Ask The Log Doctor - Questions / Answers about Log Home Repair and Restoration!

Question:

I am cleaning and re caulking the exterior of my logs. Should i use latex or latex acrylic caulk or is there any difference. I am not caulking checks, just horizontal at each course. Thanks John A Mote

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Question:

I have an old growth stand of oak, spruce, beech, yellow birch, and rock maple. I want to sell the wood as cutom orders for special projects due to the quality of the wood.
I got a person wanting to buy a log to make a mast for the their sailboat. And also, how do I find plank prices on the net? We have aged hardwood planks that have been drying for 20 years.

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Question:

I recently began removing and re-chinking a log home in Door County, WI. I used a recipe of 6 parts silica sand and 4 parts type M mortar. The logs were kept dry and much of the work was done in the sun. The next day we had several hair line vertical cracks. What causes the cracks? How do I need to change the recipe to prevent the cracks? Do I need to redo the chinking?

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Question:

We are trying to decide on the color of the chinking for our log home. The logs are a dark cherry color. The windows and doors are white aluminum.

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Question:

I have a fairly new log home built with 6x8 D logs. Gaps have opened up between logs pretty much everywhere, some as wide a 1/4 inch. Previous owner has gone in a caulked to fill in voids. What do yo recommend short of covering logs with siding?

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Question:

I own a 50+ year old log cabin that was originally chinked with oakum. I am preparing to chink the interior. In a number of places the oakum has come out of the log spaces, but in many places it is solidly in place. Can I apply chinking (Weatherall or Permachink) directly over the oakum, or must it be removed and replaced with a modern backer rod of some sort?
Thanks for your help.

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Question:

I HAVE BEEN ASK TO RESTORE A 200 YR OL D BARN, SQUARE LOGS, YOU CAN SEE TOTALLY BETWEEN THE LOGS, NO MATERIAL IS LEFT IN THEM, THE LOGS ARE BIG AND SQUARE WITH SOME GAPS IN EXCESS OF 2 O OR 2.5 INCHES,WHAT WOULD BE YOUR RECOMENDATIONS TO SEAL THESE GAPS UP, IT WILL BE A HISTORIC RESTORATION AND BUDGET IS NOT UNLIMITED.

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Question:

I'm stripping my logs with sodium hydroxide. Will this harm the caulking on the logs? It is Log Builder caulking.

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Question:

why does my roof leak in the winter,have 4 inches of high r plus a 3/4 air gap

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Question:

I am building a small guest cabin here in northwest Florida out of long needle pine logs I cut off our property. They vary in size from 11 inches wide to 8 inches wide, and are from 9 inches to 7 inches in thickness-height. I am lapping on coarse, the butting the next coarse , then lapping the next, spiking them with 10 inch galvanished spikes. To do this I have to drill about a 3 inch hole and drive the spikes into the log below. So (1)is it okay to fill these holes with Liquid Nails caulking?

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Question:

We have a 45 year old log cabin in the foothills of the Adirondacks. The bottom logs have rotted to point that we cut off the ends and filled with mortar cement. We get up to 400 inches of snow a winter and the snow is against it until late April. We would like to maintain the interior log look but must cover the outside to save this cabin. We want to make repairs to bottom log (s). One problem we have is that we built on an addition to the end of camp and it would be difficult to get at those l

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Question:

Getting a neat chink line around the joints of our saddle notched logs isn't as easy as I expected. Any suggestions on technique for this?

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Question:

Following advice, we filled all upward-facing checks in our logs with a product called Check-Mate. I read that you don't recommend this procedure because it can promote rot. So, now what? We are in a semi-arid climate.

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Question:

We are interested in doing some chinking for our son (log home builder) and have experience on our own home but have no idea how much to charge. The house in question is about 2000 sq feet with D logs, to be chinked on the outside only, they will supply everything we will only charge labor. Cost?
Thank you
Patty

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Question:

i installed a humidifier in my 10 year old loghome. mylogs startd checking on th interior. Why?

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Question:

We have a three year old log home. The house has settled and we have numerous places where the logs on the interior and exterior have separated. How often should you tighten down a log home and how many turns etc. do you make at each corner.

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Question:

My log home is caulked is oil base it needs to be redone and it is very hard to get a good smooth line.I was told that all you can do is use your finger with baby oil on it.can you tell me if there is any other way.this is a nightmare Thank you

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Question:

We recently purchased a square pine log home that is 20 yrs old. some of the interior and exterior logs are showing gaps, but not all. with the square style, should i chink or just place a sealent between all the logs. all the pictures i see iwth chink have the round style, but the interior is square. I want to get this solved before it gets worse. I also wanted to know how to get 20 yr old paint off of logs or should i just cover it.
Thanks,
Steph.

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Question:

I was reading your Chinking vs. Mortar page and it disappeared. Can't find it!!! Important I read it as I'm doing a 1500 sf addition to my "new" kit log home with 200-yr-old logs. I want to use mortar but afraid it will crack and crumble. HELP!

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Question:

I have become the owner of a hand hewn log home built 1930. I need to find something to fill in the space between the logs. The orignal mud is missing in between most logs.

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Question:

I MADE A BIG MISTAKE ON PAINTING MY LOG HOME.WHAT DO YOU RECOMMEND I DO NOW? SHOULD I LEAVE IT ALONE?

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Question:

I have always dreamed of having a log home however a friend of mine said they they are alot of work to maintain. I know nothing about them other that they are beautiful. Could you please tell me what is required in maintaining them.

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Question:

My 1000 sq. ft. log home is about 8yrs old and sits on concrete slab. I have found drafts between the bottom log and concrete. I originally used silicone chaulk a few months ago but with the cold winter there was movement of logs causing 1/4" air drafts in a few areas. I know I must scrape out the silicone and chaulk or chink but which one? Will one adhere better between wood and concrete? Is there anything that improves conrete adhesion other than clean and dust free? I am a new log home

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Question:

Hello,
We bought a 3 story butt and pass system log home. The previous owner put in mortar chinking, but my family and I don't like it. We do not want to replace all the chinking, but go over it with the synthetic chinking. Is that possible?

Thanks,
Grant S.

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Question:

I am considering the purchase of a log home built in 1975ish, It has the d-logs but the logs themselves are only about 2-1/2 inches thick and 4 inches high with t&G. I live in PA and I am afraid that this place hard/expensive to heat because the walls are so thin.
Will I need to build insulated walls inside of the house to be able to heat the place? Is this house a loser and I should walk away?

