January 13th, 2010 by bbergman

Soda blasting has numerous advantages over power washing when it comes to clean log homes. For starters, soda blasting is a gentle non-chemical, non-toxic and non-abrasive process.

Using just the right pressure, soda blasting eliminates the grime, old finish, dirt and mold without harming the wood’s surface. And soda blasting actually leaves the wood feeling slightly “softer” – not the same brittle-like, harsh texture you get with corn cob blasting or other media solutions.

As the log home job wraps up, your sodablast contractor will do a quick walk-through for any areas he may have overlooked. Property owners and managers don’t have to worry about timely, expensive and difficult clean-ups.

Your contractor will probably hose down the outside of the property and wash away any dust created during the job. He will also pick up any debris, materials and plastic associated with the job.

Here are some helpful tips homeowners and property managers can use:

* Provide the sodablaster with access to water and a hose;

* Dispose the contractor’s trash (i.e., blast material packaging, plastic);

Once you work with a contractor you like, make sure you have all the necessary information to contact him again. It’s important to maintain, restore and clean your log home regularly to ensure it’s kept in the best condition.

Logs need to breathe, but if your home has too many layers of old finish on it, you can actually start to retain too much moisture – the beginning of rot.

The restoration and cleaning process will help identify hidden problems within the log home as old finishes are removed. If there are any issues during the job, our sodablast contractors will help or direct you to the sources that can repair or replace the damaged logs.

Once the sodablast contractor is finished with the job you hired him for, you will need to consider applying a non-toxic borate preservative to protect your wood home and a new coat of stain, which enhances the beauty of the logs.

January 4th, 2010 by bbergman

Once you’ve made the decision to blast your log home, hired a professional sodablast contractor to handle the project and agreed on a date to restore the wood structure, it’s time to make sure everything is set up for a successful outcome.

If the contractor plans to blast any part of the outside of the log building, it will be necessary to scope out the property for overgrown trees, shrubs or bushes that could get in the way. While it certainly makes it easier for the sodablast contractor to work – especially if he has to rent scaffolding equipment to reach high areas - it’s really about making sure you get what you pay for: a complete log home restoration.

Your sodablast contractor will likely need to store some materials on the property while he completes the job. A clear spot in the driveway area or part of a corner in the garage works well.

Be prepared for loud noises for long stretches during the day. You may also notice a little dust collect around the windows inside the log home. Taping the windows can help minimize the dust build-up.

At SodaBlast Systems, one of the most important tips we give our property owners when they hire a professional is to make sure your sodablast contractor knows how to reach you in case he needs to clarify a point or runs into an issue that requires your attention.

After all, the last thing you want to do is come back and find out the contractor went over the budget by $1,000 or stalled for half a day because of an open window.

Coming up next: Discover some quick clean-up tips and learn what your sodablast professional is going to do next.