Do I Need Chinking?

Chinking for log homes can be used for aesthetic reasons or can be done to ensure the elements stay outside. Some homeowners like the look of chinking while others do not want to see any chinking on their home. Chinking can be installed by professionals or homeowners. It takes a lot of patience, time and energy to get the job done properly. Below you will find coverage rates, installation tips and available colors.

Available Chinking Colors:
Buff, Tan, White White, Mortar White, Woodtone Cedar, Light Gray, Khaki and Pecan

Chinking Installation Tips:

1. Start with dry logs. Their moisture content should be below 20%.
2. Apply log stains before installing the chinking material.
3. Clean your logs prior to applying any chinking material. Any loose debris, dirt, dust or grease could adversely affect the adhesion of your chinking.
4. Install backer rod before applying any chinking products. Backer rod is available in closed cell and open cell forms.
5. Select a chinking material that is going to be compatible with your log home stain. If you are unsure about the compatibility of your log chinking and your log home stain then speak with the manufacturers of both products.
6. Do not apply Log Jam or Chinker’s Edge in direct sunlight. This could lead to blisters in the material.
7. Apply 2 to 3 feet of material at a time and then work the material with a foam brush or trowel.
8. Use a spray bottle to mist the chinking if it dries too quickly.
9. Do not get Log Jam or Chinker’s Edge too wet because it will become more difficult to tool.
10. Clean as you go. Soap and water can be used if the material has not dried.
11. Chinking should be installed to a depth of at least a 1/4” and no more than 1/2”.
12. Have fun and remember that the more chinking that you install the better you will become at applying it.

Coverage Rates per 5 Gallon Bucket of Chinking:
½” x 1” Wide Chinking Joint= 195 Lineal Feet
½” x 2” Wide Chinking Joint= 95 Lineal Feet
½” x 3” Wide Chinking Joint= 65 Lineal Feet
½” x 4” Wide Chinking Joint= 45 Lineal Feet

Product Coverage Rates per Case of 29oz Tubes of Chinking:
¼” x ½” Wide Chinking Joint= 308 Lineal Feet
¼” x ¾” Wide Chinking Joint= 231 Lineal Feet
½” x 1” Wide Chinking Joint= 154 Lineal Feet

For more information about chinking material, product warranties, application tools or contractor referrals contact Mountain Home Building Products toll free at 800-490-3695.

Log home maintenance is something that is a continual project for most log home owners. Typically, it is confined to reapplying log stains and applying a little caulking or chinking material. Log home maintenance does not have to be a headache if you set up a maintenance program. Below you will find some helpful tips for maintaining your log home.

1. Walk around the perimeter of your log home once a year.
2. Look to see if you have any new checks that need to be filled with caulking material.
3. Examine any high moisture areas for possible water damage. If rot is present use a wood restoration product to remedy the situation.
4. Look for any small holes created from wood boring insects. Check with Mountain Home Building Products in regards to fixing this type of problem.
5. Look to see whether your log stain is faded.
6. Lightly clean your wood before applying more stain material. The idea is to remove any dirt, dust or debris from the surface of your wood. The new stain material will only be as good as the surface that it adheres to.
7. It is best to use the same stain that was originally applied to your log home. Switching stains is possible but make sure that the new stain is compatible with the old stain material.
8. Use a quality log home stain. I recommend a product called Transformation from Sashco. The better the stain material, the less maintenance your logs will require.
9. Log home stains should last about 3 years on the southern exposure of your log home and 4-5 years on the other sides of your home. The better surface preparation you do, the longer your log home stain will last.
10. Fill all checks and cracks that are a 1/4” or greater. This will prevent any water or bugs from getting in your home.
11. Look for any tears in your chinking. This material can happen from a poor initial application of chinking or excessive movement in your wood. Fixing the torn chinking can be as easy as re-applying more chinking material to the existing chinking. Most chinking materials adhere to themselves.

In conclusion, the more you stay on top of your log home maintenance, the easier and cost effective it will be. For more information about log home maintenance, chinking or log home stains contact Mountain Home Building Products at 800-490-3695. Mountain Home Building Products is a leading distributor of chinking, log home stains, log caulking, clear wood finishes, log siding, house logs & rustic lighting.

Log stains, chinking and cabin caulking are staples for the preservation of your log home. Eventually, you will find yourself applying at least one of these materials if you own a log home. It is always best to consult with your builder or application contractor before making a purchase. Chinking, caulking and stain are available in a number of colors, consistencies and performance ratings. Below you will find info to help guide you through the maze of log home products.