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Question:

restoring log home built in 1700's. permachink is just too costly for this size home can you recommend a recipe for something or could i use joint compound.space between logs is about 3-5". thanks

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Question:

We are presently building a log home. We are doing a lot of the work ourselves. A family member came in this weekend to help us caulk the logs. Much to my dismay, he got caulk all over the logs and did a VERY poor job. Is there anyway to get the caulk off of the logs once it has dried without compromisiing the integrity of the logs?

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Question:

I am considering purchasing a 30 y/o log home in southern Oregon. There are significant checks in the logs. Since the climate is very wet in winter, does this necessarily mean the house will need extensive repairs and/or do you know of anyone in my area that works on log homes?

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Question:

I am rechinking an old log cabin, about 150 years old. I have seen the synthetic chinking and have also seen recipes for making chinking as well. I was wondering which one is actually the best? Someone told me that the synthetic chinking traps moisture behind the chink because it can't breathe. So which one is best?

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Question:

Hi,
I live in Romania and I hired a contractor to build a beautiful log house for my family. The logs they will use are 35 cm wide and they said they have a special method of putting them together (they make 5 incisions in the logs) that will not permit humidity and other stuff to get in. The thing is that in Romania nobody does chinking, but after I studied few internet sites I think is a good idea to chink the logs after construction. Can you
recommend any products and approximate quantati

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Question:

just finished chinking with homemade chinking cement sand,lime,mortar mix . how long before we can seal or paint it thank you for your help

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Question:

I have been offered logs from a old dismantled 2 story log home, these logs have been laying on the ground exposed to the elements for about 20 years. I have not viewed them yet, could they possibly be restored or have they been exposed to long? Thank you, Kathy

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Question:

As to a bark-on spruce log building 80+ yrs old, the oakum chinking needs to be re-done, can or how does one make their own, or can I use the oakum that is for marine use?

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Question:

you recomend adding lime to chinking recipe - 1 part mortar mix, 1 part portland cement and 5 parts white sand so how much lime do i add? thank you. we are rechinking a 1870 log cabin.

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Question:

have 30 yr old cedar log home - w/plank pine or cedar floors. Need to fill 1/4"-1/2" cracks between planks - concerned about filling with wood filler - afraid filler will fall apart as boards move from walking and moving furniture etc. - is there a good alternative or are my concerns unfounded. Appreciate your valued advice!

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Question:

Is energy seal applied pre or post staining? I would like to stain before the temps drop below the reccomended temp during stain application

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Question:

Your thoughts on using a stainable woodfiller (Minwax)to fill insect holes and groove in logs prior to staining w/ latex stain.

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Question:

what can i use for a clear top coat over stain on the exterior of a deck that will hold up to the elements. polyurethane does not hold up. is there an epoxy or a marine product i can buy?

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Question:

We have a 75 year old cabin. The chinking strips are very wide (abount 4 in). On both the exterior and interior chinkong, there are sections that have fell off in chunks. While no gaps are showing, the appearance has led to the state rangers inspections to have us fix them. It appears that the chinking is mortar-based. Wht is the best way to repair this and keep a cohesive appearance? Would the synthetic chinking material make it look "patched"? I also noticed chinking peeled away fro the

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Question:

We purchased hand hewn timbers to remodel a basement to look like a cabin. We treated the timbers with borate and are ready to put them on the wall. The timbers are of different widths but our plan was to space them 3-5 inches apart. The depth of the timbers is close to 2 inches. Can I use chicken wire as a backer or would something else work better. We were going to put mortar as the chinking but want it a very light grey color. What is your recommendation.

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Question:

The exterior Tamarack logs on our old cabin have a lot of cracks...some larger than others...the chinking seems to be ok...maybe lifted on the feathering edge a bit, but during heavy rains, I fear that rain is being driven into these cracks, both large and small. I may be all wet myself, but am wondering if concocting a wet cement and then sponging it over the logs...maybe jamming some extra cement into the larger cracks... does this idea have any change of working or should I slow down and me

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Question:

30 yr old log cabin w/ 6-8" exposed log interior chinked w/ mortar/lime. I want to apply a clear sealer via tank sprayer to reduce dust collecting and smoothe surface.What product do you recommend?

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Question:

old log cabin w/ 2" white oak flooring . How best to fill the 1/4 to 1/2 inch gaps in the floor. I have been using rope and polyurethane.
Not concerned with color or beauty...

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Question:

Log home needs help... leaks badly when it rains, rotting logs, drafts, etc.
Can you refer qualified contractor or indivual to evaluate and give recommendations, @ Harrisburg, MO area. From reading all these posts, sound like buying log home was a BAD idea!
Thanks!

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Question:

Hi There ~
I am planning on building a log cabin out of juniper that is on my place can you recommend a chinking method would like to do it the way
the old timers did but would like your recomendations ? I have also heard of people putting insulation between the logs what is your thought on this?
Thanks for your time an help it is much appreciated!

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Question:

The north side of my 28 year old pine log home needs at least 50' of logs replaced. I typically replace the outer side of the logs only. Other logs are not so bad and I have been using a combination of liquid epoxy and impel rods to arrest the rot. My question is when is it time to replace a log rather than try to save it. Also, can epoxy sealers go hand and hand with impel rods and boricide?

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Question:

Most of the logs in our Alabama cabin are 160 years old. The square logs are 6" x 18" The gap between the logs varies from 1/2" to 3". I plan to re-chink. Dad put pieces of wood between the logs for insulation when he chinked with mortar in the 70s. Should I take out the wood. I was thinking of adding wool rope or Styrofoam behind the grip strip for the larger gaps. What do you recommend?

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Question:

I have a contractor who has recommended Dow CWS as a chinking material. He says it will hold up well and can be stained over if we don't want a contrast. What is your opinion on the durability of this product and it's use as a chinking material? Will stain (Sikkens) adhere to this material satisfactorily? Thanks for your help. gary

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Question:

I would like to re-chink my hand hewn doug fir log cabin with 8 in rounds. Should the perma-chink go over the current mortar chink or do I chip out the mortar, clean/stain the wood, install grip -strip and re-chink. What is the "right"/best way to proceed for lasting repair/good investment over time? Thanks

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Question:

Should I paint a Log Cabin before or after chinking? Thanks, Tony

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Question:

We just acquired a small log cabin and are in process of adding a 2-storey stick-framed addition (apologies to purists!) What products are out there to fill the gaps between the log walls and flat walls? The cabin is very tight, though 30 yrs old, and doesn't have or need chinking. Thanks for any advice you can give us.

