3 Log Home Chinking Don’ts

Log home chinking is not as easy as 123. Every log home builder must know the basic of this craft, because it will mean the make or break of keeping your log home sturdy and weather-resistant.

As defined, chinking is the art and science of applying chinking compounds to log houses. Old fashioned chinking compounds are composed of a mixture of different compositions of lime, clay, and sand. However, these types of mixtures do not last very long because of it lacks elasticity. Today, chinking mixtures are made up of elastic acrylic compounds that are more resilient and can last for years.

Let us take a deeper view on the don’ts of log chinking.

First, do not apply chinking materials less than ¼ inch thick. Ideally, chinking needs to be applied about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Making it too thin will cause it to adhere loosely to logs. On the other hand, making it too thick would cause the chinking to take longer time to cure.

Secondly, do not apply chinking materials in direct sunlight. Chinking material should be best applied between 40-90 degrees. Temperature should be carefully monitored because it can cause negative effects on the compound.

Finally, refrain from opting for stains that are not compatible with your chinking materials. To make sure that these two are compatible, look for stains and chinking compounds that are manufactured by the same company. If you fail to do so, chances are, chinking materials will not firmly adhere to the logs, wasting all your money, time, and effort.

The success of chinking projects is based on how long it will last. Stick to these three log home chinking don’ts and be assured that you log homes will stand both the tests of time and weather.

The Necessities of Log Chinking

Professional log home builders should know best that log chinking is one of the basic elements in log home building. Chinking is practically filling in the gaps in between the log walls. It also serves as a barrier that keeps the warm air inside and the cold air outside.

Log home chinking comes with many advantages. Aside from the aforementioned, it can also improve the insulation of one's house, particularly when used with a backer rod. It can as well prevent insects like flies and other wood-boring insects from penetrating the house. Good chinks prevent dust, wind, moisture and the like from entering indoors.

Before you start the ball rolling, be wise to the three necessities of log home chinking.
First and foremost, wood preservatives. Wood preservatives can prevent insects like termites and ants from hovering in your logs. This can assure you that the logs will last.
Second, stains. Log stain not only modifies your logs to appear more attractive, but it also serves as base for the chinking materials to stick on. But you should consider buying stains that will match your chinking compound so that both will bond together firmly.
Finally, the backer rods. Backer rods are used as bond breakers. These bond breakers prevent the unnecessary sticking of chinking materials to the logs. It also allows the sealant to contract and expand freely.

Be sure to buy high quality chink materials. Look for latex based ones because these are highly elastic, therefore minimizes the chances of early cracking or peeling. Consider buying Weather all 1010 chinking and Sashco Chinkers Edge Chinking. These are just some of the good chinking compounds that are log home builders’ approved.

See more log home maintenance supplies at Western Log Home Supply. They carry a wide array of chinking and everything else that log home builders will need.

How to Find Log Cabin Kits that’s Right for You

Log cabin kits are getting more popular these days because of the many advantages it offers to those who want to have their dream log houses fast and easy. For the uninformed, the first question, for sure, is where to find these log cabin/home building kits.

The best place to look for is the internet. You can find lots of cabin kit providers and manufacturers on the worldwide web. There is a plethora of it actually and you can certainly find something that will suit your need and design preference. I suggest that you consider 3 – 4 websites that offer nice designs and services.

Remember that you are making a considerable amount of investment here so be sure that you will purchase from a reputable company. Check on each of the companies you have considered if they are duly registered with the Better Business Bureau. See if they do not have pending complaints or if there is no record of charges filed against them. Read also testimonials from clients they have served and if possible you can contact these persons if they are not bogus personalities.

Once you are sure that the companies you have chosen are all of good reputation and in good standing with the authorities, choose the specific kits that interest you. Check what is included in the kit and what is not. You should secure one with chinking and log home stains already available in them to ensure convenience. It would also be good to contact via phone the companies to get more details about the kit you have in mind. This is also a way of checking how they treat their clients. It is highly possible that after calling your prospective manufacturers, your list will be cut down to one or two companies.

Another source is from log home magazines. These mags include advertisements from log cabin kit suppliers and manufacturers which you can also check out. Sometimes these publications also feature log home construction suppliers and manufacturers which could add some helpful data on your company research and background check.

The right log cabin kit is lying somewhere out there waiting for you to come and get it. But you can only find it with the right manufacturers and log home suppliers.