1. Chinking is designed to stand out from your wood.
2. Caulking is designed to blend in with your logs.
3. Chinking material can be used in joint sizes ranging from 1/4” up to 6”.
4. Chinking can be done by professionals and homeowners.
5. Log home products are typically higher performing products as compared to stick built products.
6. Purchase a stain material from a reliable manufacturer and a reliable source.
7. Not all oil based stains are the same.
8. Not all water based stains are the same.
9. The staining process is typically done first followed by chinking or caulking.
10. All log home stains will need a maintenance coat in 4-5 years.
11. More prep work is critical for the success of water based log home stains as compared to oil based stain products.
12. Oil based stains have a stronger odor than water based stains.
13. Most chinking materials are water based.
14. Installing backer rod behind chinking or caulking will help these materials to expand and contract.
15. Backer rod is available in a number of different profiles such as full round, D shaped or trapezoidal shaped
16. Borate treatments need to be applied before the application of log stain materials.
17. Impel rods work very well in areas of high moisture content.
18. Log checks facing upwards should be filled if they are greater than a 1/4”.
19. Surface preparation is the key to success for applying any stain.
20. It is ok to use a different color stain on the inside of your log home.
21. Applying an interior clear finish to the inside of your log home will make cleaning much easier.
22. Corn cob blasting is effective in the removal of stains, dirt, grease or grime.

In conclusion, there a number of choices on how to preserve your dream home but as a consumer you need to ensure that you are asking the right questions.

For more information about chinking material, application tools or contractor referrals contact Mountain Home Building Products toll free at 800-490-3695.

Log Jam chinking is designed to help keep bugs and the elements on the outside of your log home. Log Jam chinking has been manufactured by Sashco for the past 30 years. It is one of the original products specifically designed for the log home market. Log Jam is available in the following colors: white white, mortar white, buff, tan, woodtone cedar and gray. It can be purchased either in 5 gallon buckets or 29oz tubes. Log Jam chinking typically costs between $121-$185 depending on the size and quantity of material. Mountain Home Building Products is a leading distributor for Log Jam and other Sashco log home products.

Log Jam is the only chinking material that has a one hour UL fire rating. Also, it is the only chinking that offers a lifetime warranty. Log Jam is the choice of professionals because it is able to expand up to 100 %. Most other chinking materials will tear while Log Jam is able to hold its appearance without cracking. It is recommended to use a Sashco stain with your Log Jam chinking. Stains that contain waxes, non-drying oils or paraffins can cause adhesion problems.

Typically, Log Jam is applied to joints ranging in size from 1”- 4”. It can be used on the exterior or interior of your log home. Chinking material can be applied by professionals or homeowners. It is important to install backer rod before applying Log Jam chinking. It should only be applied between 40-90 degrees. It is recommended to use a foam brush or trowel to help smooth the chinking material once it is gunned out. Also, the material can skin over rather quickly so take your time when applying it.

For more information about chinking material, application tools or contractor referrals contact Mountain Home Building Products toll free at 800-490-3695.

Mountain Home Building Products is a leading distributor of log home chinking, cabin caulking, log stains, clear wood finishes, log siding, house logs & rustic lighting.

Log home supplies such as chinking, log home stain and cabin caulking are typically required in order to properly maintain your log structure. Mountain Home Building Product is a leading distributor of Sashco log home supplies such as Log Jam, Log Builder, Conceal, Chinker’s Edge, Transformation stain, Capture stain, High Sierra stain and Symphony interior clear finish.

Chinking is often used in joints that are greater than 1” wide. The most widely used chinking material is Log Jam. It has been manufactured by Sashco for the past 30 years. Log Jam comes in a wide variety of colors and is available in 29oz tubes and 5 gallon buckets. Log Jam chinking is the choice of professionals because it is highly elastic and comes with a standard 10 year warranty with the option for a lifetime warranty.

Selecting the right log home stain can be difficult but is very important when it comes to preserving your dream home. Water based stains can provide good protection from harmful UV rays but they can also be difficult to apply. Oil based stains are typically easier to apply but require solvents for clean up and give off an odor during application. With that said, I recommend an oil based stain product called Transformation. It retails for $295 per 5 gallon bucket but it provides the ultimate in protection. Additionally, it gives your logs a rich, natural appearance.

Log home caulking is often used in joints that are less than 1” wide. The most widely used caulking material is Log Builder. It comes with a standard 15 year warranty. With that said, I would recommend using another caulking material called Conceal. It does not have the same name brand recognition as Log Builder but is much easier to apply and blends quite a bit better with your wood. Finally, it is also manufactured by Sashco log home products.

