AboutLen Kroll Expertise I can provide advice on the proper design, construction, maintenance, restoration, preservation, cleaning and waterproofing of log homes. Questions concerning proper cleaning, sealing, staining and waterproofing are within my area of expertise. My expertise includes new construction and existing log structures. Chinking application or restoration, log replacement and repair are also in my area of expertise.
Question Hello,
I live in Missouri and my siding is exposed to many types of weather. We built our home 4 years ago and I have had to restain it every year. I bought the recommended product, but it starts looking bad about 6 months later. I do pressure wash it each time. Help??? Can I paint it and will it last a longer time? I don't want to have to paint every year. Is there anything I can do to avoid this?
Thanks for your help! Susan
Answer Susan,
You didn't say what product you are using so I can't address that. If you are only getting one year life from the product it isn't a very good product or it isn't being applied correctly. A good quality semi-transparent stain properly applied should last 5-8 yrs. at least. A semi-solid or solid stain should last as long or longer.
Depending on the size of the siding it is possible to paint it. If the siding is half log siding and is quite thick painting is not a good idea because of the expansion/contraction cycly the wood goes through. This cycle causes the paint to fail because paint forms a skin on the surface which will be broken by the cycle. If the siding is thinner, like 2x8 molded to look like the exterior of a log painting would be ok because the expansion and contraction is minimal.
To protect the wood from premature weathering the finish has to have UV inhibitors and water repellents in it. Also, the more pigments are in the product the better it will resist UV deterioration. The best products come from companies that specialize in making products for log home application such as Perma-Chink, Sashco, Sikkens. Benjamin Moore makes some very good solid stains also. Good luck.
