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Chinking is a synthetic sealant that is used to seal the joints of log homes. Chinking is textured like mortar and very flexible. Chinking can be used in place of caulk and is mostly used in the joints between logs. Chinking keeps moisture out by sealing the joints and protects log homes from moisture related damage.
What is cabin chinking made of?
What is chinking made of? Traditionally chinking was a mixture of clay, lime and sand with variations based on what was locally available. Nowdays, it’s usually an acrylic elastic compound that adheres to the logs and can stretch and contract as the logs settle and move seasonally.
Do all log cabins need chinking?
Essentially, chinking a log home will ensure logs which don’t fit together perfectly have a nice seal. This “nice seal” is the best maintenance free form of protection again moisture and air infiltration, insulation and fire barriers for your log home. Not all log cabins require chinking.
What do you use to fill gaps in a log cabin?
The two methods that are primarily used to repair gaping log walls are chink and caulk. Caulk is typically used when the gap is ¾ of an inch and chink is used when the gaps are larger. Both chink and caulk are designed to withstand the normal movement and settling of the cabin.
How do you make a log cabin chinking?
Up until the early 1980’s many log cabins had mortar chinking installed. Today, the majority of chink used is made of a synthetic mixture.Homemade (mortar) chinking recipes. Cement and Sand 1 Part Pre-Dyed Cement 1 Part Fine Sand Cement, Sand, and Lime 6 Part Sand 2 Part Portland Cement 1 Part Lime.
How long does log chinking last?
Chinking on average lasts around 20 years if it was applied correctly using a backing rod. Chinking can last up to 40 years if maintained annually and not exposed to extreme weather conditions. The cost of chinking a log cabin yourself is between $3 and $6 per linear foot.
What can you use for chinking?
An easy, modern recipe for chinking is a mixture of 1 part Portland cement, with ½ part masonry lime and 3 parts masonry sand. Mix in enough water with the materials to make it the consistency of cookie dough.
Why do log cabins creak?
As to what’s causing the noise, it’s pretty simple: The pressure of the wind is causing the wood framing to flex. The wood sheathing could be rubbing against the trusses, and you could be getting noise from wood rubbing against metal fasteners.
Are cracks in log homes normal?
Cracks in your logs can cause some serious problems. However most cracks are nothing to worry about. It is natural for wood to crack or check as it dries and this is actually part of the charm of a log home. It’s that rustic, weathered look that makes them unique.
What are the problems with log homes?
The most common log home problems are: Moisture problems in log homes. Rain, snow, humidity, and damp places all cause moisture damage. Insects and critter problems in log homes. Insects and critters tend to love our log homes just as much as we do. UV Ray damage in log homes. 0 comments.
What is the best chinking material?
Perma-Chink Is an International Favorite Perma-Chink is the most widely used chinking product in the world today. It’s been around for nearly 40 years and the market has shown it is the best chinking product by every construction measure.
What is the difference between chinking and caulking?
The main difference between chinking and caulking is texture and elasticity. Caulking is more elastic than chinking and has no texture or very light texture; while chinking comes in various colors or textures. Due to higher elasticity caulking is a great option for using it in smaller joints (i.e. ¼” to 2” wide).
How much chinking do I need?
How much chinking do I need? This depends on the size of your log cabin and the size of the chinking joints. A 5 gallon bucket of chinking will be suitable for 195 lineal feet for 1 inch chinking joints. For a larger 4 inch chinking joint, a 5-gallon bucket would last 45 lineal feet.
What did the pioneers use for chinking?
Chinking was often made of mud, clay, sand, mixed with water (or “spit” as some pioneer recipes called for), hog, goat or cow hair, corn cobs or husks, grass, hemp, or oakum (frayed rope), or even livestock manure or buffalo chips. (12) Shake shingles were often used to roof cabins.
Can you use spray foam for chinking?
As for chinking, the spray foam is a good idea if you can afford it. Remember, it expands a lot so experiment to see how little you need after it fully expands. The expansion continues for a few hours but most is in the first hour.
Are log homes warm in winter?
Logs are one of the best types of insulation for a home. Even though logs have their own form of insulation and are considered to be four times warmer than concrete blocks, six times warmer than brick and fifteen times warmer than stone, there is still need for a secondary heat source.
Do log cabins hold their value?
The Long-Term Value of Log Homes The value of log homes not only holds steady, but often increases. All of this means that most log homes are high in quality and value and are well-cared for, so they generally don’t depreciate and have a good resale value.
Are log cabins good homes?
Log cabins are great homes to live in. They have a very natural warm cozy feel to them which you just don’t get in conventional homes. With their rustic appearance and aesthetic beauty, building a log cabin can make you feel closer to nature and give you a huge sense of accomplishment.
