Log home repair and re-chinking are services that we specialize in. There’s something charming about older log homes that were built with materials available at the time. When it comes to log homes, however, just because something is “old” doesn’t necessarily mean it is good.
Mortar chinking is a substance whose time has come and gone. In the last week, we have had the opportunity to work on two log cabins that had mortar chinking in between the logs.
The problem with mortar chinking is that it holds moisture up against the logs and will, under the right circumstances, cause the logs to rot out.
We are restoring two buildings that have mortar chinking. One is in Mercer, WI and the other is in Wakefield, MI. Both of these cabins were built in the early 20th century. At that time, the material available for filling the gaps between the logs was most likely wood, mud, straw and rope, or a combination of these materials.
Using mortar for chinking came along a little later in the 1940s and 1950s. Mud and straw may not have prevented air leaks the way that mortar did but it sure was better for the logs.
Fast forward to today. There has been a huge improvement in the material now used as chink. Now it is made of pure acrylic that adheres to logs and stretches to maintain a tight seal between the logs. It can really make a difference.
Here is link about mortar chinking and why it should be a thing of the past when it comes to the health of your log cabin and home. http://restorelogs.com/mortar-chink-synthetic-chink-problems/
If your log home is chinked with mortar material, call us and we can help you decide if it is worth having it removed. It could save you money in the long run. Call 715-373-5744.