21 Jan Chinking – What is it and how is it used?
What is Chinking?
Chinking is an elastomeric sealant material that has a coarse sanded surface that is designed to look like an old-fashioned mortar and is used on a range of real and artificial log home joints. For our concrete logs and siding, it is mainly used for aesthetic purposes but also helps to keep out the elements. It comes in various standard and custom colors designed to blend or contrast with the logs based on the desired look. Some of our log siding profiles are designed to require thinking but some allow it to be optional. See our Siding Profiles and Colors page for those options.
Who Sells it?
EverLog Systems does not sell or distribute any chinking or caulking materials. We recommend all of our customers use Weatherall 1010® Chinking which is sold exclusively by Weatherall Northwest. (406-363-4262 or weatherall@montana.com)
How is it Installed?
Weatherall 1010 Chinking has been specifically formulated for EverLogs and EverLog Siding. While not difficult, applying chinking to concrete substrates is different than wood. Weatherall offers simple tips and techniques that will save both time and money on the job site. Training is also available and referrals to trained installers are also provided upon request. Shaded sides can be chinked as usual and a scratch coat/top coat application is often utilized on sunny sides.
- 1010 Chinking utilizes a unique fibrous and patented formula which provides thicker viscosity, resulting in faster cure times. These faster cure times minimize the potential for blistering.
- 1010 has an accelerated cure time which means less potential for damage and attracting dirt and dust on the job site.
- 1010 is not prone to slumping when applied in the wide chink lines found on many installations.
- 1010 has the viscosity of stiff mortar and is the easiest chinking material to tool.
Features of Chinking?
- Weatherproof Barrier
- Sanded Mortar-Like Texture & Appearance
- Highly Flexible
- Superior Durability
- Excellent Adhesion
- Outstanding Color Retention and UV Stability
- Custom Colors
- Limited Lifetime Warranty
If you are considering installing concrete log siding on your home, you may have heard the term “chinking” used in reference to the installation process. But what exactly is chinking, and why is it important for concrete log siding? Let’s take a closer look.
What is Chinking?
Chinking is a type of sealant material that is used to fill gaps between the logs in a log home. It is typically made from an elastomeric material that is designed to be flexible, allowing for the expansion and contraction of the logs as they adjust to changes in temperature and humidity.
Chinking serves several purposes in log home construction. First and foremost, it helps to create a tight seal between the logs, preventing air and moisture from entering the home. This can help to improve energy efficiency and prevent damage to the home’s interior from moisture and pests.
In addition, chinking also plays an important role in the aesthetic appeal of log homes. It is typically designed to look like traditional mortar, giving the logs a rustic, traditional appearance that many homeowners desire.
How Does Chinking Work with Concrete Log Siding?
While chinking is traditionally associated with wood log homes, it can also be used with concrete log siding. In fact, many manufacturers of concrete log siding offer chinking as an option for creating a more authentic, traditional appearance.
Chinking is applied to the gaps between the concrete logs in much the same way as it would be applied to wood logs. It is typically applied in a thick, even layer, and then smoothed out to create a textured, mortar-like appearance.
Why is Chinking Great to Use?
There are several reasons why chinking is a great option for homeowners who are installing concrete log siding. First and foremost, chinking helps to create a tight seal between the logs, preventing air and moisture from entering the home. This can help to improve energy efficiency and protect the home’s interior from damage.
In addition, chinking can help to create a more authentic, traditional appearance for concrete log homes. Many homeowners prefer the rustic, textured look of chinking over the smooth, modern appearance of unchinked concrete log siding.
Overall, chinking is an important component of installing concrete log siding. Whether you’re looking to improve energy efficiency or create a more traditional appearance for your home, chinking can be a great option to consider. Be sure to consult with a professional installer to determine whether chinking is necessary for your specific siding profile and to choose the right color and type of chinking for your home.
Here are 4 things to consider when choosing chinking:
- Aesthetics: Chinking is primarily used for aesthetic purposes. It helps to create the look of traditional log cabin construction, which many homeowners desire. The coarse sanded surface of the chinking creates a rustic, textured appearance that can add character and charm to your home.
- Protection: In addition to its aesthetic benefits, chinking also helps to protect your concrete log siding from the elements. It fills gaps between the logs, preventing water, wind, and pests from entering your home. This can help to improve energy efficiency and protect your home from damage.
- Color Options: Another benefit of chinking is the wide range of color options available. This allows homeowners to choose a color that matches or contrasts with their concrete log siding, depending on their design preferences.
- Flexibility: Elastomeric sealant materials like chinking are designed to be flexible, allowing for movement between the logs as they expand and contract with temperature changes. This helps to prevent cracking and splitting in the chinking, ensuring that it continues to function properly over time.
Using Chinking with Everlogs Concrete Logs:
If you’re considering installing concrete log siding from EverLog Systems on your home, you may be wondering whether chinking is necessary or recommended. Here’s what you need to know about using chinking with EverLog Systems concrete siding and logs.
Do I Need to Use Chinking with EverLog Systems Concrete Siding?
The answer to this question depends on the specific profile of EverLog Systems concrete siding that you choose. Some profiles are designed to require chinking, while others allow it to be optional. Here are some of the profiles that require chinking:
- 16’ Hand-Hewn Siding
- 12’ Round Siding
Even if chinking is not required for your particular siding profile, you may still want to consider using it for aesthetic reasons. Chinking can help to create a more authentic, traditional appearance for your home, giving it the look of a traditional log cabin.
Benefits of Using Chinking with EverLog Systems Concrete Siding
If you do choose to use chinking with your EverLog Systems concrete siding, there are several benefits to consider:
- Improved Energy Efficiency: Chinking can help to create a tight seal between the logs, preventing air and moisture from entering the home. This can help to improve energy efficiency and reduce heating and cooling costs.
- Enhanced Protection: Chinking can also help to protect your home from moisture and pests, preventing damage to the interior of your home.
- Aesthetic Appeal: As mentioned, chinking can help to create a more authentic, traditional appearance for your home. This can add character and charm, creating a unique and beautiful look for your property.
Choosing the Right Chinking for Your EverLog Systems Concrete Siding
When choosing chinking for your EverLog Systems concrete siding, it’s important to select a high-quality product that is designed to be compatible with the specific siding profile you have chosen. EverLog Systems recommends Weatherall 1010® Chinking which is sold exclusively by Weatherall Northwest (406-363-4262 or weatherall@montana.com)..
In addition, be sure to choose a chinking color that complements or contrasts with your siding, depending on the look you’re trying to achieve. Perma-Chink offers a range of standard and custom colors to choose from, so you can find the perfect match for your home.
Overall, using chinking with EverLog Systems concrete siding and logs can be a great way to enhance the energy efficiency, protection, and aesthetic appeal of your home. Be sure to consult with us to determine whether chinking is necessary for your specific siding profile and to choose the right color and type of chinking for your home.
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