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Question:

Is there any stores in ohio that sells woodguard stains. I live in west-central ohio near marysville. Thank you.

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Question:

log home has no insulation around windows/doors either inside or outside. How do I seal around windowsand doors?

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Question:

What would you suggest to fill large gaps in the logs themselves? I have 1 to 1.5 inch gaps in the actual logs on the outside. If the gaps are facing down, they are not a problem. However, some gaps face upwards, where water flows into and remains. Thanks.

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Question:

Hi - I rent a 3-sided log house in Interior Alaska. I get some major drafts from some cracks in the logs that are between 1/4 and 1/2 inch wide in places - especially at the corners. I've been told that all three sided log places should have cracks chinked because they are so drafty. Reading through your website, it appears you don't recommend filling them because they require a lot of upkeep. My landlord wants to fill with spray foam. I'm not crazy about that idea but it's not my place. De

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Question:

Log cabin built in 1992. Owner used any kind of sealant he could find for chinking. I would like to pressure wash/clean re-stain and chink. It that the sequence, staining then chinking? Thanks.

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Question:

i have a question, ..i have real large gaps where the logs have torn open the whole log it self. and the beams have twisted during the winter, i tighted the bolts but still have large gaps lots of wind comes in, i had the outside seams filled with seal, but the door part has opened twice as big, what should i try..windows leak, draft comes in and also bugs of many sizes. i need help

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Question:

cracks in my chinking, interior and exterior. Very drafty in the winter. Not to mention the bee's and bugs that find there way in. I have roughly 2+ inch chinking. can I chink over gaps and blend it in? What product do you recommend?

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Question:

I have a old log cabin built in the forties, that has several coats of red paint on it. Will corn cob blasting work to strip this old gem back to raw wood? If so, what grit is recommended?

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Question:

We are refinishing a log home built in the 80's I already pressure washed it before I read your web site. What do I do now? how long before it is safe to stain? I was told that you have to use grip strip under energy seal caulking and chinking. The smallest grip strip is 3\4 so your caulking lines are going to be 3/4 to cover the grip strip. Also can you use grip strip in the corners where the logs come together (the zipper) or it is better to use backing rod? Please help. Everyone I ask has a

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Question:

I have an eight year old square log home. I recently noticed that there is a gap in the top of the dining room window and under cabinates. Whicte foamy morsels have been periodically dropping from these gaps. I am wondering if a critter has disturebed some insulation put around these areas. Should I chink around the interior window and cabinate? Does this white foamy stuff sound like insulation...It squished down in my fingers. Also, is there a certain type of chinking safe for indoors...I

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Question:

We are building a 6x8 D log log home and are in the process of stacking the logs now. From the inside they are not lining up as perfectly as we saw in the model. Some logs are slightly warped and some just seem to be slightly different depth than the others leaving a not so even appearance on the inside. The log home company said they will replace the really warped logs but they would need to replace about 75% to get that model smooth appearance. Is this normal? Should we try to plane some of th

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I was also wondering if there is someone available who can come in and tell me what needs to be done and what I can do to fix some things that bother me. I live in Willow, Alaska

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Question:

I just purchased a log home. The interior chinking is not very neat. It is not at all smooth and has dripped onto some of the logs. How can I repair this.
I also wanted to know why some of the logs on the interior are not as shiny. Do they need to be restained?

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Question:

we just purchaed an awesome log home and moved in feb. we had a very bad storm which resulted in massive water coming into our first floor living room. there is also water coming into the mst closet and bedroom. the previous owners did not disclose anything to us about the water and have since told us that they had water numerous times before. re-chinking was done in sept of 2007 and the house is only 5 years old....any thoughts. we are very nervous about what is going on behind the wall an

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Question:

I have a red pine log home with a stone fireplace and chimney. The prior owner had problems with birds and other animals getting between the chimney and the logs. There is an approx. 1.5-2.5 inch gap between the home and the chimney. They put insulation and then spray foam to seal the gap. I'm in the process of removing the foam and insulation because of it holding water and turning the logs black around the chimney. What would be the best way to seal this area and keep the logs from rotting be

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Question:

Home, Bulid. 2004, (1200sq.ft )chinking not done right around windows, and on ouside logs, looks like contractor use old chinking, (morter), had ESt. for Perma-chink, taking out some of the old, and covering some of the old,
and restainig with perma stain and top coat, they where going to pressure wash then chink and stain, I know this is not going to be cheap, but thought $23,595.00 was way to much is this out of line is their somthing less coastly to use, we are trying to get other Est.

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Question:

I've been contacted by an old lady who is building a log home for help. The house is located in Arkansas.

Her logs were left exposed for 10 months. Her contractor got to dry-in this winter and turned on propane heaters.

The logs immediately turned black with mold.

The contractor has told her that he's applied a "BRAND NEW" EPA Approved mildecide for interior use. He told her it's so nontoxic that you could lick the stuff but it kills the mold.

He says that he has applied oil

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Question:

The chinking of the garage was not finished by the previous owner. I would like to finish it. It is hard to justify the expense of the perma chink for a garage. Do you have a formula for mortar chink. I have to cut some corners somewhere this chink repair and rechink is getting expensive.

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Question:

my windows and doors in my new southland loghome needs to be insulated. what do you recommend I use, spray foam or caulking ? perhaps something of your preference.

