants or trees out and replace with something lower growing. If a bank is too close, consider whether this can be moved back, but seek expert advice before acting – a chartered professional engineer may need to be consulted
  • to remove staining from a log wall, ask a specialist log house company for recommended products and/or processes. Do not use chlorine bleaches or detergents that may leave a film behind. Avoid high-pressure water blasting, which can damage the log surface and sealants or caulking
  • if staining is due to mould growth, this may require cleaning with a fungicidal wash. Ask a log house company for a recommended product
  • many log home manufacturers use and/or recommend a protective oil or stain. How often this will need to be reapplied depends on the preparation of the logs, the level of exposure the logs get to rain, salt, UV light etc. and the product being used but can typically range from every 2–5 years. The logs should be cleaned and allowed to dry completely before the oil or stain is applied. Follow the preparation and application recommendations of the coating product manufacturer
  • there is a Log Building Association of New Zealand that has some information on its website

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Cause

Localised water run-off across the face of the wall

Repair

  • determine the source of the run-off and fix it. It is a broken or blocked or undersized gutter, make the required repairs or replacement
  • follow the advice for removing stains, cleaning and recoating the logs in the first repair above

 

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Cause

No rain washing resulting in build-up of dirt

Repair

  • follow the advice for removing stains, cleaning and recoating the logs in the first repair above

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Cause

Insufficient cleaning

Repair

  • follow the advice for removing stains, cleaning and recoating the logs in the first repair above. Institute a regular cleaning schedule

 

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