Hello and Welcome to Bearfort Lodge. I hope that you enjoy your visit and find the information you seek. Please feel free to leave a comment. -- Bearfort
When one thinks of log homes they tend to think of men. Rugged men, strapping men, men of field and forest, strong and solid. Men take these timbers and toil to construct. Their brawn provides them the leverage and strength to hoist these heavy loads, cut, chop, heave and hoe. Men are good at these things there is little doubt however, when it comes to chinking it takes a woman’s touch.
It is often stated that men are better at those manly things like building and that women are better at refining the thing that the man built into a home. Well guys, I may touch a nerve but I must tell you - women are better at log home chinking than men. And here are five reasons why:
While the snow is falling outside I’m working on repairing chinking inside the lodge.
Most of the chinking throughout the lodge is in great shape however there are a few spots here and there that are in need of attention. Some areas are simply cosmetic repairs and other areas are in need of being completely re-chinked. As you can see in the photos there has been damage to the chinking along the fireplace and chimney.
I’ve been gone for quite some time and have been working with a few people as to incorporating video into the website to provide how-to videos of some of the projects that are happening around here.
In an effort to provide better information as to the restoration progress around Bearfort Lodge and improved instructions and demonstrations of some of the projects this first video is simply an introduction.
A reader of Bearfort Lodge recently sent me this wonderful email and photos of their beautiful work - Stunning! - Here is their email and photos.
Hi there! Using your mortar mix suggestions and simple steps, laid back attitude, and easy tofollow article - we have finally re-chinked the logs under our porch!
Thanks to you - after two years of researching methods and what to use and how to do - yours was the simplest and best.
Perched atop a a 40′ ladder is not my idea of fun when it comes to chinking but you do what you have to do. Im not afraid of heights by any means - its just an awkward place to work.
A section of chinking was found to be loose way atop the north face. The 100 year old chinking had begun to give way and needed to be replaced. Had it been at eye level that would be fine but this was a foot below the roof line along the chimney. Oh well.
Here we are nearing the end of August. Autumn is approaching quickly and winter is not far behind sothis 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.
Recently a reader asked a question about chinking a hand hewn log home:
Am trying to figure out what is best to seal between logs [our log home is 100+ yrs. old.]. Most important consideration is keeping rodents out. .. Am sealing from the inside because clapboards are still outside. How can I apply mortar without it dripping out? .. Will Permachink keep rodents out?
Sounds like a great project Brian…
I dont know how large your logs are — but lets assume that they are anywhere from 8″ to 10″ tall by about 6″ thick. The gap between the logs may be about 8 ” on average as well.
Traditionally the space would be filled with a mixture of rocks and mud or rocks and mortar.
I have been flooded with email asking for a recipe for chinking which tells me that the season is well underway. Here is a quick link to the previous post on the chinking. The recipe shown on that post is the same material that is used here at the lodge.
I am preparing a page that will encompass chinking - there will be a quick reference to the page posted here on the site. The information will include recipes and step by step how to for those that want to make and apply their own chinking.
