Log Home Maintenance | Chinking, Stains for logs, Interior Wood Stains and Log Finishes

Sealing

In 1988 we were asked to contribute material to Log Home Guide for an issue they were publishing on prevention of air and water infiltration. We submitted the following article, Caulk Joint Design. The four principles published in this article set the standard for the ideal caulk joint for chinking and caulking.

Click Here To download Sashco's Caulk Joint Design article

Our Log Jam and Log Builder Data:Tec Sheets contain detailed information on restoration, repair, how to chink slab siding, and application instructions for round or square logs.

But the basics are:
	If application is to bare wood, it must be clean.
	If the logs are stained, be certain that the stain and the chinking or caulking are compatible.
	Install a bond breaker so that the chink or caulk line will adhere at the top and bottom of the joint only. This allows for the chink or caulk to flex with log movement.
	Gun the chinking or caulking into the joint.
	Tool the chinking or caulking to achieve a continuous, smooth seal to the logs.

Sealing Log Checks and Cracks:

Watch The Log Check Video Clip!

Because of the log's tendency to take on water from rain and snow through cracks and checks, it is important to pay close attention to these openings and prep and seal them properly.


- Log Checks -

Ideal Treatment of A Check:
1.	Thoroughly clean the inside surfaces of checks to remove dirt and unsound wood.
2.	Apply backer rod to checks 1/4" or wider before staining and caulking. Note: If you want the caulking to blend in with the stain, caulk first (letting caulk dry at least 5 days) then stain.
3.	Stain the wall (with a compatible stain, i.e. Capture Log Stain or High Sierra Log Stain), making sure the stain seeps into the check — at least 1/4" into the opening.
4.	Caulk the checks. Use a high-quality caulk (such as Log Builder). Use good pressure during application to inject the caulk into the crevices, then tool it smooth with your finger or spatula to ensure the caulking comes in full contact with the sides of the opening. Otherwise, poor adhesion may result. Avoid smearing the caulk on the log surface and tooling too much of the caulk out of the check or crack (the surface of the caulk should be flush with the logs).

If you have other questions that we haven't addressed here, check out our FAQ section, contact us, or call toll free 1-800-767-5656.