Here we are nearing the end of August. Autumn is approaching quickly and winter is not far behind so
this is the time in which log cabin owners should begin the late season inspection of logs and chinking.
Let’s focus on the chinking for now.
Late summer is a great time to do a final inspection of your chinking before the cold weather sets in. Why you may ask? If you need to make any repairs or touch-ups on chinking and use synthetic chinking materials keep in mind that these products are to be used in temperatures greater then 40 degrees. Therefore inspecting your chinking now provides you with the adequate time to make your repairs before the cold weather sets in.
Traditional mortar chinkers do not have to worry so much about the temperature but do we like to keep our fingers warm.
How do you inspect chinking?
Inspecting your chinking is a rather simple task of walking around the house and taking a close look at each of your chinking lines. No doubt some ares will require a ladder to access so be careful.
What do you look for when inspecting?
Synthetic Chinking: Take a close look at the chink line — look for any areas in which the chinking has pulled away from the log above or below. If you find a spot in which the chinking seal had failed or pulled away from the log either mark the spot of make note of its location for future repair. Looked for cracking or hanging material and mark those areas. Do not poke or pull at holes, cracks or spots that have pulled away from the logs but rather inspect those areas carefully to see if you can determine the extent of the damage or the reason for the damage.
Pulling or tugging at the area can simply create more of a situation. If you suspect that the situation is more complex than a simple “pull away” and are concerned as to what to do – feel free to contact me or contact the synthetic chinking manufacturer.
Traditional Mortar Chinking: Take a close look at your chinking and look for any area in which the
chinking is badly cracked or loose. Mark or not the location of any loose or missing material for future repair.
Why mark or make note of bad spots for some future repair? Why not just fix it on the spot?
Depending on how many repairs you find it can be more efficient to make a single batch of chinking (for those using traditional mortar chinking) than to make several small batches. Synthetic chinking fans will find it easier to deal with the material once and take care of several spots at one time than going through the clean up several times. Synthetic chinking can be messy stuff at times. Most synthetic chinking is easily handled with and cleaned up with simple rubbing 
alcohol. (use a spray bottle filled with rubbing alcohol – to douse your hands and tools for easier handling of the synthetic stuff)
Synthetic chinkers should carefully follow the directions of the manufacturer for touching up their chinking.
Traditional mortar chinkers – well you are a hardy bunch and can handle just about anything but if you have any questions please feel free to ask me.
Do you have any questions about inspecting chinking or chinking repair? Do you have any comments about inspecting or repairing chinking that you would like to share?