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Question:

I'm working on restoring a 70 to 80 year old barn. I would like to keep the original outside walls, that are in good shape. You can see through the vertical wood walls as with any barn in this age range. There are gaps of 1/2 to 1.5 between each board. I'm looking for a material that can be placed on the inside of the walls to prevent moisture(rain) from penetrating without compromising the exterior old look or rotting it. The material would have to run to the floor to keep water out. I plan o

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Thankyou for your answer regarding our drywall concerns. You advised 2x4 and 6mm poly but didnt mention insulation.Should we use pink insulation?,styrofoam,or no insultaion.
We live in a northern climate.Thank you

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Question:

Hi. I just bought a 15-year old Appalachian-style log home In W. KY in Sept and now have discovered that after a hard freeze, when it warms up, our walls are leaking inside where the roof meets the walls. The dripping water is only in a few areas scattered around the house and is coming from behind 4-inch wide trim. Where do I start? Thanks for your help. Pam

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Question:

We are renovating our 200 yr old, hand hewn log cabin,we would like to drywall certain areas(all outsidewalls).Do we use the convetional method 2x6 insulation,6mm poly, and drywall.I am concerned about mold. How do we drywall the inside of our log cabin properly.
thx df

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Question:

My summer log cabin is for summer use only. I am thinking of chinking the outside to keep the inside rustic and natural looking. My main goal is to avoid air and water seepage. Is this an appropriate way of proceeding? Can chinking be for outside use? If so, is chinking paintable and made to withstand cold winters?

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Question:

I'm working on a portion of a log wall that was built in 1857. My problem is i don't know what to do about sealing the wall so that the loose mud will not fall out . The wall is exposed in our new family addition.

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Question:

I purchased a log home buil in 1987. The chinking appears to a board with a permanent textured finish. It fits into a grove in the upper log and butts against a lip in the lower log. Several of these boards are water damaged due to an improperly installed deck. The deck is now a porch, can I purchase these boards anywhere or is there another suitable chinking method?

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Question:

Hello, I have a log cabin one year old and i have already caulked the front of it, i mean i caulked all the checks. Will it be ok, now that i know you say not to do that. What should i do?

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i WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THERE IS ANYONE WHO CAN INSPECT AND ADVISE US OF A POSSIBLE PURCHASE OF A 2 STORY LOG CABIN NEAR THE JERSEY SHORE. thanks!

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Question:

We recently buily a home and used the flat log siding which has the chinking stripes in it. We have stained it. Can I use a latex paint and add sand to this to paint the stripes to make it look like chinking? There are no gaps it is solid and I just want the look and not the actual thickness of real chinking.

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Question:

I am wanting to replace the wood chinking in an 100 year old cellar. I want to replace with traditional wood chinking. What type of wood shims do I use and what should the width be?

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Question:

I just bough a 20 25 year old post and beam home and fround some lasge cracks in the exposed roof beams. what do I do to fix it? The beam runs 20 feet and just a section is split..

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Question:

Our recently purchased western cedar log cabin was built around 1974. Other than dusting, should the interior walls be cleaned regularly? If so, what should we use? Thanks,

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Question:

my interior log walls (only 18 months old) are oozing white stains....what is that?

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Question:

When using pre-mixed mortar, should lime be added to the mx?

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Question:

Our log home is built with tongue-in-groove logs which sit flat on each other with afoam gasket seal. The seal has deteriorated so we need to caulk or chink, also around all windows & doors to fix a couple of water leaks. Then we would clean the logs & stain. The gaps between logs are at most 1/4". What material do we put in here to seal?
Can you suggest a contractor in southern NH who does this kind of work?

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Question:

Do you know anyone in the Island Park Idaho area thar does log chinking/staining? We have a 8 year old log home that has never been chinked.

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Question:

For the chinking mixture I have a recipe for 1 part morter mix 1 part portland cement 5 parts sand. Would that be red sand or white sand?

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Question:

have just purchased a log cabin that was built in 1999. We have mold around the interior of the house. I use a blower a to clear the outsid foundaution and found dirt on the inside of the house witch came through the logs and the foundation. Do I still use CPES?

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Question:

We are considering buying a 1990 log home. Current owner is BIG smoker- will smoke odor stay in logs? What could we do to eliminate it? We are very new to log cabins. Thanks for any help!

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Question:

I have a log cabin, maybe 70 years old. The chinking is in fairly good shape, but there are a few spots I'd like to replace becasue it has cracked or drop out. It is almost a chalk like make up. I'd like to get a few different recioes to try and match this as close as I can. Do you have any recommendations as to what to try? It is almost white in color, versus the cement gray.

Thanks,

Jim

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Question:

Our 1933 log home has hand hewed wood chink in good shape, but many 1/8" and larger gaps are evident between the logs and the wood chink. The logs were harvested from the property and many of the upper logs are less then 8" diameter and some as small as 5 & 6 inches.
What is the best way to restore and re-chink this house?

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Question:

We are going to install pine plank siding to our home. 1" x 10" with 1 1/2" space betwen planks. Is it necessary to score the back side of the planks? Also, we like the mortar chinking. Is the chinking installed before the pine planks are installed? What is the best recipe?

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Bought a house with d-logs on first level and siding on the second. We don't trust( from what we've heard) the man was his own contractor when building this home. Now we've been trying to pick up the pieces. Anyway we cant see where caulking was used outside the house. We have no leaks, but would like to be sure on how to maintain a t& g, D-log home from rot and rain in future? Are there some log homes you dont chink or caulk? Any suggestions or remarks. Thanks

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Question:

Our log home was built in 1979 and does not have any chinking. Is chicking a must or just a preference? I really don't like the way it looks. Can chinking be colored to match the logs?

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Question:

Is it necessary to insulate under a log cabin. I am renting one now and there is no insulation under the house. I was told that it is not necessary. I'm worried what the heating bill will run this winter without it.

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Question:

We have a 100+ year old home thats skeleton is squared off logs. We are currently remodeling and hoping to keep one small portion of the log wall exposed. We have removed all the old chinking and would like to re-chink. The logs are unevenly spaced. The chinking would be for aesthetics only not for weather protection at all. Do you have any recommendations for cleaning and chinking? Also I see you don't recommend foam for filler but would that be the same recommendation for an interior wall? T

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Question:

The log cabin was built in the 1980's. The front and back are under porches and shielded from the sun. The logs in the front and back have turned black in color. The sides are brownish, bleached from the sun in Fla and need restaining. How do we get the black off the front and back logs, so the new stain will be the same all over???? HELP

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Question:

We just erected a new log home on the Western Slope of Colorado (Collbran, CO). Can you recommend someone in this area that can stain & chink our log home?? We have received one quote but would like to get a couple more.
Thanks in advance for your reply!

