cjansa 14 Report post Posted September 19, 2005 My parents have a very large, steep (20 step) log staircase off the front of thier log home. It is 8 years old and has never had ANYTHING done to it (shame on them huh!) The treads are half logs and the flat surfaces were solid black before I started pressure washing them this afternoon using a 6 hp 2.2 gpm p/w. I wish I had found this site before I started. I didn't use any cleaners at all, I just went to town with the washer for 4 hours. I assume the black slimey stuff is mildew yes? It came off surprisingly well but there is a lot more to do and I am hoping for some advice on how to proceed. The house is North facing and spends most of it time in the shade. There was green moss in several spots that cleaned off very easily. There are black drip stains that run down each tread around the rounded side of the logs. I had to get very close to the wood to get the stains off and It left marks where I took the wood down too far. I'm hoping that sanding will remove them as well as the furry appearance. This staircase is 20 ft from the ground at the top step with 14" dia posts, and 8" rails. All have this nasty black grime on the top surface. The work I did today made a marked improvement but I have a lot more to do and I want to do it right. I will be heading back to the house this weekend and need your collective expertise to help me with a shopping list, surface prep guidlines, and pressure washing tips and techniques. (sheesh I don't want much huh?) I have much more to ask you folks but I think we should eat this elephant one bite at a time. This house is huge (6,000 sf - 4 stories tall) in a very remote location in Wyoming accessable only by snow machine in the winter. We have tried to find professional help but no one can do it right away and we will be closing the house at the end of October. The staircase is covered in snow all winter so it is very important that we get it cleaned and protected before the snow flies. Whew, that was a mouthful! Sorry to ramble but I'm desperate to find some help. My parents spent my inhieritance on this log beast and I have to protect my investment. LOL I look forward to your replies and will try and post some photos later today. Cindy Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Beth n Rod 1,279 Report post Posted September 19, 2005 Can't wait to see the pics! Beth Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Celeste 341 Report post Posted September 19, 2005 WOW - anyone up for a road trip :) Celeste Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cjansa 14 Report post Posted September 19, 2005 Well I ran away from that job so fast last night I forgot my camera up there! Here is a pic from better days when the staircase was in its prime. Sorry its so far away but I have to back all the way down the driveway to get the whole house in the frame. I will have all the pics I took this weekend on Sunday when I get home.Cindy Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Celeste 341 Report post Posted September 19, 2005 That is a beautiful "beast" - no wonder you want to take care of it! Sure wish it wasn't so far away from us! Celeste Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cjansa 14 Report post Posted September 19, 2005 When my Dad designed it he failed to mention how much maintenance it would require and that we would need 4 levels of scaffolding just to wash the darn windows! I just pray we never have to do anything on the roof. YIKES! Cindy Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Beth n Rod 1,279 Report post Posted September 19, 2005 Cindy, It's a breathtaking home. I can certainly understand your desire to maintain it correctly. Can't wait to see other photos. Beth Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cjansa 14 Report post Posted September 19, 2005 I'd like to run something by you guys and see what you think. I have to get this staircase done fast before the weather turns and I thought I might do the following: Use a 1:3 mixture of household bleach and work from the bottom up 5 steps + railings at a time. Allow to sit for 15 min or so, scrub then rinse with p/w. If we get lucky and have good weather for 2 more weekends I can spot sand when dry and finish with the SuperDeck Log Home Finish we have on hand. The whole house was done with that product 8 years ago and has held up remarkably well except for the areas that get constant runoff from the roof namely this pesky staircase and the other two decks off the side and back. Am I on the right track with this plan? Or is there some better way to remove the mildew and brighten the greying with a product I can find redily at a homecenter? Or should I just leave it alone until next year when we have the time to do it right? Sorry to be a bother but I sure would like to get this done. Cindy Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MeiersEnterprises 14 Report post Posted September 19, 2005 That's one of the most beautiful log homes I've ever seen. Outstanding! I want one. I'm not a wood expert but there are a lot on this board that can help you. You should do a search of the posts and you'll find more information than you'll have time to read. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cjansa 14 Report post Posted September 19, 2005 Thank you very much David. Inspite of all the work it requires there is no where else on earth I would rather be. I have been searching the posts and you are right, there are some very knowledgeable folks here. And the site itself is much more user friendly than many forums I belong to. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Beth n Rod 1,279 Report post Posted September 20, 2005 Thanks Cindy. We hope you'll find the forums helpful. The client services area of the forums is relatively new. We thought it migh be nice to have an area where consumers could ask questions and get professional answers. This forum began as a contractor's forum and has evolved from there. There are some excellent wood care folks who check in frequently. Beth Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cjansa 14 Report post Posted September 20, 2005 Beth you wern't kidding about some excellent wood care folks hanging out here. I want to give a shout out to Mr Jon Fife from Heartland Log Home services. Not only has he been a wealth of information regarding the staircase, but he is actually going to open a facility just 40 miles from the house!! We will certainly be recommending him to the more than 100 log home owners on the ranch!! Did I really just say "give a shout out" ?? I've been hanging out with my teenager too much! lol Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Beth n Rod 1,279 Report post Posted September 20, 2005 Very cool stuff. Jon is a great guy. You're in good hands there. ;) Beth p.s. I still want to see more photos... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cjansa 14 Report post Posted September 20, 2005 More photo's will be on the way this weekend. I will be bringing my laptop with me so I can send them from the house. With only having dial up for a connection it may take all night but I'll do my best! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
