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.