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Question:

I am thinking about purchasing a log home in the Central Florida. I would like to know how strong is a caben agent a hurrican and the maintenance of the wood for the weather conditions?
thank you for your time.
Milton Lopez

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Question:

We just purchased a log home that was built in 1999. We are planning on restaining the outside. The exterior has not been stained since being built and there is an addition that has not been stained at all. I was wondering what the best way would be to go about refinishing our home.

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Question:

when you say caulk the log cracks what type do you recamend.That will stay in and how do you sugest application of it.Also can you explain how and what to rechink with.old concrete is now between and falling out of logs. historic log cabin.

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Question:

We are building a log home in northern NY, some of the roof purlins and interior logs have mildewed. How can I clean them without pressure washing or leaving bleached spots on the logs. what type of application

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Question:

We have a very drafty log home. We had ithe outside chaulked with latex chaulking last spring. This past winter we found out that did not help. What would you suggest we try? Chinking? Inside or outside? If yes to chinking, do you know someone in our area? Crystal Lake, IL (40 miles nw of chicago.)

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Question:

We are building a red pine log home.Now that the roof is on and the windows are in we have a lot of fungus and mold. Logs were treated with a fugicide, . They were winter cut. Lots of blue stain and wet. Can we stain?

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Question:

We bought a log home built with black mastic asphalt roof sealant as chinking. We are remodeling putting in new windows and straightening the log courses. We need to rechink and do not want to use the mastic. Where can I find a black chinking that I can place over the old mastic that would be chemically compatible?

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Question:

Can I caulk or seal checks in interior logs for cosmetic reasons up to 3/4 inch wide

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Question:

Can i use spray foam between the logs to fill the gaps and insulated and then chink over it?

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Question:

we have an 11 year old Scandiavian scribed 1.5 storey home.
This year I noticed rot in a butt end overhanging the deck and more rot in the bottom log beside the deck.
We do not have rain gutters, should we install them after the logs have been repaired?
The builder, who originally advised us not to add gutters, intends to replace the butt end log, and pour epoxy into the other bottom log.

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Question:

Want to cob blast exterior of log home and stain. What type of stain should be used. Live in Wooster Ohio, need to find someone to cob blast exterior. Can you help find someoen? Thanks

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Question:

We are about to purchase a 16x18 log cabin that has no chinking. we've looked into latex chinking but it's quite a bit more expensive than we were looking to spend (the cabin is temporary while we build). it's been suggested that we use cement but we're concerned that it will shrink. do you have any suggestions?

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Question:

I have a new log home built last year. We've had two very big rain storms w/ wind driven rain. Both storms results in major leakage around the windows on the south and west sides. Should they be removed recaulked and reinstalled? Thanks, Phil

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Question:

Would you know of someone in my area (Lake George,NY) who can corn blast and stain & chink my log home??
thank you

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Question:

I own a log home built in 1999.
We are looking to have it media blasted back to bare wood and then restain. My problem is that I live near St. Louis and, short of going down to the Ozarks, there doesnt seem to be any dealers in my area who handle the cob blasting. I am still undecided regarding actually doing this myself or not, but would like to get a quote. Do you know of any contractors in or around the St. Louis area who do cob blasting?

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Question:

Have a cabin built from used power poles - plan to sandblast , seal & chink w/permachink or mortar. Best sealer?? would 2nd coat of sealer after chinking be necessary?

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Question:

help, the wood hornets are eating my home up.its about 10yrs.old an mever been treated. jan

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Question:

We had a log home built this past year and nothing was used between the logs to prevent drafts. If we should caulk the complete exterior, please give me details as to what all that includes. And what is the difference between chink and caulk. Thanks for your help.

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Question:

We nned to remove the old caulking from our cabin built in 1980. What is the best way to remove this caulking?

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Question:

We just purchsed a 200 year old hand hewn log home. How do I care for the logs.The logs are brown in some parts but grayish in others. Also wood peckers have put holes in the foam chinking. How do I repair them?

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Question:

Who does corncob blasting in central IL?? Is rental equipment & material available for do-it-yourselfers??

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Question:

we recently bought and had built a new log home as did my inlaws but the logs are different they are supposed to be engelmann spruce i think my inlaws are but mine when we went to stain turned black in the parts that are blue stained every log in my walls are blue stained the man building it said when the company runs out of engl.spruce they send these blue stained logs my wife hates the color since i had to stain it orangey is there someone who can test my logs to see what they are could these

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Question:

At Breezy Point Resort we have log stucture that was build in the 1920's, The Fawcett House. It has dark chocolate chip stain on it now and in need of re-finishing. We are wondering about cracks in the logs, do we fill them before re-finishing.

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Question:

I have a pine log home that has been painted with SherW latex. There are many checks on the exterior 1/16th"-1/8th " some of which are letting in cold air. Is there a paint you could recommend that would seal the checking?

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Question:

We recently bought a house built in 1930- it has squared log walls but has vinyl siding on the outside- the gaps between logs are 1/8 inch to an inch wide and are filled with some sort of bark- the filling falls out and is quite drafty. What should we use for insulation and chinking, especially because we don't have access from the outside and the gaps are very different sizes? thanks!

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Question:

I am getting ready to build a new log home. I am going to use 10" full logs with swedish cope and saddle notched corners. Where could I find information on the proper ways of sealing between the logs, saddle notches and corners and also constructing and sealing around the windows and doors ? I want all of this to be done right from the beginning during construction. Thanks

Michael

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Question:

Will borate keep wasps and bumble bees away from a log home, as well as all the other types of bugs ? If I apply borate to a new log home before staining and clear coating, is it totally bug proof for many many years ? Someone told me they used borate, but it only helped for a couple years and then the bugs and woodpeckers drove him nuts and he sold his log home and said he would never have another one, although he loved the homeyness and atmosphere very much. Thanks for any help and advice.

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Question:

I just finished gutting out out a 1850's log house. Do I take all the old wood pieces out before chinking? If so what should I put in its place so that it will be insulation in between the logs? Jim

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Question:

Have a log cabin built of old used power poles. Need recommendations for sealing inside/out for prevention of any creosote? leakage.

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Question:

I am getting ready to build a new log home. I am going to do all of the work myself. It will be full round logs with swedish cope and saddle notched corners. My question is, on all outside vertical posts on porches, decks and larger vertical support logs, should I seal the ends of these with anything before installing and if so, with what ? Also the porch and deck rails and spindles, should I seal the ends that go into the joints before assembling them ? Once they are in place, there would

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Question:

We are currently ready for the chinking process on the interrior of our cabin. In order to save a little money on the Permachink we were thinking of putting cement in the 1.5" gaps between the cedar planks. Then cover the cement with a thin layer of Permachink. Will their be any problems with this in the future? It is a log facing cabin.

