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.

Chinking for your log home can be easy and complicated all at the same time. It is important to follow the guidelines below.

1. Select the right chinking application contractor for the job. Ask your chinking contractor for references. Most good chinking contractors will not mind sharing this information and will probably provide it before they are asked for it.
2. Select a chinking material from a reputable chinking manufacturer such as Sashco.
3. Select the right chinking material for your job. Some types of chinking material have more texture than others.
4. Select the type of chinking application you desire. Do you want a clean and crisp finish? Are you looking for trowel marks in the material or are you looking for a very rustic appearance with the chinking material?
5. Inquire with your chinking contractor whether backer rod will be installed. It is highly recommended to install some form of backer rod before installing your log home chinking material.
6. Select a chinking material that is going to be compatible with your log home stain. If you are unsure about the compatability of your log chinking and your log home stain then speak with the manufacturers of both products.
7. Inquire about the product warranty. Log Jam chinking is the only chinking that offers a lifetime warranty. Some of the other chinking materials offer 5 and 10 year warranties. Check with your chinking manufacturer for specific details.
8. Ask your chinking contractor what type of application warranty they will provide after the chinking has been installed. It is standard for chinking application contractors to offer 1-2 year warranties for small repair work.
9. Cover all details with your chinking contractor. It is much easier to agree on a contract before the job starts as opposed to during the middle of the job. Make sure to speak with your chinking application contractor about all of the horizontal and vertical details. Do you want your chinking to tie in with your drywall? Are you going to want to install chinking in all of your corner joints? Will your door and window trims require chinking?
10. Inquire about the time frame for the chinking application. It is much better to have the chinking for the exterior of your log home done during the summer and fall seasons. The chinking can be done during the winter and springs seasons but more precautions need to be taken in order to get the job done right.
11. Agree with your chinking contractor on who is going to purchase the chinking material.
12. Finally, make sure your chinking color selection is agreed upon. Once again, it will become difficult to make color changes after the job has been started.

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

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 don’t want to see any chinking on their home. Typically chinking is required on your log home if you meet any of the following criteria:

• Can you stick your hand from the inside of your log home to the outside?
• Do you want the joint between your logs to stand out?
• Do you want the joint between your logs to be greater than 3/4”?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions then most likely your home will require chinking material. Chinking is designed to stand out from your logs because of the heavy surface texture and the available colors. It is important to remember that chinking can only do so much. The performance of the chinking will depend a lot on the application of the material. When applying chinking take the following items into consideration:

• House Logs that exceed a 20% moisture content will put an abnormal amount of stress on a chinking joint.
• Large house logs will require a wider chinking joint.
• Chinking joints should be approximately 1/12” the size of the diameter of your house logs. (Example: A 12” log would require a 1” chinking joint.)
• Chinking performs best when it has 2-point adhesion. This is accomplished by using some form of backer rod.
• Chinking should be applied between 40-90 degrees.
• Chinking typically takes 3 weeks to fully cure.
• Chinking will remain pliable throughout the lifetime of the product.
• Chinking should be done after a compatible stain is applied.

In conclusion, chinking for log homes can provide a weather-tite seal or aesthetic appeal. In either case, it is important to remember that the material will perform much better if the proper guidelines are followed. Check with the different chinking manufacturers for warranty information. I recommend Log Jam chinking by Sashco because it is the only chinking that offers a lifetime warranty.

For more information about chinking material, chinking warranties, chinking application tools or chinking contractor referrals contact Mountain Home Building Products toll free at 800-490-3695 or send an email to cs@mountainhomebuildingproducts.com.