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Sashco and Continental Pricing will be going up August 1st
LifeTime and other non-resin wood coatings may allow pigments to migrate or wash out if exposed to standing water for long periods of time. A common example is where snow is packed against the lower logs and then slowly melts in the Spring, keeping the log surfaces soaked. To fix, simply allow the logs to dry out thoroughly, sand off the damaged coating and then apply a fresh coat.
TM-5 is an exterior wood coating that should never be diluted.
TM-5 FT (First Treat) is a concentrated sap-stain control for wood. It can be diluted with two parts water, or 1:1 for high moisture woods such as Norway Pine or Aspen. TM-5 First Treat is designed for dipping, though spraying works well. If you choose to dilute at 2:1, it may require monitoring logs for additional coatings if needed.
Minnesota Staff
Calendar:
Labor Day
Sept. 1st
Thanksgiving
Nov. 27th & 28th
Offices Closed
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Log Core is a Quarterly Newsletter Produced by Schroeder Log Home Supply, Inc. All Rights Reserved
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Blistering of Caulking or Chinking
 Blisters typically occur right after a log home has been chinked or caulked and while the material is still soft, but has a skin formed over it.
Blistering occurs when gas (usually in the form of water vapor) becomes trapped behind the caulking or chinking and then the heat of direct sunlight turns the moisture into water vapor. As the water vapor expands, it forms a blister in the caulk or chinking material.
 Possible Causes of Trapped Gas:
1. An open cell backer rod was used on the exterior side of the wall that absorbed moisture.
2. A closed cell backer rod was used and was either nailed or stapled in place, or had a crack or indentation. The crack, indentation, or puncture of the closed cell material absorbed moisture. A gas used in the manufacture of the closed cell foam can leak from the backer rod through punctures. This is called Out Gassing.
3. A crack in the log (behind the caulking or chinking) absorbed moisture or the crack could contain pitch or sap that can also expand when heated by direct sunlight.
Prevention:
Heat and water are essentially the main causes of blisters, so it is important to control the heat or sunlight exposure to the log walls while chinking. Avoid chinking in direct sunlight, especially during the hottest time of the day. Chink on the shaded, cool side of the home. If the house has little or no shade, protect the log walls with a light colored cloth or plastic tarp. Remember to allow room for ventilation.
Though rare, it is possible that excessive heat can build up inside the house and so it is important to be aware of the inside temperature of the house and to open a few windows if heat seems excessive.
You can also control the type of backer rod as well as how you handle the material. Avoid denting or puncturing closed cell backer rod. Using a blunt instrument to push the rod into the joints can help minimize puncturing. When applied correctly, backer rod should not have to be stapled in place. Choosing a variety of backer rod thicknesses to fit irregular joint sizes will eliminate the need for stapling and puncturing the backer rod altogether.
It is true that open cell backer rod will not cause outgassing and can be used in exterior walls; the open cell foam will absorb water like a sponge. Generally, open cell backer rod is only recommended for interior walls or walls that will not come in contact with heavy moisture or backsplashing. Open cell backer rod is fine to use however, if your log home is in a hot and arid climate.
It is difficult to control the pitch or sap of a log or more specifically, where it will try and exit from the log. Because of this, it is recommended that finishing the logs first will help to seal up small cracks and fissures in the logs that may contain sap. Be sure to check the compatibility of the chinking or caulking with the finish.
Treatment of Blisters on Newly Applied Chinking:
If blisters are found within the first day of chinking, you can puncture the blistered area and allow the gas to escape. Push the chinking material back to seal the punctured area. This can mar the chinked surface; if that happens, wait 2-3 days for the chinking to set up and then smooth over the punctured area with a small amount of fresh chinking.
Treatment of Blisters on Chinking that Has Set Up:
If blisters are found on chinking that has cured more thoroughly, the blistered area will need to be cut out and removed. Next, chinking should be applied to the cavity, filling it only one-fourth to one-half of the way up. If the cause of the original blister is still present, the new chinking may push out to form a shallow blister. This can be allowed to dry and then covered up completely with new chinking.
Reprinted from the Log Home Maintenance Guide.
 Woodguard is an oil-based, penetrating semi-transparent wood preservative that is also an excellent water repellent. This exterior finish is suited for log homes, rough-sawn siding, fences and wood roofs. Woodguard uses Copper 8 Quinolinolate, which is a preservative that is approved for use on food containers. Woodguard is an EPA registered wood preservative. It controls fungus, wood decay, mold, termites and powder post beetles. Woodguard also protects against cupping, curling, and warping. Application: Brush, spray, or roll on one coat to the point of refusal. 2nd coat: Apply approximately 12-18 months later. Subsequent coats should be applied according to the treatment schedule or as needed. Ask us about Penetrol for mixing with Bug Juice. Can be shipped to all 50 states.
WR-5 is a good choice for those looking for a semi-transparent finish that is comparable to what many call the “Old Forestry Mixture”. Good for high humidity areas. Also holds up well on fences, decks, railings, shakes and shingles, and outdoor furniture.
Crafting Log Homes Solar Style
  A down-to-earth guide to building solar-powered log homes has just been released by PixyJack Press. Crafting Log Homes Solar Style, by Rex and LaVonne Ewing, combines the how-to of log home building with the energy-independent options of solar and wind energy.
“There aren't a lot of books that focus on the nuts and bolts of log home construction. Fewer still that focus on the energy efficiency possibilities. Rex and LaVonne’s book tackles them both and does it well,” says Jim Cooper, author of Log Homes Made Easy.” This book should be at the top of your list for any log construction project.”
In addition to log building techniques, a renewable energy primer, and chapters on home heating and water pumping, this book profiles a dozen very different log homes that each rely on solar energy. From a getaway cabin at 10,000 feet in the southern Colorado Rockies to an expansive year-round residence in North Carolina, readers get an inside look at how others have achieved self-sufficient log home living. 255 pages. $25.00
Making Artistic Rustic Lamps
 Ron Householder. The projects featured in this book have been chosen to illustrate the techniques that he uses for rustic lamp making. These are the same techniques that he has used to create thousands of rustic furniture pieces. This book will help you gain confidence in yourself in that you will be able to apply these techniques to create your own rustic lamps. Featuring examples of Twisted Western Juniper, Mountain Mahogany, Lodgepole Pine Burl, and Aspen. 86 pages filled with 62 illustrated diagrams, 191 photo reference examples including a before and after lamp photo gallery, and detailed step-by-step instructions for the beginner to the advanced. $25.00
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