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Question:

I am getting ready to build a new log home. Why do 99.9% of all pictures of log homes I see, they have no gutters ? I definately like the look better, with no gutters. Can a log home be built in a certain way the you would not need gutters ? Thanks

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Question:

I am getting ready to build a new log home that I have dreamed about for over 30 years. There is not a look I love more. After reading all of the many problems others have with log homes, now I am extremely discouraged. I am the type of person that if I like something well enough, I am willing to go to extra trouble to have it and go to the extra trouble of it's upkeep, but I have read so many horror stories and it seems like there is so much upkeep to be done and the chances of these proble

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Question:

I am getting ready to build a new log home. Because log homes have so much wood inside and out that I will be staining and clear coating, I have strong concerns about a safe stain and clear cloat I could use that is prooven to not be toxic in any way and I'm even afraid of hearing ten years down the road that what I used and thought was safe was now prooven to be highly toxic. What would you recommend? Thanks

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Question:

I am getting ready to build a new log home. Exactly what is a borate treatment and is it toxic in any way ? Thanks

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Question:

We are building a new log home and are ready to stain/seal the exterior. Woodgaurd came with the kit. My question is Permachink a better product with less maintenance? We are do-it-yourselfers and want to use the best product. Which would you recommend Woodguard or Permachink?

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Question:

Should pine,tongue & grove logs be treated with a varnish or stain on the back before installing? Does it have to be stained the first year?

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Question:

We are building a NEW cabin and are ready to corn blast and sand. Once done, what is the proper order of application of stains and chinking etc.

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Question:

We have a 20 year old cabin and the interior has never been finished so the logs have just darkened over time. What is the best method to lightened the logs?

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Question:

My buddy and I took down a 1900 log home and reserected it at the lake we almost to the chinking stage but now face a problem. When the log home was built it was covered over with 4 inches of mud and grass on both sides of the wall and inbetween the logs were large pieces of wood as it was filedl with more mud and such. We want the cabin to have all its beauty so we are not going to cover over the logs...there are gaps along the logs some upwards of 4 or 5 inches..what is the best and cheapest t

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Question:

We have a 12 year old hand peeled log home. The front of the house gets a lot of sun and has many small checks in most of the logs. We have used Conceal to take care of the large checks, but what can we do about all of the other checks that have formed? Someone recommended sealing them with the conceal as well, but this gives it a "plastic" look.

Any suggestions?

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Question:

I have a 15 year old saddle fitted Douglas fir log home that has leaked on all exterior wall from day one. The design leaves no room for chinking, so how can we go about fixing this problem be fixed? My nerves are shot!
Thanks, Chris

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Question:

I am building a new cottage in NC. One of the rooms will be made to look like a square log cabin. I intend to use i" thick planks spaced with 1.5" wide strips of wood 1/2" thick. I then want to fill the remaining 1/2" space with cement as chinking. Will the cement stick?

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Question:

What is the best to do on outside of log home. Caulk/Chink? Which lasts the longest, which looks the best? I don't find any real hard answer to that question.

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Question:

Where can I buy Oakum?

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Question:

I am building a small hunter cabin kit. My question is what caulk do you recommended to put down a bead in-between each log as I lay it down? I really didn't want to buy the dealers $7.00 per tube caulk, seems a bit excessive. Is Energy Seal what you would recommend for this?

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Question:

we are looking to buy a log cabin that was built in 1978 there are some issues with it, there are some gaps between the logs about 1/4" what is the best way to seal the gaps? also there are some small holes bored in the logs, most are the size of a pencil lead and some are about the size of a pencil. what can we do to take care of, this if any?

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Question:

We are looking at possibly purchasing a log home that was built in 1984. There are two split logs on one side of the home. Unfortunately, we have not been able to see the extent of the split, as the owner has covered that side of the house up with some type of other wood. We do know that the split does not go into the interior of the home. Does it sound as if these splits would be able to be repaired? Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks - Cynthia

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Question:

I just inherited an old one story log cabin. The exterior chinking appears to be mortar. The interior chinking is a mystery material. It looks like it is loose because it is fuzzy, but it is hard to the touch and dark in color. I can not pull it out. This interior chinking seems to function well but it collects dust and Iseem to be allergic to it. Can you guess what it is? Can I apply a latex chinking over it?

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Question:

We have a 200 year old clap board house. While installing a new door we realized that it is a split log house with a layer of plaster between the logs and the clap board. I don't want to removed all the siding but would like to expose just the area around the back porch. Will I compromise the heat efficency by tearing off the siding and plaster? If the logs and plaster are sub par what are my options to make it look presentable? I've seen some homes which look like they've painted the pl

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Question:

We have a new log home that we built ourself. It is made out of Poplar. What is the best type of stain or sealant to put on the exterior of the home?

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Question:

I have a 1-story log home that i would like to cob blast and restain & seal. Is it difficult to do the cob-blasting? I have found a place to rent the machine and buy the cob blast. What steps should follow the blasting?

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Question:

we have peeled logs to support our porches. Since installing them last year they haven't been treated, is there anything we can do to get that newly peeled look back? they look dried out and dull. Thanks for any help you can give me!
sarah

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Question:

how can I fix cracks on yhe inside of my walls.The cabin has settled&there are some cracks about 3 eighths of a inch.a couple a half.

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Question:

We just bought a log home that is over 100 years old and is in basically great condition. The spaces between the logs were once filled with concrete and rocks, but a lot of this material has fallen out. I thought that i would put concrete in a "pastry bag" and then squirt it into the opening. What do you think about this idea?

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Question:

We are getting ready to chink our new log home & are disappointed that we purchased white chinking. We realize that we can paint over the chinking once it is finished, however, we would rather try to darken the chinking before we start. Do you have any suggestions. Permachink could not help us.

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Question:

I am trying to find a caulk which is compatible with Woodguard finish. As suggested by Sherwin Williams, I am removing old caulk, and using MEK to remove it in the cracks, but there will be remnants which could cause their urethane caulk to fail. Any ideas on what type of caulk I can use? Woodguard told me silicone or latex won't be compatible.

