Step 04 · Seal
Chinking & Caulking
Seals the joints between logs, the checks in them, and every corner and opening, with flexible products that move as logs move.
What it is
Logs move. They shrink and swell with the seasons, settle over the years, and develop checks (cracks) as they dry. Every one of those movements opens a path for air, water and insects. Chinking and caulking close those paths.
Chinking is the wider, textured sealant used between logs in many log homes, especially handcrafted and chink-style homes. Caulking is the narrower sealant used in log-on-log joints, corners, around windows and doors, and in checks. Both have to stay flexible, or the next season’s movement will tear them open again.
This work is the Seal step, done before the final finish so the stain goes over a weathertight shell.
Signs you need it
When to call about chinking & caulking
- Daylight or drafts between logs
- Chinking cracked, pulled away or missing in sections
- Caulk around windows and doors split or hard
- Upward-facing cracks (checks) in logs that hold water
- Insects getting inside through wall gaps
- Higher heating bills or cold spots along walls
How Cardi does it
Our method
- 01
Remove what’s failed
Loose, cracked or hardened chinking and caulk are cut out. Sound material that’s still bonded can often stay.
- 02
Clean and back
Joints are cleaned and dried. Backer rod goes in so the sealant bonds on two sides only and can stretch properly.
- 03
Apply and tool
Chinking or caulk goes in at the right depth and is tooled to a consistent profile. We match the color and texture of your existing chinking where possible.
- 04
Seal checks and openings
Upward-facing checks wider than about 1/4 inch get sealed, along with corners, butt joints and every penetration through the logs.
Where it fits
Chinking & caulking is part of step 04: Seal
Air and water get in through the gaps first. Sealing before staining means the finish goes over a tight, weatherproof shell.
FAQ
Chinking & caulking questions
Should chinking go on before or after staining?
Usually sealing comes before the final finish, so the stain goes over a tight shell. Some chinking products are designed to go on after stain. We follow the system and the manufacturer for your specific products.
Do all checks need to be sealed?
No. Checks on the sides and undersides of logs generally don’t collect water and can be left alone. It’s the upward-facing ones over about 1/4 inch that need attention.
How long does chinking last?
Quality elastic chinking can last many years when applied correctly, but it should be checked every year. Movement, settling and sun all take a toll at corners and on south walls.
Related services
Usually done alongside
Staining & Topcoats
Breathable, log-specific stain and topcoat systems, color-tested on your logs and applied to the right film thickness.
Learn more Step 03 · RepairLog Rot Repair
Finds soft wood, cuts it back to sound log and rebuilds it with consolidants, fillers or wood patches shaped to match.
Learn more Step 01 · InspectInspections & Maintenance
Free first inspections with a written, wall-by-wall scope, plus yearly checkups and maintenance coats that keep restoration costs down.
Learn moreBook an inspection
Book a chinking & caulking inspection
That’s what the inspection is for. It’s free, it’s in writing, and it breaks the house down wall by wall, so you can decide what to do now and what can wait.