If you lived in a remote region, the winter brings with it many dangers, and aside from sufficient timber to keep your fire going until the spring, you may need some bear spray and reliable radio communication, just in case. On the other hand, if your log cabin is in your garden, then you can forget the bear spray at least. Having said that, there are things to do before the freezing weather arrives, and with that in mind, here is a list of tasks that you should have completed before the temperature drops below freezing.
1. Timber Treatment – This is something that should be done every two years, and with stain and varnish, your log cabin will be replenished and ready to take on the harsh climate. Try to select a dry day to do this, as the varnish needs at least 24 hours to dry, and if you have the time and inclination, 2 or 3 coats will boost the protective qualities. There is an article online about the importance of treating timber, which highlights the many reasons why this needs to be done.
2. Insulate your Cabin – If you have recently purchased your log cabin in the UK, it would likely have double glazed windows, which is necessary, as the glazed surfaces are a major cause of heat loss. The roof can also be insulated with fibre glass, as the roof is the other major cause of heat loss. If you are thinking of adding a log cabin to your home, there are top quality log cabins for sale in the UK from an established supplier, and with so many designs to choose from, you are sure to find something just right.
3. Clean Roofing and Guttering – It is likely the guttering will be clogged with leaves and small branches, which should be removed before the winter arrives. This is a good opportunity to give the roof a thorough visual inspection, and carry out any repairs that are necessary.
4. Service the Heating System – If you are using an open fire, you need to ensure you have an ample supply of logs nearby, and if you do not have a supply, there are local providers who can deliver a load that are already split, which saves you the backbreaking task of doing that. If you do have a chimney, make sure it is clean before the cold weather arrives, as this is the best time to prepare the flue for many days of use.
5. Carry out a Big Clean – Open all the windows and doors and starting at the ceiling, dust everything down. Wait periodically to allow the dust to settle and clean everything thoroughly, in preparation for a few months of heavy use. Items that can be easily moved should be taken out while this is being done, and replace everything when finished.
The winter is a time when your log cabin undergoes heavy use, and in order to perform well, it needs to be prepared. If you do all of the above before the first signs of frost, you will be well-prepared for the cold months.
