- Interior & exterior wherever caulking and chinking are being applied. Backer rod:
- Cracks & checks
- Inbetween log courses
- Around windows and doors
- At butt joints Grip Strip:
- Specifically designed for use on wide chink joints on Appalachian-style log homes
- Log Gap Cap:
- Use between window trim and round logs to seal those pesky triangle-shaped gaps
Accessories
Backer Materials that Seal Things Right the First Time.
Backer Rod, Grip Strip, and Log Gap Cap all help you create the ideal joint design for a long-lasting, durable seal.
Closed-Cell Round Backer Rod is the product you need prior to chinking or caulking your log home. It not only acts as insulation but repels moisture, too. The closed-Cell Round Backer rod also serves as a bond-breaker between two logs and provides a structure against which you can apply chinking and caulk more uniformly in order to achieve an ideal joint.
Grip Strip is a closed-cell trapezoid-shaped product that, under normal use will not cause blisters in chinking material. The unique design provides an excellent fit with a flat surface within chink joint, resulting in saving on chinking. Can be used on exterior or interior surfaces.
Sealants and chinking do not adhere to the backer rod – only to the log surfaces of the joint – allowing for movement without damaging the sealing material.
Product Info
Any joint smaller than 1/4″ deep and 1/4″ wide – backer rod won’t fit
- Backer Rod: 1/4″, 3/8″, 1/2″, 5/8″, 3/4″, 1″, 1-1/4″, 1-1/2″, and 2″ diameter
- Grip Strip: 3/4″, 1″, 1-1/4″, 1-1/2″, 2″, and 2-1/2″ wide
- Log Gap Cap: Small (for 6-8″ diameter logs); Large (for 9″-11″ diameter logs)
Inspiration Gallery
This is Why You Should Use These Tools
Creates ideal joint design More Info
Backer materials ensure that all-important two-point adhesion so the sealant stretches and compresses correctly over time
Use less chinking and caulking More Info
Fills in the joint so you use less materials and save money
Water-tight More Info
Closed cell so that, even if a random tear shows up, moisture will not soak into the backer material and fester and rot.
Downloadable Resources
Backer Rod
Log Gap Cap
Grip Strip
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800-767-5656Common Questions From Our Network of Pros
With flat or square logs, usually Grip Strip is preferred. With round logs, you can use either, but the round shape does help with the ideal hourglass shape bead, so keep that in mind.
There are many who will use a staple gun to staple the backer rod in a few places to help hold it in place. You can also use a few small pieces of clear packing tape or duct tape to help hold it in place.
That will depend on your joint size, but generally use one size smaller than the width of your joint. So, if your joint is 1/2″ wide, get the 3/8″ backer rod.
On flat joints, both duct tape and clear packing tape will work well. If the joint is less than 1/4″ wide, you won’t be able to fit a backer rod OR tape. Be sure to thoroughly flood those cracks and checks with stain and check them often (twice a year). Once they’re wide enough to accomodate a backer rod, seal ’em up.
