Having the opportunity to relax and live in a mountain cabin surrounded by gorgeous scenery is truly a unique privilege. However, owning a special retreat in the mountains also involves work if you want to keep it in tip-top shape.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some great ways to keep your cabin in excellent condition. Keep in mind that while you can do some of the projects here by yourself, it’s best to contact a professional in case you need to work on potentially risky sections on your property.
Check your cabin’s roof regularly
No matter what type of material your roof is made of, make sure it’s in good shape, especially in sections surrounding a chimney or parts where rooflines intersect. These are areas which can collect a lot of moisture and debris.
Use water to check surfaces
Using a garden hose or any container, apply a little bit of water to exterior surfaces made out of wood such as cedar siding, log walls, or wooden decks.
Observe how the water reacts. If it forms into beaded particles, then your preservative is doing its job correctly. Dark, wet patches are indications that the wood is absorbing the water, which means it may be time to apply a new coat of preservative.
For log cabins, make sure you perform this test on the log ends, as these areas can be more susceptible to water absorption compared to horizontal surfaces.
Look for signs of mold and mildew
A mountain cabin’s exteriors are often exposed to moisture. Look for signs of mold or mildew buildup (which often looks like a thin black or green film-like substance) within your home. There’s a high chance that paint or preservatives used on your surfaces already contain mildewcide, but regular inspections are still needed to ensure they’re effective.
Apply UV combatants to exterior surfaces
You will also have to protect your cabin’s exterior against sun damage. Over time, harsh UV rays can degrade wood surfaces, causing it to break down. Consider using pigmented stains or UV combatant-treated products to protect wooden exteriors from the sun.
Cover gutters and downspouts
Use a mesh cover above your gutters and downspouts to act as a filter for leaves and debris. This will prevent the chances of moisture buildup, which can leak into your cabin’s interiors. In case you need to replace your gutters, try to look for ones with a leaf-blocking feature.
Check the soil within your property
Walk around your cabin and take a close look at the soil surrounding its foundation. Check to see if the soil is sloping down slightly from the cabin, which allows it to drain water away from your foundation. Over time, the soil around a cabin can collect and compact, which causes a negative slope. This can be corrected by applying a few yards of fresh topsoil.
Searching for the best mountain properties in Angelus Oaks, Forest Falls, Mountain Home Village, or other nearby communities in the Southern Sierra Mountains? Get in touch with Franklin Sexton at 909.553.5483 or Ron Ritter at 909.534.6279. You can also send an email to BestMountainProperties1(at)gmail(dotted)com or leave us a message here.