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Question:

Hi, Can I use Woodguard stain with Logbuilder sealant. The wood is tidewater red cypress. Thank, You-Stan

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Question:

We recently purchased a Log Cabin Home that is 10 years old. The previous Owners stated that the home was solid and no leaks. Shortly after moving in we found out that the home leaks on almost every wall. The majority of the water comes in on the West Facing wall (the wall that is exposed to sun light/canyon winds the most). This wall also has balconies on the two upper levels which leak quite a bit where they meet up with the home.

The window trims leak a lot as well. Not the window b

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Question:

We just purchased a 1960's log home, that has what appears to be cement used as the chinking (there is a bad under the deck) should I clean out all the concrete and replace with a regular chinking material.

Thanks

Harold and Cathy

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Question:

Is it personal preference whether you chinhk the inside or the outside of a log home.

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Question:

The north side is exposed to n. wind and moisture. the home was never chinked properly and has poor sealing. Also i have an insect problem, termites, ants, spiders, roaches. i kno an exterminater can take care of most of that but what concernes me the most is is the insulation, moisture intrusion, termite and carpenter ant damage, and rot. chinking and caulking is my first option but bumble bees are eating holes everywhere. what can i do and what kind of moey am i looking at to restore this home

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Question:

The Permachink on the south side of cabin is bubbled up in many spots some the size of baseballs and some strips a foot long. It looks like blue foam board behind the chinking. The chinking needs repair in some spots. Do I re-apply Permachink over the bubbled spots or do I remove old first? Thanks.

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Question:

I have some rot in the east wall logs. After the rot is removed and treated.What do you fill the cavity with?

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Question:

I am restoring an old, hand hewn poplar log cabin. The logs are about 7-8 inches thick and the space between them is 4-5 inches and at locations 6 inches. They are uneven logs. My concern is if a use round blocker rod, should I use two or cut one in half (for interior and exterior chinking), or is there a better product? Should I glue or mechanically fasten the blocker rod? On that wide of a gap, am I going to have enough stability? I have read everything I can find but nothing really addre

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Question:

We have a 21 year old log cabin. It is sealed well, there are no drafts or leaks that we can find. The calking on the outside looks a little weathered and dry on the south side. There are no gaps or major cracks in it. Should we redo the calking? How long should it last? Is there a way to tell what kind of calking was used?

Thanks

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Question:

I am a soldier serving in Iraq. My wife has recently bought a log home in Kentucky. I have seen it for two weeks that I was home. She says the walls were leaking as a result of Hurricane Katrina. She says that all the chinking must be replaced. The house is less than 10 years old. I am not an expert on log homes but this seems extreme. The estimate is between $6000 and $10000 dollars. After reading all the questions people have written I am not sure this sounds correct. The chinking is about 3"

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Question:

I'm considering purchasing a pine log home in Gaylord, Michigan. I recently had it inspected. The inspector says that the logs are infested with 4 types of insects and that there is also mold damage. The current owner says that the inspector doesn't know what he's talking about. Help?!

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Question:

We moved into a 15 year old cabin about 2 years ago. The logs are saddle-notched, so you can't see the cauking/chinking ( and inside the house, we don't have dry wall on any of the external walls). I've notices that you can feel the heat in the summer (we're in middle GA) and feel drafts in the winter in several places where the logs meet. In one place where a had a picture hanging, it totally mildewed the back of the picture, so I know moisture is getting in too (the humidity here is horrib

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Question:

We have a log facing home. We have small patches (10 inches long)of rot in a couple of logs and due to re-modeling, som chinking replacement need in a few other spots (3'x4' spots). How would you recommend that we restore these areas?

Thanks

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Question:

We have been building a log home and noticed the floor in one room feels damp at times. There is a wrap around porch with roof on that side of house, so it couldn't be coming from there. I'm not talking about the finished flooring but the subfloor. We dont want to lay flooring till we know what is causing this. Could moisture be coming through ceiling in basement? Thank you!

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Question:

I have 1/2'' to 3/4" cracks in some of my logs,built in 1853, an inspector told me I should caulk them. Should I and if so what kind should I use.

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Question:

I just bought a seven year old log home( square logs). These logs were never treated and are weathered (no rot) should i treat them and how

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Question:

Really enjoy your website! We own a 1950's, 440 sq. ft. log cabin in China, Maine. The logs have horsehair stuffed between them. We would like to keep the look of the cabin by adding to the existing horsehair where needed. Any suggestions on where to get more?
Thanks. Merilee

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Question:

I have an 11 year old log home with Permachink chinking. There are numerous cracks and pull-apart holes in the chinking. One repair service says we should rip everything out, replace the styrofoam backer and re-chink. Another says that's crazy, that all we need is a heavy coat of Permachink chink paint to fill and seal the cracks. What do you think? Will the chink paint or additional Permachink adhere to the old chinking? Thanks for your help.

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Question:

Our 4 year old milled log, caulked and backer rod prepared house leaks between the logs and through knot holes. I have re-caulked and filled every crevice I can find. Is there some other way we can seal it from the wind driven rain? Thank You

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Question:

Hi,
We live in a 12 yr old log house in New Zealand.
We've found the top corner logs are rotting and we have started digging away at the rot.
Unfortunately it seems to go deeper than we first thought.
Most of the rot is dry and powdery. Is there a simple way of preventing further rot or do we have to remove all the rot as far back as the good wood.
Is there a way we can fix the problem without removing/replacing the logs?
We can protect with flashing once we have treated the problem.
Th

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Question:

Have inherited a 25 yr. old hand peeled log cabin which is inhabitable due to flies and ladybugs. Construction is spikes, fiberboard splines and two rows of sticky back black gasket tape about 1/2 in. on each side of spline. Logs are irregular forming ledges with some spaces between logs extrememly small. Almost impossible to get caulk gun into spaces in many places. No sign of water damage but cold air in places. Should I find sheets of black foam, cut it to width and stuff spaces from in

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Question:

we have a log cabin built in the early 50's Between the logs burlap and small logs were used. We have found 2 rotten logs on the north side around the fireplace. Should we remove all the original burlap material between the logs and use some chinking or caulking? We want to maintain the original look of the cabin.

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Question:

Restoring a 1930 hunting cabin. Would like to keep the esthetics and seal from weather and insects. what would be the best product for owner install?

