Maintenance & Restoration

 

Wood Treatments for Log Homes
Sapstain Control is used to protect peeled logs from mold and stain causing fungi. Mold, mildew, and sapstain increase the wood's ability to hold water, thus increasing chances of decay.
 
Tips for Applying Sapstain Control
1. Logs should be decked at least two feet above ground level.
2. Keep the area under the logs free of grass, weeds, or anything that would prevent air circulation.
3. Leave space between logs to allow air circulation.
4. Apply the sapstain control late in the day so there is less chance of evaporation before it has penetrated the log surface.
Note Log Keeper, SeasonRite, Timber-Tec, and TM-5 are compatible with the preservative, PeneTreat. However, PeneTreat should be applied FIRST. If applying at the same time, the preferred method is to apply after washdown, before the finish coat to maximize the amount of material in the wood.
Why Use Sapstain Control?
As house logs or timbers are peeled or sawn, their surfaces are susceptible to sapstain fungi. Fungi are tiny, threadlike organisms, which utilize wood, or carbohydrates stored in wood cells, for food. Besides food, fungi require the presence of air (oxygen), water and warm temperatures to survive and grow. These fungi, as they move through the wood, can leave behind a colored stain of blue, black, red or brown. It is most commonly known as Blue Stain.
This computer enhanced cross section outlines the sapstain inside the wood. A sapstain control product was used to stop the sapstain from reaching the outer surface.
 
These are Permanent discolorations and can be either an asset or a detriment, depending on expectations. These stains do not affect the wood's strength, but it is nature’s first step at preparing wood for future rot. This sapstain occurs in the wood while mildew (black) or mold (white) grows on the surface of logs or timbers and aids in the absorption of water into the wood.
 
To help prevent these fungi from entering wood, spray the wood within 24 hours with Log Keeper, TM-5, or another sapstain control.
Do not spray prior to rain, for the spray will be washed off or diluted.
One last note is that species like Balsam Fir, Spruce and Cedar are not as susceptible to sapstain as are the pines. Aspen and high moisture woods may need higher concentrations of sapstain control and more frequent applications.
  Sansin Timber-Tec
A Sapstain control that is a concentrated, penetrating wood protection system, offering an effective guard against weathering, providing active UV protection, while offering lasting decay resistance. Suggested for use on logs, timbers, and wood joinery products, that are subject to wood destroying fungi, sapstain and mildew. Sansin Timber-Tec is intended as a priming application for logs 24-48 hours after being drawknifed and should be applied to clean logs that are not in ground contact. Sansin Timber-Tec can not be applied over previously finished or stained wood. Timber-Tec is available in 2 transparent formulas M-30, a light colored concentrate, retaining the natural light color of fresh pine, etc. and C-20, a clear concentrate. Timber-Tec contains solids that penetrate well, creating dimensional stability and water repellency. Timber-Tec provides active U.V. protection “keeping” wood pure during the construction phase, while offering lasting decay resistance.
Coverage Mix 1 to 1 with water. Because of the variation in porosity of wood substrates, coverage will range from 100-200 sq.ft. per gallon. Note Must power wash before applying finish.

C-20 Clear 5-gal. (Makes 10-gal.) $199.60
M-30 Lightly Colored 5-gal. (Makes 10-gal.) $199.60
Log Keeper By Sashco. A Sapstain control that must be mixed with clean water before use. 9 parts water to 1 part Log Keeper to make five gallons. Log Keeper keeps your logs looking new from the day they were cut to the day you decide to coat them. Log Keeper helps stop the aging process - including the excessive checking associated with rapid moisture loss (after logs have been cut). Helps reduce the unwanted discoloration and damage done by fungi and harmful UV rays. Easy to mix and apply. Small size is convenient and easy to handle. Dries fast for quick handling; dependent on temperature and humidity. Water-based with little noxious odor and relatively low toxicity to people and animals. Nonflammable. Provides excellent protection for logs in transport.
Note Must power wash before applying finish.
Coverage 200-300 sq. ft. gal.
2-qt. Container - Makes 5-gallons $99.76
TM-5 First Treat A Sapstain control concentrate that can be diluted with 2 parts water, or 1 to 1 for high moisture woods such as Norway Pine or Aspen. TM-5 First Treat is designed for dipping, though spraying works just as well. If you choose to dilute at 2 to 1, it may require monitoring logs for additional coatings if needed. Apply by either spray or dipping.
Coverage 200-300 sq. ft. gal., depending on dryness and porosity of wood.
1-gal. Clear (Makes 2-3 gal.) $40.95
5-gal. Clear (Makes 10-15 gal.) $199.75
5-gal. Honey (Makes 10-15 gal.) $199.75 Lightly pigmented version to hold logs longer. Note Sanding areas after coating will leave light areas.

