Archive for May, 2008

Advice on Chinking, Log Stain & Log Home Supplies

Friday, May 30th, 2008

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: The Best Chinking for Your Log Home

Friday, May 30th, 2008

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.

Supplies for Log Homes: Chinking, Log Stain & Caulking For Log Homes

Friday, May 30th, 2008

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.