Do log cabins need chinking?
Essentially, chinking a log home will ensure logs which don’t fit together perfectly have a nice seal. This “nice seal” is the best maintenance free form of protection again moisture and air infiltration, insulation and fire barriers for your log home. Not all log cabins require chinking. Why? It depends upon the notch used.
Does chinking and caulking work on logs?
They not only seal air leaks and keep out rain, they help protect the home from uninvited guests, including insects and decay. But caulking and chinking will only work well if you choose products that are appropriate to your home's design and compatible with the finish or preservative on the logs.
What is log chinking made of?
Today, log home chinking refers to a flexible elastic sealant that resembles the appearance of the old portland cement which historically was used to seal logs together. Prior to cement-based chinking; traditional chinking was made from a mixture of clay, sand, lime, silt, ash and dirt.
Should I stain or chink my logs first?
If you are using a water-based stain then stain first and chink to complete. The first stage for chinking is to prepare your logs. Your logs must be free of surface level dirt. This includes pollen, mildew, dust, oil, wax and sawdust. Read here for more guidance on cleaning logs. Once clean, the logs should be from 40°F (4°C) – 80°F (26°C).
Do all log homes have chinking?
Whether a home needs chinking depends on the log profile or building system you choose. It is required between log courses on homes that are designed with a horizontal gap between the logs. Chinking is clearly visible on the surface of the log walls and is both decorative and functional.
How long does chinking last on a log home?
Chinking on average lasts around 20 years if it was applied correctly using a backing rod. Chinking can last up to 40 years if maintained annually and not exposed to extreme weather conditions. The cost of chinking a log cabin yourself is between $3 and $6 per linear foot.
What are the problems with log homes?
The most common log home problems are:Moisture problems in log homes. Rain, snow, humidity, and damp places all cause moisture damage. ... Insects and critter problems in log homes. Insects and critters tend to love our log homes just as much as we do. ... UV Ray damage in log homes. ... 0 comments.
How often should a log home be sealed?
every 3 to 7 yearsAs a general rule, you will need to stain your log home every 3 to 7 years, depending on the elements. Elemental factors include exposure to rain, sunlight, hail, wind, climate, and more.
How much does it cost to seal a log home?
Sealing and Chinking Repair The cost of resealing and repairing log cabin chinking can cost anywhere from $2-$5. For a typical 1,500 square foot home, the price tag for this type of log cabin maintenance may run anywhere from $3,000 to $7,500. Homes that are not maintained properly may sustain damage.
Do log cabins get mold?
Mold in log homes can be caused by moisture/humidity, damaged chinking, worn or no stain, unsealed windows, dark and wet areas without proper ventilation (bathrooms), wet basements that raise humidity in the upper levels, and even the outdoor surroundings. Be sure to inspect the area and determine what caused the mold.
How long will a log house last?
Log cabins have a long and illustrious history of longevity. They usually last twenty, thirty to even fifty years, if they are kept in good condition. They are even seen to stand for a century if they are located in a place that does not face extreme weather conditions and is properly maintained.
Why are log homes more expensive insurance?
The most common reason we see that log home are more expensive to insure is that they are often located in more remote locations. Access to a dedicated fire department and the distance from it usually dictates the majority of premiums charged.
Are log homes warm in winter?
We've written an article breaking down how log homes are insulated. Even though logs have their own form of insulation and are considered to be four times warmer than concrete blocks, six times warmer than brick and fifteen times warmer than stone, there is still need for a secondary heat source.
What kind of maintenance does a log home need?
By log home maintenance, we mean the general upkeep required to ensure there is proper protection from moisture, damaging UV radiation, air infiltration, insect and rodent intrusion.
Is a log home high maintenance?
All homes require some exterior care and maintenance, but log homes require a bit more than most. Once a year, the home's exterior should be washed to remove pollen, insect debris, and dirt. At that time, the home should be checked for mildew and mold, which should be removed if present.
Are log homes expensive to maintain?
The average maintenance cost for a 2,000 square feet cabin is around $1,350 per year: $150 for 5 gallons of mild cleaning detergent. $767 for 35 gallons of log cabin stain every three years.
How often do you need to Rechink a log home?
Log Cabin Chinking Repair and Maintenance Chinking should last for between 20-30 years, providing it has been applied using a correct technique with backing rods. The only way this can accelerate is if the cabin has experienced hot temperatures or lots of exposure to rain.
What did pioneers use for chinking?
Chinking was often made of mud, clay, sand, mixed with water (or “spit” as some pioneer recipes called for), hog, goat or cow hair, corn cobs or husks, grass, hemp, or oakum (frayed rope), or even livestock manure or buffalo chips. (12) Shake shingles were often used to roof cabins.
How long does chinking take to set?
It is crucial that you do not apply your chinking sealant in direct sunlight. Direct sunlight can lead to “blistering” which can hurt the overall effectiveness of your chinking. After you have applied your chinking sealant you should cover the area for 1-2 days with white plastic sheeting.
What happens if chinking freezes?
Some manufacturers offer tinting products that can give you even more creative color options. MYTH 2: Chinking can only be applied in weather that is 40 degrees or warmer. Chinking is a water-based polymer that can freeze before drying. Fortunately, some chinking materials are not affected by freezing.
