What kind of maintenance does a log cabin need?
So, how DO you maintain a log home? The most important factor is to clean: Clean and dry the wood’s surface before and after you stain, and keep the dust, pollen and mold off your logs every season. Pay special attention to the south and west walls of your log home, as they are more susceptible to the elements.
Can caulk be used for chinking?
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).
What is the white stuff between logs in a log cabin?
In short, chinking is the material which is placed between the logs of a log home. Chinking is to logs as mortar is to bricks. Chinking is a flexible material used to fill gaps where logs don’t meet completely. Essentially, chinking a log home will ensure logs which don’t fit together perfectly have a nice seal.
How do you maintain the outside of a log cabin?
Maintaining Your Cabin Exterior
- Drainage counts. Walk around your retreat to inspect the ground around your foundation.
- Oversize your overhangs.
- Cover your gutters.
- Apply sunblock.
- Watch for mold or mildew.
- Keep an eye on the roof.
- Wood Preservation.
Is a log home high maintenance?
Maintenance Concerns All homes require some exterior care and maintenance, but log homes require a bit more than usual. Once a year, the home’s exterior should be washed to remove pollen, insect debris and other dirt. At that time, the home should be checked for mildew and mold, which should be removed if present.
What can be used instead of chinking?
Caulking
“Caulking” is a similar material to “chinking”, but usually has no texture or a very light texture. Caulking also generally has more elasticity than chinking products. Because of this, caulking works better in smaller joints (i.e. ¼” to 2” wide).
What is the best chinking?
The Original Elastic Log Home Chinking Since 1981, Perma-Chink Log Home Sealant has proven itself on thousands of chinked and chinkless style homes to become the most widely applied chinking in the world. It’s simply the best chinking by every measure: longevity, appearance, performance and ease of application.
Why do you put moss between logs log cabin?
The fiberglass insulation is not really acting as a typical insulator, it is performing the duty of preventing air flow from penetrating the interior of the cabin. Traditionally materials like moss, mud or home brewed chinking ( mixture of mud, clay, grass, and moss) were used to fill any gaps between the logs.
How much does it cost to seal a log cabin?
Sealing and Chinking Repair For a typical 1,500 square foot home, the price tag for this type of log cabin maintenance may run anywhere from $3,000 to $7,500. Homes that are not maintained properly may sustain damage. Wood that rots must be replaced when the resealing occurs, raising the cost even more.
Can you pressure wash a log cabin?
You’ll need to prepare the surface beyond cleaning for best results. Whatever you do, never use a pressure washer on log cabin walls. Almost all cabins are made of softwood. It’s too easy to damage the wood surface or accidentally drive water deep between the logs.
Which is the best chinking product for a log cabin?
Log Builder is available in 10.5 and 29-ounce tubes and 5-gallon pails. Log Jam Is a Premier Chinking Product Log Jam holds its seal against nature’s rain, wind, sleet, snow, and sun. Your log cabin, log home, or business will be comfortable because this product keeps the weather out all year-round.
What kind of maintenance should I do on my log cabin?
Depending on the age and location of your cabin, it may require maintenance often than others. The most important part of maintaining your log cabin is inspection. You should be constantly inspecting your cabin for signs of mould, bugs, gaps, cracks and holes.
Which is the best caulking product for a log cabin?
“Caulking and chinking are vital to stop air leaks, protect from insects, prevent wood decay, and ensure your log cabin lasts.” 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.
Is it OK to use chinking on logs?
Chinking both seals joints between logs for weather protection and acts as a decorative touch. It can be used on both the interior and exterior walls of your log structure. TIP: Your chinking must be chemically compatible with your stain, sealer, clear coat, or other preservative products to prevent problems.