No matter how much love and care you put into your log home, it’s inevitable that at some point it will need repairs or even replacement to keep your home safe and secure. The decision of repair vs. replace often torments log home owners. After all, you don’t want to reroof too soon if you only need smaller, inexpensive repairs, but you don’t want to wait too long either and risk an overwhelming project with big budget to boot.
To make the right decision, you need to regularly inspect the condition of your roof and know how to identify early signs of problems. Wood, especially if allowed to remain wet, is susceptible to decay. Periodic inspections of your log home’s roof is key to avoiding costly repairs or replacement in the future.
For example, if you live in a climate that gets lots of snow and ice for the winter, be sure to check for possible ice dams on the roof. These are thick ridges of solid ice that build up along the eaves. Dams can tear off gutters, loosen shingles, and cause water to back up and pour into your house.
Throughout the rest of the year, also check your roof for loose or damaged shingles, raised nails, and white, powdery stains which are a sign of moisture infiltration. If you notice shingles that are curling or seem brittle, water leaking into the attic or inside ceilings, or areas on the roof that look dark or look damp even after rains and snows have ended, you most likely need to repair or replace those areas. If you have a chimney, look for cracked mortar or flue pipes, and white or green stains that signal mold or mildew.
Depending on how long your own your log home, and the material used on your roof, you can expect to replace the roof at some point during the home’s life. Shingles typically have a lifespan of 15 to 18 years. Metal, tile and slate roofs can last much longer. No matter what issue you discover, a quick inspection by a log home professional is your best bet for deciding if a small fix or a larger replacement is needed.
It’s very important to have your log home professionally maintained to extend the life and beauty of your home – and protect your wallet. Investing in professional care and regular inspections will help defend you from excessive repairs and replacement down the road.
No matter how old your log home is, it’s never too late to take steps to protect it from further damage and extend the life of your home. A quick consult with our log home restoration experts will give you a better idea of how to maintain your log home and enjoy it for many years to come. Give us a call at 877-477-6564 and we’ll be happy to help.
