This brand new log home was made and assembled by Frontier Log Homes out of Northern Wisconsin. We finished both the interior and exterior of this log home. The log species used in this log home was Engelmann Spruce. Engelmann Spruce have very high thermal values allowing for better insulation. This species of log also has lower maintenance requirements than many other species of logs. The average diameter of these logs range from 18" up to 28".
Interior Log Home Finishing
On the interior of this log home we used Sikkens Interior Clear with a mold and midewcide additive on the logs, perlins, and rafters. We applied this finish after we ozzied (sanded) all of the bare wood and cleaned up the dust. This finish allows for maximum grain visibility while providing a scratch and chemical safe finish that is alcohol safe. On the log staircase we used the same finish as the logs except for the top of the stair treads we used a Minwax Polyurethane which has even greater hardness and wear resistance.
Exterior Log Home Finishing
On the exterior of the log home we completely ozzied (sanded) the UV damage, any construction marks, and any mold or mildew that were present on the logs and wood trim. After we ozzied (sanded) the exterior of this log home we cleaned the entire exterior using Log Wash which is a ph friendly formula that helps to prevent any wood fiber damage or iron tannate stains. Once the logs were allowed to dry for a few days we applied a glycol based borate preservative treatment to the logs. We like to use Shell-Guard RTU because it is already mixed and you can simply dump any leftovers back in the container for future use. After letting the log home dry for a few days we then applied the first coat of finish. The homeowners chose Sashco Capture - Sequoia as the finish for the logs. The cedar shake on the gables were stained with Bejamin Moore Arborcoat and the fascia and soffit were done with Perma-Chink Ultra Lifeline II - Autumn Gold. We then applied a log caulking in between all of the log joints and anywhere that the logs go into the interior in order to provide maximum energy efficiency and performance of the log home. It is crucial to ensure at least a 1/4" - 3/8" wall thickness of caulking or chinking and make sure that a backer rod is applied behind the caulking or chinking as this provides insulation and acts as a bond breaker to allow the sealant to perform as the manufacturer intended.
The caulking we used on this log home was Sashco Conceal - Santa Fe Trail. This color matches the finish perfect and allows for the caulking to simply disappear into the logs.
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Please enjoy the slideshow of the work completed by Intensified Wood Restoration!