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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 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.

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.