Log Home Restoration: Chinking

 

 

 

 

 

Log Home Chinking can be applied different ways. Depending on the look the log home owner wants will determine which technique will be used and even the type of chinking used.

On this log home restoration in South Carolina, we taped each chink line. This makes a clean and neat line. When doing it this way, it is important to not leave the tape on too long.  The longer the tape is left on, the harder it is to remove. But it has to stay on long enough for the chinking to “skin” over. However, removing it too soon and the chinking can run. Waiting too long and the chinking will stick to the tape, pulling it out of the joint.

The weather and sun will dictate how long to leave the tape on. After a few runs have been applied, you get a “feel” for the drying time of the chinking and can carefully pull the tape slowly while lifting only slightly and in short (2-3 feet) sections. It is not hard, but it is a slow and somewhat tedious process.