
We need chinking for our log cabin to:
- Create a “seal” from external elements (e.g. rain, snow and sleet) whilst protecting the logs from pooling/standing water which could result in rotten logs.
- Eliminating heat loss and air infiltration to maximize your cabin’s energy rating by correctly insulating the cabin.
- Prevent against bug and insect infestation through tiny gaps in your log cabin’s wall.
Full Answer
What is log cabin chinking?
Log Home Chinking today has replaced the traditional portland cement and daubing which historically was used on log homes over 200 years old. Since the origin of log cabins, chinking has long been a hallmark of these beautiful homes. However, log cabin chinking today can be a complicated topic: Should you use cement based or synthetic chinking?
What is the best chinking for log homes?
It's simply the best chinking by every measure: longevity, appearance, performance and ease of application. Perma-Chink is a flexible, textured log home chinking that seals the open gaps between logs to eliminate heat loss and air infiltration.
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.
Do I need mortar chinking to build a log cabin?
If you are building a cabin from scratch then you will probably use a self-made mortar chinking; providing the logs have been felled locally and have properly dried out. This is not a strict rule. In reality when building your log cabin, you can choose from either material.

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 Chinking?
Our customers often ask “What is chinking and do I use it with your system?” Here is a short explanation of what it is, how it’s applied and how, we at EverLog Systems, use it for our concrete log homes and concrete log cabin siding.
How is it sold?
Typically, chinking is sold in either 5-gallon pails or in individual tubes similar to silicon caulking. Professional installers use a hopper and pump system while smaller jobs may only require an applicator gun that can draw material directly from the pail.
Who Sells it?
EverLog Systems recommends all of our projects use Weatherall 1010® Chinking which is sold exclusively by Weatherall Northwest.
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.
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 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.
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.