For these products and more go to Schroeder Log Home Supply, Inc. .

 
Prices subject to change without prior notice.
Non-Sapstain Wood Treatments
SeasonRite Designed to protect log surfaces against outdoor elements during the critical “seasoning” or drying stages of a newly constructed log building. When a typical log home stain is used during this seasoning period, the rapid release of moisture within the logs can have a detrimental effect on the coating. SeasonRite is a transitional coating that will serve to bridge the 2-3 year time span that it takes for a typical log building to reach a stable moisture content. During that time, it will provide a superior balanced amount of protection against outdoor moisture and sun damage while better withstanding the log’s natural release of interior moisture. SeasonRite utilizes a new resin technology in addition to special water repellents, high performance micro-fine pigments, potent sun screening additives and sodium borate. It's easier to apply because, unlike standard water-thin coatings, it has a fuller body that allows for a more thorough and neater application. Its neutral appearance will not interfere with subsequent coats of other stain colors.
A preservative that is highly toxic to wood-destroying insects and fungi as well as preventing infestation when properly applied; yet the treated wood is nontoxic to humans or animals. Mix PeneTreat at the rate of 1 lb. (1 loosely packed quart) to 1 gallon of warm water. Wood must be clean and bare; free of dirt, wax, and surface finishes, and above 40° F. (surface temperature). Apply PeneTreat at the rate of 1 mixed gallon per 150 sq. ft. of wood surface. Apply a second coat 4 to 24 hours later. Thoroughly soak cut ends. Coat the logs with a water-repelling finish after applying.

Tip One 6-gallon pail makes 27 gallons of mixed product, or enough to cover 1950 sq. ft. This is enough to coat the exterior of a house about 30 ft. x 50 ft. with 9 ft. sidewalls. It is calculated for 2 coats. Also, mixing with warm water helps the salts dissolve faster.
6-gal. Pail (25 lbs.) makes 27 gal. mixed. $171.23
3 gal. pail (14 lbs.) makes 15 gal. mixed. $104.47
data:tec (Requires Acrobat Reader)
Impel Rods Are concentrated borate rods that can be placed in rot and insect prone areas such as sill logs, log ends, lower notches, and lateral joints, to ensure penetrating rot resistance during the construction phase of a log home. The use of Impel Rods is also an effective treatment in log restoration work. Log home restoration contractors are finding log rot in homes as little as 5-6 years old due to design flaws and water damage. Impel Rods are a time proven preventative maintenance wood treatment that, once in place, protect logs for the life of the home and greatly minimizes costly log repair or replacement later on. Read more....
 
Untreated Bare Wood Treated with SeasonRite
Weathered for 6 months
Coverage Approximately 250-300 sq. ft./gal. It's also freeze/thaw stable over 5 cycles; however, as a common sense practice, it should not be subjected to temperature extremes and should be kept stored between 50°- 80°F (10°C - 27°C).
Clean-up Soap and water.
1 gal. pail $40.30
5 gal. pail $197.10
 

For these products and more go to  Schroeder Log Home Supply, Inc.

 
 
Log and Timber End Coating

Prices subject to change without prior notice.
A water-based end coating that slows checking and splitting during seasoning periods by preventing rapid and uneven loss of moisture.
Application Brush, swab or low pressure spray. For best results, end surfaces must be thoroughly covered by the coating. Do not apply to wood during or just before a rain or where water will wash the wet coating. Allow to dry before exposure to water.
Coverage Approximately 100 sq. ft. per gal. If sprayed, over-atomization should be avoided as this might lead to evaporation, causing the solids to be deposited in dry form.
5-gal. Pail $63.00
 		  

 
 

 

Thanks to Schroeder Log Home Supply, Inc. for the information that has been provided on our site.

Please visit their webpage for more information and products.

 

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