In conclusion, your wood should be clean, sound and dry before applying your log home stain. It is important to use a stain that is compatible with your chinking or log home caulking. Purchase both materials from the same manufacturer in order to eliminate any problems down the road. Sashco manufacturers a number of log stains, chinking and caulking materials.

For more information about log home supplies contact Mountain Home Building Products toll free at 800-490-3695. Mountain Home Building Products is a leading distributor of chinking, log home stain, cabin caulking, clear wood finishes, log siding, house logs & rustic lighting.

Selecting the right stain for your log home can be confusing and time consuming. Below you will find some helpful hints to guide you through the selection process.

1. Oil based stains typically penetrate into the wood and have a strong odor. Oil based stains can be used on logs, wood siding, decks, hand rails or roofing materials. Not all oil based stains are created the same.
2. Water based stains typically form a coating on the surface of the wood and have a low odor. They can be used on logs or wood siding but can present problems when used on decking surfaces. Not all water based stains are created the same.
3. Always test the stain on a wood sample from your home.
4. Clean your wood sample the same way your wood will be cleaned prior to the application of the stain.
5. This cleaning process can dramatically change the color of the stain material on your home and sample area.
6. Allow the stain sample area to dry for 24 hours.
7. Apply the same number of coats to your test sample area as you intend to apply to your log home.
8. Start at the top of your logs and work down when applying your log home stain.
9. Spraying the stain first is preferred but not absolutely necessary.
10. Always back brush your stain into the wood.
11. Oil based stains are typically easier to apply.
12. Water based stains can show lap marks and brush marks if you are not careful during the application of the products.
13. Water based stains clean up with soap and water.
14. Oil based stains clean up with solvents.
15. Water based stains can hide some of the grain of the wood.
16. Oil based stains typically allow more of your wood grain to show.
17. Some water based stains are prone to flake and peel on the surface of your wood. This is due to poor application of the stain material or it could be a bad water based stain product. A good water based stain will allow your wood to breath and expand and contract as your wood does thus preventing any flaking and peeling on the surface.
18. Some oil based stains fade very quickly and your wood is left with no protection. Once again, this can be attributed to poor stain application or it could be just a bad oil based stain product.
19. A good stain material should last 3-4 years on the southern exposure of your log home and 4-5 years on the other sides of your home. If you have found a stain product that outperforms these numbers then stick with it.
20. No stain will last the lifetime of your log home.
21. Stain technology has come a long ways in the last 20 years. There is a wider selection of good stains but there are still quite a few inferior stains on the market today.

For more information about chinking material, application tools or contractor referrals contact Mountain Home Building Products toll free at 800-490-3695.

Log home chinking is typically applied by professionals but it is a skill that one can acquire over time. It is important to have the right tools, product and knowledge before starting your own chinking project. Chinking material can be applied through the use of quart tubes, bulk loading guns or industrial machines. Any of the aforementioned methods will work for chinking joints that are less than 3/4”. Bulk loading guns work well for chinking joints that are between 3/4” - 2” because they allow a wider bead of material to be applied as opposed to quart size tubes. Industrial application machines work great for larger chinking joints because they will save you time, energy and material. Bulk loading guns will work as well for chinking larger joints but quart size tubes are not recommended for this type of application.  The following is a list of application tools that you will need in order to successfully apply log home chinking.

• Lots of foam brushes or a couple trowels
• Plenty of rags
• Spray Bottle
• Mylar Tape
• Numerous tips for your bulk loading gun
• Quart size bulk loading guns
• Utility knife
• Small cup for water

Applying the chinking material can be more difficult than it looks. It typically requires patience and time before one becomes proficient at the application process. It can be difficult to get a nice clean line because the material can collect on your foam brush or trowel. Also, the material can skin over rather quickly depending on the weather conditions. Misting the chinking material with water will help keep the material from skinning over too quickly. Foam brushes will help keep the material on the logs and not on you. Finally, it is highly recommended to install backer rod before applying any chinking material. Also, the application of the chinking material should not be done when rain is imminent and the temperature should be between 40-90 degrees. Check with the different manufacturers for more product specific details.

For more information about chinking material, application tools or contractor referrals contact Mountain Home Building Products toll free at 800-490-3695.

