Chinking is used today for log cabins and log homes just as it has been for hundreds of years. The major differences between now and then are the materials used for the job and how it is applied. A wide array of natural materials was used before manufactured chinking and some of them are still used in off-grid cabins and houses. They included anything that worked:

Animal Hair	Moss
Clay	Mud
Corn Cobs	Rags
Corn Husks	Rocks
Grass	Sand
Hemp	Sticks
Manure (Animal)

Anything that mixed well with water or spit that made a pliable mass was used. We don’t need to go to the trouble of finding and making our own chinking today for log siding applications.

The Purpose of Log Siding Chinking

Chinking was and still is used to keep cold and hot air from leaking and flowing between log siding and logs. It also seals the cracks around doors, windows, chimneys, stovepipes, and corners where needed. Chinking made a major difference in cold weather before stoves were invented and used.

Chinking is not the same as caulking but it is similar in purpose. The main differences are:

• Their elasticity and texture
• Chinking is elastic in top brands such as Log Jam and Perma-Chink
• Chinking comes in more colors and textures
• Caulking is more elastic
• Caulking has light or no texture

Caulking is a better option for small joints and tight spaces because of its higher elasticity.

Today’s Log Siding Chinking

Older and many of today’s homemade chinking materials lack freeze-thaw stability. This can be a problem when it comes to:

• Application
• Performance
• Repairs
• Storage

Today’s chinking is more elastic than homemade materials and is less prone to cracking or falling out. It adheres to wood quite well and easily repels water when applied properly. Log Jam is a favorite for all its advantages. Buy the right applicator tools for the job and watch a video several times if you do the work yourself. Accurately estimate how much you need so you won’t overbuy.

“A wide array of natural materials was used before manufactured-chinking and some of them are still used in off-grid cabins and houses.”

When Log Siding Chinking Is Needed

Log siding needs chinking when the siding is spaced apart rather than secured to each other with tongue and groove/end-matching applications. The gaps between them must be filled to seal the spaces against the elements, especially moisture. 

Chinking is also necessary when old chinking has cracked or fallen out. Your log home product supplier and the factory are great resources for professional advice.

How Chinking Is Applied

Proper preparation of the wood surfaces and the application of the chinking material will increase its longevity. You will obtain the best results when the wood is clean, dry, and stained. Check to ensure your chinking product is compatible with the applied stain. Use these tips:

• Apply out of direct sunlight in dry and warm conditions.
• The surface temperature should be between 40 and 90 degrees F.
• Apply a bond breaker material over styrene bead-board or Tyvek house wrap before applying the chinking product. This step is not necessary if chinking is applied to other common building materials.
• Apply the chinking product with a caulking gun to a depth between ¼” and ½”.
• A special tool is used to spread the chinking to ensure proper contact with the surfaces.
• Slant the chinking outward from top to bottom to help rain run off the log siding.

 

*Hire a pro to apply chinking if you are unfamiliar or uncomfortable with its use. In either case, follow the manufacturer’s recommendation completely.

Favorite Brands of Chinking for Your Log Siding 

When it is time to chink between your pine or cedar log siding, you cannot beat top-of-the-line products like Perma-Chink and Log Jam chinking. They effectively hold their seal against the natural elements of rain, sleet, snow, sun, and wind. You will love these products because they are not difficult to apply and have these benefits:

• Is an elastic sealant than handles joint movement up to 100%
• Works in joints up to 4” wide and maintains its original appearance
• Possesses superior adhesion and elasticity
• Guaranteed not to crack, tear, or peel away from log siding or framing
• Both are water-based formulas for easier application and cleanup
• Both can be painted for brightening up old chinking or changing the color
• The only chinking to hold a UL one-hour fire rating (when applied in accordance with Fire Resistance Directory Design No. UL 519)
• Perma-Chink has FREE SHIPPINGon 5 Gallon Pails & ALL cases of 10oz. & 30oz. tubes to the Continental Contiguous USA only.
• Log Jam has FREE SHIPPINGon Cases of 29 oz tubes & 5 Gallon Pails to the Continental Contiguous USA States only.

 

Perma-Chink and Log Jam come in 8 different colors. You will not find better chinking products for your log siding

References and Resources

• How to Apply Chinking
• Log Jam Chinking