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Winter is coming, the temperature is dropping, and snow is already beginning to fall on some of the most imposing peaks in the world. If you look towards the Rocky Mountains, you can see the bright beginnings of frost on the rapidly dying trees.
For those who own a log cabin, it’s time to start preparing for the weather ahead. While all homes need to be winterized, log cabins are particularly affected by snow and cold. Here’s what you need to know to prepare.
Increasing energy efficiency is all about proper insulation
The first thing you should prepare for is the cold. Log cabins are cozy, but they have to be properly insulated from the start. Otherwise, they will leak air between the gaps in the logs and let in cold air from outside. Your energy bill will skyrocket to compensate.
The insulation should be redone approximately every 3 to 5 years. The average cost is around $1,300 for the entire booth, though it can be higher or lower depending on the insulation process you select and whether you use a company or do it yourself. While it may seem expensive, keep in mind that additional energy costs and damage due to leaky walls can end up costing you twice as much, or more, in the long run.
Regular Staining Could Save Your Home
Your house needs maintenance every two years, or you could damage the exterior of your house. If it’s been a while, or if you’ve never stained it, it’s time to do it before the weather gets too cold. The perfect temperature for staining a booth is around 60F…below 50F or above 70F may impede the process.
The average cost to stain a booth is $3.90 per square foot. So for a log cabin with about 1,500 square feet of siding, you should plan on around $5,850. If you factor in maintenance every five years, that works out to less than $1,200 per year and will be your highest maintenance cost. If necessary, you can do one section per year and rotate to make sure everything stays freshly stained.
Hiring a plumber for a checkup is better than a broken pipe
Pipes can start having problems long before you see serious symptoms. For example, you may notice a little clogging, but a plunger fixes it. In the meantime, it can be a sign of a serious problem that will lead to thousands of repairs within a few months.
A plumber will charge an hourly rate for an inspection, and they may or may not find something that needs to be fixed. In some cases, they can take a look and discover future problems that they warn you about. It’s better than the alternative, which can be much more expensive.
The same goes for an HVAC professional to view your furnace.
Take the problem above and apply it to your furnace and heating system. The last thing you want is to be in the middle of winter and have your heating run out. Then you will be forced to wait a week before someone can contact you and fix the problem. It would be a long few days in heavy sweaters and blankets, that’s for sure.
Have an HVAC specialist come and take a look to make sure everything is in order. If you can afford it and you’ve had your oven for a while, consider replacing it with a more energy efficient model.
You Will Get bugs so be prepared
Whether it’s bugs or mice, something will get in during the winter… that’s exactly what vermin do. Looking to escape the cold, their log cabin becomes a warm and inviting place to snuggle up.
Be sure to prepare and minimize the risks of infestations as much as possible. Check all canned and stored foods to make sure they are protected and nothing is leaking or open. Clean all crevices carefully and remove dust particles and dirt. Check corners and along walls for hidden holes. You may also want to quickly spray with an insecticide to care for potential nests over the winter.
A fireplace is great for warmth, but it needs some TLC
Fireplaces are a beautiful and comforting addition to any log cabin. But you have to maintain them properly, or you could be a fire and gas hazard. The last thing you want is a buildup in your duct causing a potential health risk to your family. Making sure it is cleaned properly before use and before closing it for the season is a must for homeowners.
Hire a chimney sweep to come in, clean up and make sure it works properly. Then when winter is over, ask them to clean it again and turn it off for the warmer months. You never know what might have gotten up there, including small animals, birds, and insect nests.
Clean and spread those gutters to prevent them from damaging the exterior
Your gutters are probably full of leaves and debris. Make sure you go upstairs and clean them before it gets too cold. Also consider adding an extender to the pipe, to bring drain water at least a few feet from the house. This will prevent the exterior stain from being damaged or water from getting through any hidden unsealed parts in the walls.
An extension costs around $10 and takes seconds to install yourself.
Don’t get caught off guard, Winter!