Overview
Caulking Repair & Replacement Services
If the caulking on your log home needs to be repaired or replaced, Log Masters Restorations would love to earn your business. We understand pricing is important to you, but the cost of caulking work varies widely depending on your specific situation.
Each log home property brings a unique set of challenges, and our restoration processes may vary depending on your home’s location and surroundings. The level of regular maintenance—or lack thereof—also figures into our assessment, as do the materials used to build your log home and its design. For more details, read our article, “What We Consider in a Log Home Restoration Estimate.”
What Is Caulking?
Caulking and/or chinking is the sealant between your log home joinery that keeps drafts, bugs, and water out. Both chinking and caulking extend the life of your logs. Caulking of some type is almost always used on log homes, and chinking, which performs a similar function, is generally a design preference.
Caulking is very similar to chinking. It too is flexible, allowing movement when the logs compress or expand from season to season. This process is commonly used for homes with smaller logs or around windows and doors. You’ll generally find caulking on log homes even when chinking is used. The goal is the same though—keep the unwanted elements out! Call today to find out which option is right for your log home.
When Is Caulking Used?
- Between log joinery
- Around fixtures and window & door trim
- In new construction
- Homes with smaller logs
- Or as needed in log gaps in conjunction with backer rod
Does Your Log Home Need Caulking Work?
Over time, the caulking on your log home will likely start to show signs of normal wear. Cracks may be small and brittle or wide and long. But even the smallest cracks can lead to big problems. Removing and replacing your log home sealant not only improves the aesthetics, it also keeps your home draft-free, water-resistant and energy-efficient. Did we mention it also keeps bugs out?
When and how we apply caulk depends on your log home’s specific needs and the project’s scope. There are times when you should apply caulk after staining, and in some cases, before. We’ll be expanding on this topic in a future blog post. Contact us directly for pricing details.
Process Steps
Log Cabin Caulking
Step 1:
Apply backer rod or closed cell foam strip in any gaps or voids.
Step 2:
- Using a bulk loader, apply enough caulking to cover your backer rod.
- Or for tight joints, carefully apply a bead of caulk approximately ½” wide (pictured above).
Step 3:
Using a damp to wet paint brush, approximately 1” wide, gently brush caulking to a smooth or brushed finish.