Log Home Restoration:What About The Caulking?

Poorly applied caulking not only looks bad, it will not keep out insects, water and air leaks. Proper caulking is more than squeezing some caulking in a crack and maybe running your finger down it.

 

 

 

 

First, the joint or check should be clean and free of dirt, mildew and old failing stains or the caulking will not adhere properly.

Also, “backer rod,” (a filler material made of polystyrene)should be installed before caulking larger joints. This material acts as a filler but also keeps the caulking from adhering to the back of the joint. This allows the caulking to attach to the top and bottom of the joint allowing it to stretch in two directions rather than three giving it more elasticity. 

 

 

 Once a bead of caulk is applied, it must be “tooled” into the joint to ensure good adhesion. Light pressure with a wet finger followed by a danp sponge works well. Once tooled, the sponge can be used to clean up the joint leaving a nice clean seam that when cured, will hold up well to log movement, weather and insects.