Long days, bright sun, and rising humidity—summer is here, and while your log home was built to handle the elements, it still needs seasonal care to stay strong and beautiful. At Performance Log Homes, we know what it takes to protect your investment through the toughest conditions.
Use this summer maintenance checklist to keep your home in peak condition all season long.
Quick Summer Log Home Maintenance Checklist
- Clean and inspect log walls
- Check stain and reseal if needed
- Re-caulk or re-chink any gaps
- Trim trees and shrubs away from the home
- Clean gutters and inspect roof
- Watch for signs of insect activity
- Refresh and maintain decks and porches
- Schedule a professional log home inspection
1. Inspect and Clean the Exterior Logs
Start with a full perimeter walk-around. Look for sun-faded or discolored logs, checks or cracks, raised grain, and patches of mildew or dirt buildup. Focus especially on south- and west-facing walls, which take the most sun and weather.
Use a gentle, log-safe cleanser and a soft-bristle brush to clean the surface. Avoid pressure washers, which can damage the wood fiber and force water deep into the logs.
2. Check for UV Damage and Stain Wear
If your stain looks dull, uneven, or patchy, it’s time to freshen it up. Summer sun is brutal on wood, and the right stain is your log home’s first line of defense.
Choose a high-quality stain formulated for log homes that includes UV inhibitors, water repellents, and mold resistance. If needed, follow up with a clear topcoat for extra protection.
3. Re-Caulk or Re-Chink Gaps
As temperatures rise and fall, logs naturally expand and contract. This movement can create small gaps around windows, doors, and between logs. Sealing these gaps helps block air leaks, moisture, and pests.
Use log-specific caulking or chinking products. Even minor touch-ups go a long way in maintaining energy efficiency and protecting against summer storms and insects.
4. Trim Back Vegetation
Trees, bushes, and vines can grow quickly during the summer. When they touch or hover near your log walls, they trap moisture and reduce airflow—creating the perfect conditions for mold, mildew, and insects.
Maintain at least two feet of clearance around your home to allow air circulation and promote faster drying after rain or morning dew.
5. Inspect the Roof and Clean the Gutters
Summer storms can test your roof and drainage system. Look for damaged or missing shingles, warped flashing, and signs of moisture intrusion around chimneys and vents.
Clean out your gutters and ensure all downspouts direct water well away from the foundation. This prevents splashback and wood rot at the base of your home.
6. Watch for Insect Activity
Pest pressure rises in summer. Watch for signs like small boreholes, sawdust (frass), mud tubes, or faint rustling sounds inside your walls. These may indicate active infestations of termites, carpenter ants, or powderpost beetles.
If you notice any of these signs, contact us for an inspection. Catching an issue early can prevent significant structural damage.
7. Maintain Your Deck and Porch
Summer is hard on outdoor spaces. Heat, foot traffic, and UV rays wear down even well-maintained decks and porches.
Check for cupping boards, popped nails, or soft spots. Sweep off debris and reapply stain or sealant to protect the surface from sun and water damage.
8. Think Beyond the Surface
Some of the most damaging issues aren’t always visible. We recommend checking crawlspaces for moisture, inspecting dryer vents and penetrations in the walls, and using moisture meters if your area experiences high humidity.
If you’re unsure what to look for, we’re here to help.
Schedule Your Summer Log Home Inspection
Even with regular care, it’s easy to miss something. That’s why we offer comprehensive on-site inspections tailored to the unique needs of log homes. We’ll assess for UV wear, moisture exposure, insect activity, and structural concerns—then give you a custom maintenance plan.
The inspection costs $250, fully refunded if you move forward with any contracted work.
Protect Your Log Home with Confidence
Your log home is more than just a place to live—it’s an investment in comfort, craftsmanship, and heritage. A little attention during the summer goes a long way toward preserving its strength and beauty.
Ready for peace of mind? Contact us today to schedule your summer maintenance inspection.