What Material Is Chinking Made from?
Today, log home chinking refers to a flexible elastic sealant that resembles the appearance of the old portland cement which historically was used...
So, Mortar Chinking Or Synthetic Chinking?
It depends.If you are building from a log cabin kit home you probably will use synthetic chinking as the logs will need to settle in their new clim...
What’S The Difference Between Caulking and Chinking?
You might have heard of the phrases caulking and chinking being used interchangeably, however there is a difference.The main difference between cau...
How Much Does Log Cabin Chinking Cost?
The cost of chinking can depend upon many factors. 1. Size of Chink Lines (1 inch to 5 inches) 2. Square Footage of Cabin 3. Height of the gable wa...
How to Chink Your Log Cabin
Chinking a log cabin.It appears to be a very easy task.And it can be.But, it can also be tedious, awkward, time-consuming and requires lots of pati...
Log Cabin Chinking Repair and Maintenance
Chinking should last for between 20-30 years, providing it has been applied using a correct technique with backing rods.The only way this can accel...
How to Make Your Own Chinking – Log Cabin Chinking Recipes
There are numerous synthetic chinking brands where you can purchase chinking by the gallon.Creating your own chinking can complete a self-build pro...
What is the purpose of caulking and chinking in log homes?
And they're among the most important. They not only seal air leaks and keep out rain, they help protect the home from uninvited guests, including insects and decay.
What is chinking on logs?
It is required between log courses on homes that are designed with a horizontal gap between the logs. Chinking is clearly visible on the surface of the log walls and is both decorative and functional. It is particularly popular with log home owners who want their home to have a historic look. As you weigh which of these products you need, be aware ...
What kind of caulk is used in log homes?
Five kinds of caulk are used in general home construction — acrylic, butyl, oil-base, silicone and urethane. Those created for the log home industry usually are acrylic (water-based) or urethane-based. These two varieties have very different properties and application requirements. Some caulks can be applied before staining and they remain unaffected by the stain.
How long does it take to apply caulk to a stained house?
Some caulks can be applied before staining and they remain unaffected by the stain. Other caulks can be applied to a stained home within a matter of days. Still others have to be applied long after the stain has cured — up to a year in some instances.
Why did people use chinking?
In pioneer days, wide bands of chinking were strictly functional, as the logs only interfaced at the corners and chinking was used in between to keep Mother Nature at bay. Primitive chinking was just about any material people could stuff between logs to keep out wind and rain, though often people used clay mixed with straw. More recently mortar or cement was used, but this performed poorly because it pulled away from the logs once it hardened.
Can you use chinking stain on exterior walls?
Thankfully, modern chinking products perform much like caulk does. They remain soft and pliable for years after being applied. Modern chinking also has excellent adhesion, flexibility and durability. And it preserves the home's seal. Chinking products can be used on both the interior and exterior sides of your wall system. But like caulk, chinking products may need maintenance and reapplication over time. Chinking is best done after you've applied other finishes. It is always best to use chinking and stain from the same manufacturer to ensure they are compatible with one another. Most chinking products are acrylic-based.
Can you use water based chinking stain on oil based stain?
For example, if you try to apply a water-based chinking on top of an oil-based stain, the chinking may not adhere. Also, not all brands of sealants and finishes will be compatible with each other. If you prefer to mix products from different manufacturers, first check with the manufacturers. Often they maintain lists of competitors' products ...
What Material is Chinking Made From?
Today, log home chinking refers to a flexible elastic sealant that resembles the appearance of the old portland cement which historically was used to seal logs together.
What type of chinking do you use for a log cabin?
From experience, log cabin kits use synthetic chinking and self-build cabin owners use mortar chinking. Whichever chinking you decide upon, it must have good elastic properties. Understanding that your cabin will settle and planning for it with flexible chinking is important.
What is chinking in log cabins?
Chinking is the material that fits between the imperfect joints of logs to ensure a “seal” from external elements (e.g. rain, snow and sleet) whilst eliminating heat loss and air infiltration.
Why do cabins chime in summary?
Chinking in summary should allow your cabin’s logs to breathe whilst also protecting your cabin from the external elements discussed earlier.
What is chinking made of?
cabins built from scratch). Synthetic chinking is made from either acrylic or petrochemical elastic compounds which have the ability to expand and contract with your logs.
How wide is a chinking log?
6” or more diameter) and is compatible with most notching techniques (e.g. traditional and dovetail). Chinking can fill a span from 1 to 5 inches in width.
What is a backer rod?
A backer-rod, or homemade substitute, provides a “bond breaker” which provides a surface the chinking won’t adhere to. A backer-rod allows the chinking to only adhere to 2 surfaces (i.e. the top and bottom log) providing more elasticity and movement in 2 dimensions as opposed to 3.
What happens when you cut logs flat?
When logs are cut flat the builder is relying on caulking and chinking to seal the home against the elements. There is no overlap of log to log. All logs will settle and compress some, so as this natural process occurs the logs can gap apart. Some areas of the chinking will need to be repaired.
What is the worst log style?
The worst log style is when a log is milled flat on the top and bottom and then stacked up. The vital missing component is an overlap of log to log over a curved surface. The is overcome in the milled log homes by the double tongue and groove stack between rows of logs or the Swedish Cope stack.
