The beauty and longevity of log homes are key elements of their owners’ enjoyment, so it’s no wonder preserving the aesthetics and durability of the home is a top priority. So, with weather and the elements always weighing in, homeowners turn to ZAR® Platinum PRO Translucent Urethane Finish from United Gilsonite Laboratories (UGL®) to provide the protection and vibrant exterior finish that brings years of pleasure and peace of mind.
Weather conditions vary, from heat and sun in the summer, to snow and ice in winter, to heavy rains in spring, to winds and wetness in autumn. But depending on your home’s location, certain conditions may be magnified and pose more of a threat than others. Regardless, ZAR® Platinum PRO is made to stand up to the elements, wherever you call home.
“Rainwater, snow, and the sun can have an adverse effect on log homes,” remarked UGL® Vice President of Marketing Michele Neary. “Moisture will be the primary threat. Many other problems will arise with moisture, such as insects, mold and mildew, and deterioration. For all these reasons, it is essential to have the proper coating to preserve the wood’s integrity. ZAR® Platinum PRO Translucent Urethane Finish is a unique co-polymer blend formulated with aliphatic polyurethane and acrylic.
“ZAR® Platinum Pro is designed to deliver high-performance protection and outstanding color retention in exterior applications,” she continued. “Its excellent resistance to corrosion and weathering makes it an optimal choice for many pre-primed and unprimed wood and non-porous surfaces, tying all elements of the build together seamlessly.”
Regardless of a log home’s location, the daily exposure to moisture, sunlight, wind, and rain requires the attention of the homeowner, along with extremes in temperature, potential insect infestation, mold and mildew. And ZAR® Platinum PRO takes the guesswork out of prevention. ZAR® Platinum PRO reduces the risk of deterioration and shields the structure against damage caused by weather extremes – in the East, West, North or South!
“Variations in temperature can cause wood to expand and contract,” explained UGL® Product Specialist Jeff Brooks. “Any exterior coating needs the ability to flex as the wood expands and contracts due to temperature changes. A coating’s durability on the exterior of a log home comes with its ability to expand and contract.”
Jeff added, “ZAR® Platinum’s UV package coupled with all inorganic pigments protects against color deterioration and overall breakdown of the finish due to sunlight and heat. Substrates are protected from rain and snow by the finish when adequate material is applied properly.”
Considering the climate, location and log species utilized in both the interior and exterior of a home, the choice for durable, long-lasting protection of the owner’s investment is easy. ZAR® Platinum PRO makes all the difference, guarding against the inevitable onslaught of the elements – and unwelcome guests.
“Insect infestation is a possible result of weather, moisture, and other factors,” related Michele. “Using ZAR® Platinum PRO to protect and defend against these hazards makes a huge difference in long-term maintenance and upkeep. A proper maintenance routine will help mitigate these issues as well. Log homes are alive, shrinking and settling over time once your home is built. This can lead to logs developing cracks and splits, which can be access points for moisture, mold, and insects. Therefore, it is crucial for log homeowners to inspect their logs and ensure that any cracks and splits are taken care of by caulking and sealing.”
Introducing ZAR® Platinum PRO from the start gives the homeowner the edge against inevitable interior and exterior wear and tear that occurs every day. ZAR® Platinum PRO offers a one-coat system for pre-primed wood and pre-primed non-porous vertical surfaces. ZAR® Platinum PRO dries in 15 minutes, with no transfer, to speed production and reduce labor costs. It contains transmetal oxide pigments for a rich finish in a variety of colors, and its non-fading, extremely durable, hard finish is complemented with excellent adhesion.
“Preventive maintenance saves time and money,” Michele observed. “So, inspecting your home each spring and fall is a good practice. This involves walking around your house and paying close attention to the stain’s appearance. Take these tools with you when you do your maintenance checks: a rough sketch of the home – write notes next to each wall detailing any needed maintenance; a camera – take pictures of areas that need maintenance; and blue painters’ tape – mark areas that need care to find them easily later on.”
And always rely on ZAR® Platinum PRO, your trusted partner in maintaining the integrity of finish, beauty, and longevity of your log home – no matter where you choose to build the home of your dreams.
