We chink logs when average temperatures hover between 40 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. We leave the log stain to dry for 5 to 7 days and then start the chinking process. If we want to stain our logs, we do so before we start chinking, as the stain will not apply evenly on the chinking itself. Here is how we do it.īefore we apply chinking, we make sure the logs are clean from grass and bugs. When you buy a log home, your building company will take care of the chinking. How Do You Apply Chinking to Your Log Home? With the proper annual maintenance, you can extend your chinking’s life even longer. Good-quality modern chinking can last for at least 20 years. Also, it is durable and adheres perfectly to surfaces. It is flexible and durable, thus following the way that logs breathe in and out. Modern chinking is often called elastomeric because of its flexibility and plasticity. Nowadays, chinking is made of synthetic acrylic compounds, which display far superior adhesion and elasticity than traditional materials. The chinking tended to chip and fall apart. When the logs expanded and contracted, the chinking didn’t follow their ever-so-slight movements. The problem with traditional mortar chinking was its lack of elasticity. It was then applied between the logs to seal the gaps. Traditional chinking used to be made from clay, dust, lime, and ash. What Is Chinking Made Of?Ĭhinking has always been part of log home building. Some homeowners choose chinking in the same color as their logs, while others choose a color that stands out and creates a stunning result. Chinking can become part of the log home esthetics. What Is Chinking?Ĭhinking is the sealant you apply between logs to seal the gaps and holes. If you want a cozy and warm home that’s protected from the elements, then you need to chink your logs. Also, that’s how insects and bugs crawl into your home. This constant movement causes small gaps that are the perfect gateway for wind to come into the house. Not only are logs non-uniform to begin with, but they also bow, twist, and curve with pressure, temperature changes, humidity, and sun exposure. When you put one log on top of another, there will be small cracks, holes, and gaps because logs don’t match each either perfectly. Even when you give adequate time for logs to dry, they will still have slight differences. They vary slightly even if they come from the same type of tree and the forest. Once you have done that, your home will be shielded from the elements and any unwanted tiny visitors. To insulate your log home, you need chinking to fill the gaps between the logs using special chinking materials that seal any gaps and eliminate heat loss and air infiltration. When the logs expand and contract, small gaps may appear. Wood shrinks and expands with temperature changes and log home specialists often talk of how wood breathes. In fact, and unlike other kinds of buildings, log homes are alive. Wood logs are not uniform: that’s the beauty of nature and what makes a log home so unique and amazing.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |