Deck handrails present a real challenge to film forming finishes, especially if they are new. Here’s why. Round log handrails are typically fabricated using green wood. Once in place and begin to dry, handrails shrink, crack, and develop fissures to relieve the stress due to shrinkage. There is no way to prevent this from occurring. If a finish is applied before these fissures open up, and once they do open, they provide a path for water to soak into the rail behind the finish. When the sun comes out and the rail heats up, the water turns into water vapor which may exert enough pressure to actually push the finish right off the wood. In winter months, the water in the wood will freeze and expand and that, too, can pop the finish off the surface.

For the past 30-plus years, the most accepted and effective method for preventing infestations of wood destroying insects and decay fungi in log homes has been by impregnating the wood with a solution containing the element boron. Boron salts are referred to as borates, and the most commonly used borate utilized for this purpose is disodium octaborate tetrahydrate (DOT), the active ingredient found in Armor-Guard™, Shell-Guard® and Shell-Guard RTU.

Introducing Advanced Formula - BLISTER-PROOF and NO-SLUMP!

Through a molecular technology breakthrough, Perma-Chink Systems created a blister-proof, no-slump log home chinking that provides superior adhesion and elongation, is heat- and age-resistant, and yet is highly workable for ease of application.

Perma-Chink was the first synthetic log chinking produced in 1981. There have been many significant changes made in formulations to improve the adhesion, flexibility, and longevity of the log home sealant.

We are proud to announce our new supply of the widest range of dispensing tools in the industry from Albion Engineering Company. Albion is a high quality alternative to the tools typically found in hardware stores and do-it-yourself outlets. Professional tools, built to last.

1. The Albion Bulk Loading Caulking Gun is our most popular tool for applying Perma-Chink or Energy Seal. It is built to meet the demands of serious professionals, utilizing rugged, heavy-duty all steel drives and lightweight aluminum barrels to reliably dispense a wide range of materials.

New Color Trends

Staining your log or timber home is a humble art and is a critical part of the sense of style and feeling of what the structure creates. Whereas paint simply transforms the color of a surface, leaving no trace of its previous character, stain is typically used to enhance the beautiful grain of wood and generate that back to earth feeling that heavy wood timbers accentuate. Semi-transparent stains from Perma-Chink Systems are designed to let the beauty of the wood shine through and provide increased protection from interior and exterior elements. But what about the colors?

One of the greatest mistakes you can make when applying a new finish to your home is to use inexpensive paint or stain brushes. You will be putting a lot of time, money, and effort into your project and saving a few dollars by using cheap brushes can compromise the beauty and performance of your new finish!

By Seth Murphy
papadiy.com

Home improvements can be expensive, but they can greatly increase your home’s value. When it comes time to decide which improvements to make, there are a few things to consider. Here are some tips on how to improve your home to increase its resale value.

There are literally hundreds of wood boring beetle species that infest live trees, but only a few that commonly create problems in log homes. Occasionally a beetle larva that was in a tree when it was harvested will later emerge as an adult out of a log in a home but since these beetles can't reinfest dead wood, these types of infestations end within a few years. It's the beetles that specialize in consuming seasoned wood that present problems in log homes.

Epoxy Wood Paste

E-Wood paste epoxy works excellent on window trims, small checks on log ends and other places where putty may be difficult to apply. As with any other epoxy, both the consolidator and wood filler consist of two parts, the resin (part A) and the hardener (part B). Mixing the two parts according to the manufacturer’s instructions starts a chemical reaction that causes the epoxy to harden.

Combine equal parts of E-Wood Paste by volume (A&B) and mix together by kneading or with a spatula until the color is uniform while wearing disposable gloves, mix no more than can be applied in 15 minutes.

Allow product to cure before sanding and staining.

E-Wood Paste is great for non-structural applications such as window frames and sills, doors and decorative wooden trim.

Comes with easy to mix applicator tube and nozzles.