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chinking for log cabins

Chinking is a non-toxic way to seal the gaps between your log cabin’s logs. The chinking creates an airtight seal that keeps out insects, snow, rainwater and more. It also comes in various colors so it can blend or contrast with the color of the logs.

Historically, original log home builders used grass, straw, mud, manure or anything else they had on hand to stuff in gaps between the logs. Thankfully, we now have better products.

Mortar Chinking

The best known type of chinking is the mortar style that is used in old log cabins. This style is a traditional Portland cement-based mortar that seals the long strips of gaps between logs. This type of chinking looks very authentic and can be made to match the colors in your log home so it blends in or contrasts for a more dramatic look. It is also effective at preventing the wood in your log home from warping or rotting over time. Chinking can also be used to seal in a small amount of insulation which can help save on energy costs and keep your home more comfortable during the winter or summer.

Traditionally, chinking was created from various materials depending on what was available in the area where your log cabin is located. Usually it was a mix of clay, lime and sand with variations based on what was available. It was often plastered into the notches in the logs using a trowel or by hand. It would have a rough texture to prevent moisture and vermin from entering the cabin. It also needed to be durable as it would need to withstand harsh weather conditions. It was not uncommon for the mortar to crack and crumble allowing in wind, insects and other debris.

Modern chinking like Triple Stretch or Perma-Chink systems has come a long way since those days. The pure acrylic chinking products have improved dramatically and offer better performance than mortar. They are also non-toxic so they won’t harm you or your pets if you accidentally get some on them.

These types of chinking are more durable than the older mortar chinking and can easily handle the natural movements of your logs. They can also be adjusted and reapplied without the need for a ladder or scaffolding. They will not absorb moisture and will hold up against rot much longer than mortar. They are even fire resistant with a one-hour rating so they can slow the spread of fire from room to room. They also have a much more authentic appearance than the old mortar and are very easy to install.

Synthetic Chinking

The first log cabins were chinked with mortar, but there is a newer product out that has become very popular. This product is a flexible synthetic that looks just like mortar and can be easily maneuvered around the logs in your home. This type of chinking is called Perm-Chink and it works to seal the gaps between the logs. It is a very important step in maintaining your log cabin as it can protect your home from moisture, insects, and the weather.

If your logs are not chinked they will not be able to get the air, sun, and moisture that they need to stay healthy and looking great. Without chinking, the logs can twist, kink and cup, causing gaps between them to form. These gaps can cause drafts, let in cold air, and allow small rodents to enter your home. Also, the gaps can lead to mold and rot that can damage your home over time.

Chinking is the best way to prevent these problems and keep your log home looking its very best. With the proper chinking, your logs will stay strong and withstand the elements for a long time.

It is very important to remember that if your chinking becomes cracked or damaged it can be very difficult to fix and may need to be replaced. The best way to avoid this is to have your chinking done by a professional that is experienced with working on log homes. When the chinking is being installed it is important that the logs are clean of any dirt, wax or oils. The weather can also affect your chinking, so it is important to have the right chinking material for your climate.

Chinking will also help your log cabin regulate its temperature and reduce energy bills. It will help prevent warm air from escaping in the winter and cold air from entering in the summer. Without chinking, your log cabin could be wasting a lot of money on unnecessary heating and cooling. By using the correct chinking and having it installed properly, you can ensure that your log cabin will be able to maintain a comfortable temperature throughout the year.

Decorative Chinking

Decorative chinking is used to fill the in-between spaces of log walls while providing a beautiful, classic look. It helps preserve the log cabin from the elements and it is easy to apply. It’s a great DIY project for a family. It’s best to choose a caulking system that is compatible with the stain or preservative that will be applied to your home. It’s also important to have the right tools for the job.

Traditionally, there were many methods for sealing the gap between logs in log homes. Some builders would use daubing, a grey mixture resembling cement, while others would use oakum, long hemp fibers soaked in pine tar or oils. These products all had their advantages and disadvantages, but they did not last as long as logs that were milled to a standard size and cured properly. These developments led to the development of chinking, which is a more durable product than concrete mixtures and provides an air tight seal.

Chinking is available in a variety of colors to complement the logs and stains in your home. The most popular chinking on the market is Perma-Chink. It is easily tooled, cleans up with water and is available in a wide variety of tan, gray, wood tone, antique white or buff color tones to match your log cabin.

The beauty of chinking is that it fills the space between the logs and keeps out wind, rain, bugs and vermin. It also insulates the logs and helps keep energy bills low. It’s essential to the longevity of your log cabin.

A quality chinking will expand and contract with the seasons without cracking, tearing or pulling away from properly prepared logs. It will also withstand freezing and thawing cycles, allowing it to perform in extreme weather conditions. If you are planning to apply a stain to your log home, the same manufacturer should produce both your chinking and stain for optimal compatibility. This will ensure that the chinking and stain remain in place, keeping your log cabin looking new for years to come.

Installation

Log cabins are beautiful homes that make you feel like you have time-traveled back to the pioneer days. While there are many details that go into making a log home look old, the chinking is one of the most important components. Chinking fills the gap between the logs and provides a seal against the weather. In addition to preserving the look of the logs, chinking also prevents air infiltration and reduces energy loss. There are several types of chinking, and each has its own benefits. However, synthetic chinking is the best option for your log cabin because it is non-toxic and safer to apply than mortar chinking.

Synthetic chinking is a flexible material that looks and feels just like traditional mortar. It is available in a variety of colors, so you can choose the color that matches your log cabin. It also stretches to maintain a tight seal and follow log movement. It is also easier to use than traditional mortar because it does not require the mixing of water or sand, and it is less likely to crack, peel, or pull away from properly prepared logs.

To prepare your logs for chinking, you need to clean them and make sure they are dry. You should also use a bond breaker on the logs to separate them from each other. It is a good idea to do this during the spring or summer when the weather is warm and dry.

Before you begin chinking, it is important to make sure that your logs are free of bugs, ants, and spider webs. Also, you should have a chinking tool and backer rods ready to use. Backer rods are the pieces that are placed between your logs to keep the chinking from rubbing off. They are available in a wide variety of sizes and shapes.

The most popular backer rod for chinking is Grip Strip. It is designed to work with most chinking products and is closed-cell so it repels water. It is also easy to use and a great alternative to triangular or round backer rods.