Chinking and Caulking Services for Log Homes & Cabins

When it comes to sealing gaps in your log home or log cabin, choosing between caulk and chinking depends on the size of the gap between the log courses. The general rule is simple: if the gap is ¾ inch or less, caulk is your best option. For gaps larger than ¾ inch, chinking is the better choice.

Why Caulk and Chinking Matter

Both caulking and chinking products are designed to handle the natural movement of your log home. This flexibility is crucial for maintaining a proper seal as logs expand and contract with temperature and moisture changes. For larger gaps, we recommend using Grip Strip backer rod to fill the space before applying the chinking. This method creates a flat surface that allows the chink to stretch like a rubber band, ensuring durability over time.

Properly applied caulking or chinking can significantly improve your home’s energy efficiency. Sealing gaps around windows, doors, between log courses, and in corners will prevent drafts and help maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. Additionally, poorly installed or failing caulk and chink is one of the primary causes of log rot, making proper installation essential for preserving your log home.

Should You Caulk Log Checks?

While it might seem tempting to fill the natural checks (cracks) in your logs with caulk, we do not recommend this approach. Over time, the natural movement of the logs can cause the caulk to pull away, creating small cracks that allow water to seep in. Once water gets trapped inside the checks, it can’t evaporate easily, leading to log rot.

However, there are situations where filling these checks is necessary—particularly if a check runs into a window, door, or corner where wind, water, or insects can enter your home. In these cases, it’s essential to inspect and repair these areas during the spring and fall to prevent damage.

Our Recommendation: Shell Guard for Log Checks

Instead of caulking checks, we suggest applying a small bead of Shell Guard every one to two years. This treatment allows the check to “breathe” while stopping potential log rot from developing. Shell Guard keeps your logs protected without sealing off essential airflow, preserving the natural integrity of your log home or log cabin.

Products We Offer for Log Home Maintenance

At Timeless Wood Care, you can find high-quality products for your log home or log cabin:

• Energy Seal Caulk – Ideal for smaller gaps (¾ inch or less)
• Perma-Chink – Perfect for larger gaps and log chinking
• Grip Strip – A must-have backer rod for creating a stable surface before chinking
• Shell Guard – Protects your logs from rot while allowing them to breathe naturally

By using the right caulking and chinking methods and products, you can keep your log home efficient, comfortable, and well-protected from damage.