The chinking and caulking in log homes should not be overlooked. Routine maintenance of your log home includes keeping an eye on sealing up the gaps between the logs. The design of some log buildings requires chinking or caulking, but for others, it becomes necessary for various reasons.
Basically, what we are doing when we chink or caulk is filling the gaps between the logs or between logs and windows, doors, foundations, roof lines, and other areas where we want to prevent air and water from making their way into the log building or cabin.
While prevention of rot is always our primary concern, energy savings can be another big reason why people chink their log buildings. We have had customers tell us they were able to take advantage of tax credits related to energy savings based on chinking their homes.
Chinking and caulking both rely on latex polymers for adhesion. The basic difference between caulk and chink is that chinking has fine sand particles added to it. This sand makes the appearance of the chinking dull or “flat,” and in the same way that aggregate adds strength to a concrete slab, the sand adds strength to the chinking material.
Modern chinking material adheres much better than traditional caulking. Chinking can be used on lines ranging from 1/2″ to more than 6″ wide. If the lines we want to seal are less than 1/2” in width, we usually recommend traditional caulking or a product called Energy Seal. Perma-Chink is our preferred brand of chinking.
Sometimes it is necessary to install foam backer rod behind the line of chinking. The foam rod insulates the line of chink and breaks the bond in the center of the line, allowing more flexibility in the chinking material when the logs naturally expand and contract.
An often-overlooked area, as far as chinking goes, is the transition between the windows and the back side of the trim around windows or doors. If left unsealed, these cavities become entry points for water and air into the home.
The other reason to fill these cavities is that critters (bats, bees, and mice) love these areas and find it a fitting home or way to get into your house.
Chinking your log home can solve a variety of problems. We have over 40 years of experience with this technique, and we can complete your project in a professional manner. Contact us or call 715-373-5744.
