Chinking & Caulking
Caulk or Chink for Your Log Home: Which is Right for You?
Choosing the right material to seal your log home is crucial for longevity and comfort. The general guideline is that if the gap between the log courses is around ¾ of an inch or less, use caulk. For gaps larger than ¾ of an inch, chink is a better choice.
Understanding Caulk and Chink
Both caulk and chink are designed to withstand the movement of a log home. For larger openings, using a Grip Strip backer rod helps to create a flat surface, which lets the chink stretch easily, much like a rubber band. A properly chinked or caulked log home will significantly improve energy efficiency, making it easier to cool and heat. Any gaps around doors, windows, between log courses, and in corners can affect the comfort of your home. Failing or improperly installed caulk and chink are some of the main causes of log rot.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Do not fill the cracks, called “checks” in the logs. What happens is the logs are always expanding and contracting from heat and cold and will pull away from the caulk making a hairline opening between the wood and caulk. The water can seep down in behind the caulk, but now that you have filled the majority of the opening, it cannot dry out and will cause log rot. It is better to leave them open and apply a little Shell Guard borate concentrate into the larger ones.
The exception is if the “check” is running into a corner, door or window jamb and allowing wind, water or bugs to get inside, then you must fill them. Just be sure to inspect them 2-3 times per year for failure and repair.
If you must fill a check use a latex caulk made for log homes like Perma Chink’s “Energy Seal” or Sashco’s “Conceal”. NEVER use silicone! It does not get a chemical bond with wood fiber and can leave a residue that can cause bonding issues in the future with stain and other caulks. Also, never use chinking. It is not made for a small line application like this.
Preventative Maintenance
Maintaining Log Integrity
To maintain the integrity of your logs, we suggest using a small bead of Shell Guard on these checks annually, approximately every 2-3 years.
This treatment allows the checks to breathe naturally while preventing log rot. Ensure your home remains comfortable, energy-efficient, and well-protected against the elements.
Products We Use & Recommend
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