Timber Match Caulking
Application Guide
Log Checks
Checks are cracks in the logs that can be very small to very large. They occur when the different parts of the logs lose their moisture at different rates (during the first one to two years), causing stress and twisting in the logs. Checks larger than 1/8” that develop on the upper halves of the logs on the exterior of the home should be filled; if they are not caulked, they could cause the wood finish to flake and peel, leaving the wood unprotected.
Procedure:
Ensure the area to be caulked is clean of dust, dirt, grime and moisture. Press backer rod into the check, leaving about 1/8” to ¼”. With a caulk gun, apply enough Timber Match caulk to fill the remaining gap of the check. With a wet finger or wet trowel, wipe away the excess caulk. Then wash away all of the excess caulk on either side of the check with a clean wet sponge. Any excess caulk left behind will show up as a faded area, and will not be able to be removed if allowed to dry.
Photo courtesy of Franklin Industries |
Window and Door Openings
Caulking around windows and doors stops air and moisture from entering or exiting these areas.
Procedure:
Using the correct size of backer rod based on the area to be filled, press it into place, leaving approximately ¼”. With a caulk gun, apply enough Timber Match caulk to fill the remaining gap with a smooth continuous running line. Clean up with a wet sponge and remove all excess caulk from either side of the caulk line. Excess caulk left behind will show up as a faded area, and will not be able to be removed if allowed to dry.
Insulation between the Logs (Invisible Chinking)
This is done to create a dead air space where logs lay on top of each other.
Generally speaking, logs have great R-Value or Thermal Value. However, between the logs, the practice usually is to add only a single or double line of tape. This is likely not enough of a barrier to stop warm air from escaping and cold air from getting in. In addition, as the outside run of tape is approximately 1” in from the outer part of the wall, water can get in the gap and it is best to prevent this from occurring.
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Photo courtesy of Franklin Industries
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Procedure for the exterior:
Step 1 - With a cleaner especially designed for cleaning log homes, like Timber Prep, spray it on the entire exterior of the home (see Timber Prep application directions: Step 1 in Nature’s Edge Finishes Application Guide).
Step 2 – If the invisible chink line will be larger than ½”, apply a line of ½” masking tape to the inside of the crack where the caulk is to go. Staple the masking tape into place if it wants to move. Once the tape has been applied or if the invisible check is less than ½”, begin applying the caulk.
Step 3 – Use a refillable bulk gun with variable tips. If the chink line is no more than 3/8”, you can use the 29 oz tubes in a regular caulk gun instead. While the bulk gun is more expensive, it has a variety of tips available, making the job much easier. For bulk guns, attach the correct size tip to the gun barrel. If using the 29 oz tubes, cut the barrel of the tube to the approximate size of the chink line. Either way, hold the gun at 90 degrees to the building and squeeze the trigger until a bead starts to form on the lead edge of the tip. Then, as smoothly possible, create a line about 6 feet long, being careful to always see the bead forming at the tip of the barrel. Use a trowel for the appropriate chink line size to create a smooth consistent line. With a wet sponge, wipe away any excess, then rinse the sponge (or use a second clean one) and go down each side of the chink line until all the residue is gone. Repeat this process until the area is perfectly clean. If any is left behind it will show up as a faded area, and will not be able to be removed if left to dry. Follow this procedure until all the horizontal runs and corner logs are complete. When caulking the corner logs, include the vertical runs and around the ends to prevent water from getting in.
Procedure for the interior:
Repeat the above procedure for the interior, with the following exception:
Wash down the walls with warm soapy water to remove any dirt and dust. With a sponge and clean water, rinse the soapy residue off the logs. Then follow Step 3 above.
