Wood is the main character in log homes, giving these distinct structures their aesthetic charisma and strong physical framework. But logs aren’t the only performers. Sealants work hard in their supporting role of keeping a log home’s interior cozy, comfy and protected from the elements. Not all sealants are the same. The best protection comes from matching the correct sealant product to the job.
What is a Sealant?
A sealant is a specialty caulking product that adheres to a surface to keep out bugs, moisture, pollutants (e.g., pollen, smoke, vehicle emissions, etc.), as well as hot and cold air. A good sealant must be able to stretch and flex with wood’s natural movement. Without this flexibility, gaps will form, leading to compromised performance.
Best Practices
A sealant’s performance depends on correct application. Make sure the surface is clean and always use proper backer material such as back rods, grip strips or EPS foam to ensure two-point adhesion leaving 3/8-inch thickness for the sealant. Masking tape will work if the gap is shallow.Thinking About Chinking
Chinking is applied between exterior or interior logs to fill in the gaps that naturally occur due to their irregular shapes and sizes. In the old days, chinking materials such as moss, mud, livestock hair, and even dung were resourceful but largely ineffective. Conventional cement mortar is rigid. Perma-Chink Systems, Inc. was the first company to introduce synthetic chinking to the market, which changed the game for log home owners. Today, they offer several chinking products.
Perma-Chink. Perma-Chink is an elastic log home chinking product. It has been refined and improved for superior adhesion and elasticity, ensuring it moves with a log’s expansion and contraction cycles. It’s blister-proof, slump-free and sets the industry standard for a high-performance, authentic aesthetic.
Perma-Chink’s log chinking visual appeal comes from an aggregate giving it a textured appearance. It comes in 10 colors to seamlessly blend in with the logs or assert the high-contrast style that cement mortar provides. Perma-Chink is designed to be used for gaps that are one inch or greater.
Energy Seal. For gaps between logs less than one inch, Energy Seal is right for the job. Energy Seal is just like Perma-Chink, but without the heavy aggregate. It contains just enough texture to mimic the visual characteristics of wood and accept a stain. Energy Seal comes in 12 different colors for a perfect match. It can be used around doors, windows, butt joints, or anywhere you want to seal out the elements and hide the caulk (sealant) line. Energy Seal can be purchased in bulk in a pail or by the tube.
Check the Logs
Naturally occurring cracks in the wood are called checks. Over time, new ones may develop or grow from small fissures. It’s important to seal upward-facing checks that are exposed to the elements. Checks inside the home, under a porch or facing downwards are less of a worry.
Check Mate 2 is a specialty product engineered specifically for log checks. It can withstand multiple expansion and contraction cycles and comes in multiple colors as well as clear.
High Performance Details
In addition to log gaps and checks, houses have many nooks and crannies that when sealed, fortify your home even more. This extends to the interior, like splash zones in kitchens, mudrooms and bathrooms.
Woodsman is a flexible, high-adhesion sealant that goes between the logs during the construction process and for general use around the house. Woodsman is more like what one imagines when thinking of traditional caulk with a shinier patina. Woodsman is extremely stretchable, UV resistant, water-tight, air-tight and adheres to just about any material imaginable — tile, wood, metal, glass, concrete, masonry and marble. It’s a fantastic go-to sealant for the interior and exterior.
End Game
Easily overlooked, the cut ends of logs are notorious for water penetration and sealing them helps prevent long-term deterioration. Simply apply a coating of Log End Seal to exterior log ends and fence posts for extra water-repellant power.
That’s a Wrap
Using the right sealants throughout your home is a sure way to keep your logs — and other materials — in tip-top shape. Armed with these tips and products, you’ll be prepared to protect your log home (and peace of mind!) for years to come.