1. Can I apply a clear finish to protect my logs? No, most of the protection from stains comes from the pigments. Clear wood finishes look nice but do not last more than 6 months. Typically, the darker the log stain the more protection and durability they offer.
2. Should I apply a water based stain or an oil based stain to my log home? It really depends on you the consumer. There are good water based stains and there are good oil based stains. Water based stains are nice because they do not have much of an odor and are easy to clean up but they can be difficult to apply. Oil based stains are easier to apply but typically they have a strong odor and require solvents for clean up. Finally, make sure to pick a stain product that has a good track record and have realistic expectations.
3. How often do I need to restain my log home? Plan on doing some type of stain maintenance every 3 years. No stain material is going to last 10 years without some type of maintenance. The more you keep up with the maintenance the easier and more cost effective it becomes to protect your log home.
4. Will my log home require chinking or caulking material? Typically, all log homes require chinking or caulking at some point. Some homes require more but most require some. It is very typical for log homes to require caulking in the corners because these areas experience more movement than other parts of the home.
5. How much chinking material, caulking material or log stain will my log home need? This is a difficult question because it depends on the size of your chinking joint and the size of your home. A standard home requires 10-15 gallons of stain and 25-35 gallons of chinking or 12-20 gallons of log caulking material. These numbers are averages. Check with your log home finishing products supplier for more exact figures.

For more information about chinking material, application tools or contractor referrals contact Mountain Home Building Products toll free at 800-490-3695.

Chinking a log home requires patience and an artistic touch. It is typically done by professional chinking contractors but can be accomplished by homeowners. Follow the guidelines below for a successful job.

1. Start with clean, dry and sound wood. The moisture content of your wood should be below 20% and rain should not be in the forecast for at least 7 days prior to your start date.

2. Check with the chinking and stain manufacturers to ensure that your finishing products are compatible with each other. It is always a good idea to use a stain and chinking from the same manufacturer in order to avoid any unnecessary problems down the road.

3. Install some form of backing material before applying the chinking material. This will allow the chinking material to expand and contract like a rubber band. Also, it will save you money in chinking material costs.

4. If the width of your chinking joint is greater than 1” it is recommended to use a bulk loading gun. If the width of your chinking joint is smaller than 1” it is recommended to use quart size tubes.

5. Do not apply chinking material in direct sunlight. For more information regarding this problem see our “Chinking Blisters” article.

6. Chinking material should be applied between 40-90 degrees.

7. Start by gunning out a 3′ section of chinking material.

8. Work the chinking material into place with a putty knife, trowel or foam brush. Do not gun out too much chinking material because it will skin over rather quickly and become difficult to tool.

9. If the chinking material does skin over, lightly mist it with water. This will help in spreading the material.

10. Make sure to get good adhesion to the top and bottom of the chinking joint. This can be accomplished by using the right amount of pressure with your tooling instrument.

11. Make sure to get the correct depth of material when applying the chinking. A good rule of thumb is a 1/2”.

12. Have fun with your chinking project. The more chinking material that you apply the better you will become at chinking.

For more information about chinking material, chinking application tools or chinking contractor referrals contact Mountain Home Building Products toll free at 800-490-3695.

Before or after buying your log home there are certain things every log homeowner should know. Some things might be open for debate but one thing is for sure, your log home will require attention. This doesn’t mean that you will spend all of your waking hours staining, caulking, sealing, chinking, re-caulking, re-chinking and re-sealing. It does mean that you will need to pay attention to your log home like you might pay attention to your car. Below you will find some helpful tips and information to guide you through owning a log home.

1. Have realistic expectations for the maintenance on your log home. There will be some.
2. Set up a routine log home maintenance schedule.
3. Follow a routine log home maintenance schedule.
4. Apply log stain when your log home needs it. Remember you get what you pay for most of the time. Good log home stains are not cheap but you will save you money in the long run.
5. Good log home stains will offer about 3 years of protection on the southern exposure of your log home and 4 years of protection on the other sides of your home. These figures are just estimates and will vary depending on a number of factors.
6. Expect to caulk or chink your log home at some point.
7. Some log homes require more chinking, caulking and stain than others
8. Almost all log homes require some chinking or caulking whether it be in the horizontal log joints, the corners of the logs or around your window bucks.
9. As we mentioned earlier, the better the log stain material the less stain maintenance your logs will require.
10. Design your log home with maintenance in mind. Remember the less exposure your logs take the less maintenance they will require.
11. Square logs weather better than round logs.
12. Log home chinking can be used for aesthetic purposes or as a weather-tite barrier.
13. Log home caulking should typically blend in with your logs. Conceal caulking by Sashco sets itself apart from all competitors.
14. Some water based log stain materials are very good while others are very bad.
15. Some oil based log stain materials are very bad while others are very good.
16. Your log home stains should be compatible with your log chinking and your log home caulking materials.
17. The preferred time to maintain your log structure is typically during the summer.
18. Remember you log home is a dream home. Don’t forget to treat it like one.

For more information about log home caulking , chinking, log home stains or contractor referrals contact Mountain Home Building Products toll free at 800-490-3695.