Log Home Chinking

What Is Chinking?

Chinking is a specialized elastic material applied between horizontal log courses and around corners, windows, and doors. It provides:

• a weather-tight seal

• air and moisture control

• insulation stability

• structural protection

• a finished, polished look

Traditional chinking (cement, lime, mortar) was rigid and cracked as logs moved.
Today’s chinking is:

• flexible

• textured

• water-based

• vapour-permeable

• engineered for log movement

Modern chinking can last decades with proper application.

Why Is Chinking Important?
Proper chinking:
✔ Prevents water intrusion
Rain, snow, and wind-driven moisture can enter gaps between logs. Chinking stops this.
✔ Prevents rot and mold
Water entering behind logs causes hidden rot. Chinking keeps logs dry and protected.
✔ Improves heat efficiency
Unsealed gaps allow drafts, heat loss, and high energy bills. Chinking dramatically improves insulation value.
✔ Blocks insects and rodents
A properly sealed home prevents insects, spiders, bees, ants, and small rodents from entering the log walls.
✔ Enhances appearance
A clean, even chinking line gives a log home a finished and beautiful aesthetic.

Our Chinking Services
We offer full chinking and re-chinking services, including:
✔ New Chinking Installation
For older log homes, or cabins that have never been sealed properly.
✔ Re-Chinking (Replacing Old or Failing Chinking)
Older acrylics, cement-based systems, and cracked, brittle materials are removed and replaced with new Perma-Chink products.
✔ Touch-Up Chinking & Problem Area Sealing
For localized repairs around:

• windows

• door frames

• log corners

• settling gaps

• insect entry points

✔ Interior Chinking
Creates a clean, finished look and improves energy efficiency inside the home.

Our Chinking Materials: Perma-Chink Systems®
We use only:
Perma-Chink® (Traditional textured chinking)

• Interior + exterior use

• Maximum flexibility

• Longest lifespan in the industry

• Highly breathable

Energy Seal® (Narrow-gap sealant)

• Ideal for small checks, cracks, and seams

• Matches log colour

• Very elastic and durable

Check Mate 2® (Check-sealing product)

• Seals upward-facing cracks that collect water

• Prevents rot before it starts

All products are:

• water-based

• low-VOC

• environmentally responsible

• compatible with Perma-Chink stains and topcoats

• designed for Canadian weather extremes

Our Chinking Process
✔ 1. Inspection of Existing Seals
We assess adhesion, flexibility, cracking, and movement gaps.
✔ 2. Remove Damaged or Failing Material
Old mortar, brittle acrylics, failing caulks, or loose sections are cut out and cleaned.
✔ 3. Install Proper Backing Material
We use approved backer rod or bond breakers to ensure:

• correct depth

• flexibility

• proper adhesion

• long-term performance

✔ 4. Apply Perma-Chink Chinking or Sealant
Product is applied cleanly and professionally using specialty chinking tools.
✔ 5. Tooling & Shaping
We smooth, shape, and finish the chinking for:

• strong adhesion

• clean appearance

• lasting flexibility

✔ 6. Cleanup & Quality Check
After application, we verify all seams, corners, and gaps are fully sealed.

Why Chinking Fails (Common Problems)
We often see issues caused by:

• applying chinking without proper backing

• using cement-based or rigid materials

• applying chinking over dirty or moldy surfaces

• poor adhesion from oil-based stains

• incorrect gap depth

• seasonal movement pulling chinking away

• cracking due to UV exposure

We correct these problems and ensure a proper installation that won't fail prematurely.

Colour Matching & Aesthetic Options
Perma-Chink chinking comes in dozens of colours that match:

• your stain

• your log species

• your preferred style

• modern or traditional aesthetics

We provide on-site samples so you see the exact colour before application.

Chinking & Energy Efficiency
Properly chinked homes experience:

• reduced heating and cooling costs

• fewer drafts

• more stable interior temperatures

• improved comfort year-round

Chinking is one of the best long-term investments for any log home.

Do All Log Homes Need Chinking?
Most do.
Even “chinkless” or milled homes eventually develop:

• shrinkage gaps

• settling cracks

• checking

• separation between logs

Modern elastic chinking blends seamlessly even into chinkless designs and provides additional protection.

Cost of Log Home Chinking
Chinking cost depends on:

• total linear footage

• width of gaps

• condition of existing material

• whether full removal is needed

• interior vs. exterior application

• scaffolding requirements

We provide free estimates, and photos are often enough to begin.