Paragould, Arkansas

In some cases and for different reasons, the homeowner wants to take part in the restoration process. Whether it's the caulking, applying the borate, or even sometimes applying the stain. Whichever it might be, always follow label instructions and by all means consult with an experienced log restoration and maintenance professional. Ironwood is eager and willing to work with an ambitious log home owner willing to work long hours doing what we do. However, they usually become spectators very quickly.

This "rustic style" log home, built in the 80's was neglected for many years. Some homeowners were told or just assumed that logs last forever (because they are so big they will never rot) and you really don't have to do anything with them. Wood of any kind, left outside long enough, with no protection, will rot. In the case of this log home, Ironwood was contracted to replace approximately 250 LF of full and half logs that were damaged due to rot. Along with removing all existing finishes and sun blistered surfaces by using the corn blasting method. Penetreat ( borate ) is always applied to the bare wood surfaces on every Ironwood job.

Brighton, Tennessee

This classic "rustic style" log home was built in the 80's by the homeowners themselves. Over the years they maintained the exterior of their home with very little knowledge and experience. Over the years, damage began to occur due to the lack of protection needed against the harsh elements.

Ironwood was called in to do an assessment of damage and treatment of the exterior. Work began to replace approximately 207 LF of damaged logs which included full log replacement as well as half logs. Corn blasting was used to remove all existing stains and finishes. All barewood surfaces were treated with Penetreat ( borate treatment) and then textured caulking ( Conceal ) was applied between all horizontal log courses, corners, butt joints, around windows and doors. Sashco's Transformation was selected as the finishing stain . Finally, Cascade ( UV protection ) was applied. The decks and porches were treated with Flood's CWF clear.

Proper application methods and techniques are critical in the longevity of an exterior log home finish along with a maintenance program conducted by your log home restoration professional. Contact us today for a free phone consultation.

Hensley, Arkansas

Painted log surfaces such as this "D style" log home, is never a good idea. Paint does not allow the wood to "breathe", therefore, trapping an exccesive amount moisture inside the log causing the log to rot from the inside out such as shown on this project. Of course, moisture and wood is always conducive to wood destroying insects such as termites which we found feasting on this home.

Ironwood was contracted to replace approximately 210 LF of rot and termite damaged logs and substructure damage. Some of it was visible and some was not. It's always a good idea to maintain a termite contract on your log home as well as having a maintenance program with an experienced log home restoration and maintenance professional. As part of this project, Ironwood removed all existing paint by corn blasting and applied Penetreat immediately after the blasting process was complete.

Heber Springs, Arkansas

Over the years, the manufacturing of log homes has expanded into many different styles such as log siding which is what is on this particular project. The previous finish began to fail causing vulnerability to the log siding itself. This could easily allow decay to set in causing rot damage. Since siding is not as thick as a full log or even half log siding, it doesn't take much decay to cause severe damage to this style of home.

The homeowners contracted Ironwood to remove the existing finishes using the corn blasting method. This is a preferred method over powerwashing because it is a dry process and less damaging to the wood fibers. Cornblasting also opens the grain which allows deep penetration of all materials such as the borate treatment and stains . The borates used in this product are not harmful to humans or animals with the exception of wood boring insects such as termites, powder post beetles, etc. and that is a good thing. On all Ironwood jobs, a final coating of a UV protection such as Cascade is used. This is necessary for providing longevity and minimizing the structural breakdown of the finish. In other words, the UV application protects the stain and the stain protects the log surface.