Peterborough is an ideal area for log homes because of features like; As you may already know, lakes, forests, beautiful scenery and numerous recreational activities are great attractors to log homes. However, the region around this area receives a lot of humidity which poses challenge when it comes to treatment and protection of log homes. High humidity results in plenty of problems such as swelling of wood, formation of molds and other moisture related issues playing around the house. These problems and many other related ones can be solved, and the longevity of the log home can be preserved with professional log home staining in Peterborough.
Staining is not only for the purpose of beautifying the exterior of your log home but it is also gives it the protection it needs from moisture, UV light, and other elements. Here below is the best staining practices for your log homes in Peterborough in relation to humidity;
- Choose the Right Type of Stain
The specific climate of the place is the key factor in determining if the wood to be stained is to be closed porous or allow it to breathe, thus, Peterborough’s humidity demands an effective moisture barrier provided by a stain. There are several types of stains available, and understanding their differences can help you make the right choice for your home:
Oil-Based Stains: These stains are perfect for use in humid conditions since they give the wooden surfaces a deep conditioning thereby making them damp proof. Oil-based stains are also great for curing problems of cracking and peeling too.
Water-Based Stains: Although water-based stain will provide good protection it will lay down as a thicker skin like the water based varnish and will breathe less than if the oil based product has been used. That’s the reason why Peterborough’s humid setting requires the application of a water-based stain which has been created for exterior use so as to not entrap water within the log.
Hybrid Stains: Certain restorers embrace both oil as well as water solution in the making of the stains, thus coming up with a completely blended variety capable of satisfying the desires of their consumers as fully as possible; they enable the wood to maintain its natural appearance, but at the same time provide it with the moisture-proof system it requires. It is essential to provide these stains for the changes in humidity in Peterborough.
- Surface of the Wood Correctly
The most important caveat that one should bear in mind about staining is the preparation part. One has to get a surface of the logs ready for a stain before applying it because sometimes the logs may … Follow these steps for optimal results:
Clean the Logs: The project should begin with the washing of the logs to eliminate dirt, chalking or other debris as well as previous coats of finishes that may have already loosened and are therefore flaking off. Log home cleaner should be used and make sure that the surface is very dry before staining.
Sand the Surface: Petroleum based stains tend to raise the grain while the sanding brings the grain back low enabling a better penetration of the stain. Sanding also helps to even out some of the rough grains or splinters so that, it is a better look.
Test the Stain: One must ensure that the wood absorbs the stain well, therefore before proceeding to cover the whole body of the log one should first try it on the least visible part of the log. This also guards you with a color and finish that you would be comfortable with hence the second point that is satisfying the client’s taste and preference.
- Stain should be applied at the right conditions
The climatic patterns and weather systems that occur in Peterborough will hugely determine how the stain will set up. For best results, apply the stain during the following conditions:
Mild Temperature: It is recommended that the material be stained at a temperature of 10°C to 29°C (50°F to 85°F). Staining should not be done during summer or winter as the stain will not be stickable to the wood.
Dry Weather: Avoid staining a day that had rained or a day that will rain that evening or the following day since the surfaces must be dry for at least 24 hours after staining. It also allows the stain to dry or set into the wood properly so that it becomes resistant to any sort of wash or water based product.
Humidity Levels: It is still humid in Peterborough, so attempt to stain when the levels are not so high. Too much humidity in the room a stain in particular can make it difficult for it to dry correctly, which gives a blotchy appearance.
- Apply Multiple Coats for Maximum Protection
It will often therefore require the use of several layers of stain especially in a region that has a high humidity level. The first should be followed by the second after allowing the first to dry: After applying the first and second coats: In its cumulative effect, this kind of construction increases the protection of the wood against moisture, UV radiation and any other unfavorable factors which may affect the wear out of the material.
- Maintain and Reseal Regularly
Maintenance of a stain is crucial for the longevity and the quality of your log house. For the people in Peterborough, you are advised to check your log home every 2-3 years for any signs of damages and also touch up the stain as when due. Cleaning and resealing the logs are recommended to be done frequently so that it does not soak water on the logs and the colors and painting would look as new as before.
Conclusion
Fining a right stain for a log home is a daunting task as Peterborough is semi humid region for staining, they need to consider the type of material, time of the year and how frequently it will be stained. Thus, choosing the proper type of a stain, backing up the surface properly and applying it at the right climatic conditions you can preserve your log home from moisture and simultaneously make it shine. The exteriors of a log home should be continually maintained and re-stained properly so that you can have this added value for many years to come.