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Question:

I have a 2 year old log home stained with Menwood. I'm not happy with the color or performance. I'm thinking of having it cob blasted & re-stained. Will the caulking that I have already done to the exterior have to be re-done after the cob-blasting?

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Question:

We built a log home 4 years ago this house is half round tongue and groove logs. it was a tight house. but now logs have settled and all kinds of drafts come in. Is there a company to caulk the house for us?

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Question:

Part of our house is a two story log cabin built pre civil war in Maryland. Strucure is covered, but I have revealed part. Seems to be two logs on top of each other, separated by 5 to 6 inches of space and then repeating. Space was filled with mud and rock. Mud has turned to dirt and can easily be pushed out. I want to refill spaces (Chinking?). What should I use?

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Question:

We have a home built of milled red pine logs with tongue and groove. It is 18 years old. My wife pressure washed the house and found that the water entered the house at many points. We live in the Adirondack Region of NY and it is difficult to keep the house warm. Air can be felt entering between logs in many places. Most visible gaps between logs are 1/8"-1/4".
It is now the middle of November and temperatures have been steadily dropping. I would like to address this problem now, rather th

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Question:

I just purchased a house originally built in 1750. The main portion of the home is constructed with log timbers (random sizes, some square, etc). The exterior now has aluminum siding... I pulled off the interior paneling (the logs were all covered) and I'm not sure how to get started in cleaning up and preparing the interior wall. The logs are dark brown and look like they've been parged with some type of plaster material. Is it ok for me to break off this material so that I can clean up

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Question:

have just purchased a log cabin 1732 sq. ft., one level. this cabin has stack logs (I quess due to the fact that although rounded on the outside top and bottom are flat). My question is there are some spaces, none exceeding 1/2 inch on the top and bottoms of some of the logs do they require chinking? What would you recommend to fill gaps, they are few and far between but nonetheless still there and we wish to live here for a long time.

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Question:

We have an outdoor furnace that blows smoke in the direction of one side of the house. The rooms on this side from time to time have a smoky odor. We have never chinked on the exterior nor calked on the interior. Would either of these help to reduce the infiltration of smoke? If so what do you reccomend?

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Question:

I have just started working for a local Log Home Builder as a punch-out. I have many handy man skills that are reputible. However, I do not have Log Home experience. My first project was given to me to patch/fill full length cracks (big) in the center of D-logs. What do you recommend? I need answers soon.

Robert

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Question:

We had a new log home built 4 1/2 years ago. We have had a problem with water leaking through the North and South walls since it was built. They have came back and rechinked and caulked and replaced the batton board on the upper story. This has not helped at all either. What do you think is wrong or what do you think I should do fix this problem. It is ruining our carpet and hard wood floors.
Thanks
Missy Patton

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Question:

What can I use to seal between logs that are tongue and groove and now allowing rain to come in--red cedar logs. thanks

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Question:

What can I do to seal the horizontal joints between the logs on my log cabin home? The logs are flat top and bottom with interlocking grooves.

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Question:

We own a two story log home in central Florida. When Terminex tented our home for Old House Wood bore three times, the process destroyed the gasket seals between our logs. Now rain blows in between the logs. Chalk cannot be use because the space is too small to apply it. Chink is not practical in Florida. Can you recommend something we can use to seal the spaces between our logs?

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Question:

My log home is a bit drafty but I would rather not have visible lines of chink. Is there another option?

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Question:

what is the difference between caulking and chinking? what do you perfer?

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Question:

I have a cypress sided log cabin. What do i use to restore the cypress. Also the synthetic mortar is losing its water resistance.

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Question:

I'm getting ready to restore our log home. Permachink, since the seams are so small between the logs, do I need a backer rod in place before i put the energy seal in, or will it have enough give to apply it directly to the logs?

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Question:

we have bought a new log home,when the chinking work was done they left tons of smears on the lovely logs which is an eye sore, what would you reccommend to get the dried chinking off the logs without taking the finish off, thankyou so much for your help with this dilema. kindest regards
Jules Brune.

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Question:

We are rebuilding a 100 year old log cabin and we need to now how to mack chink for in it?

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Question:

I am restoring a 1940s vintage log cabin -- trying to replace old chinking. I do not want to use the new caulking and chinking products but wish to mix up a mortar or mastic suitable for use between logs. I know the new products are excellent but they don't look vintage. What is the best mixture I can trowel on. Thank you.

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Question:

Would you please give me a reciepe/mix for mortar chinking (that contains lime) I have a small cabin and a small repair to do so I would just want to mix a pail or so at a time.
Thanks so much

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Question:

My Recently purchased home is made of old barn timbers. While inspecting the Chinking I realized There was little (insulation behind it). I dont want to rechink and reseal. What problems would I encounter, sealing with great stuff doors and windows, or large gap. Bore a hole or two and fill the void. I understand how this should have been done to begin, Im trying to buy time. Thank you, Mark

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Question:

I have just purchased a log home and am learing as I go. The experior and interior caulk is latex based and I have read that this is the wrong caulk to use. Should I replace it or should I just caulk over it with the appropriate materials. If I have to remove the latex caulk, are there any tools or techinques to use.

Kevin

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Question:

we found water damage and rotten wood in our recently purchased 11 year old cedar log home. Some of the water came inside along a window during a recent rain. All but 2 sides and one gable have porches. What are the next steps we need to take--to find the entrance of the leak, and repair rotten area (replace or repair )and prevent further leaks. This question is really several, but we would be interested in your opinion. We are do it yourselfers but only up to a certain point.
Thanks

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Question:

Have a log home about 15 yrs old and was never sealed between each log. Called a contractor and he wants to use dap silicone/ latex sealant. Would this be good or is regular chincking better? Would the latex crack and separate after awhle. Thank you Donald

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Question:

We have a 2 year old log home that we did not build, but bought from a previous owner. We have had a terrible infiltration of ladybugs and wasps over the last 5 months. We know there are crevices that the builder did not seal well. We are contemplating getting it sealed and caulked. What is the difference between using a "log home" caulk and seal vs the best Lowe's has to offer with their caulk and seal? There is a big price difference. Love this site.

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Question:

We are currently re-building and restoring a cabin that was built in 1930. We have found an original chinking recipe to put on the inside walls and were wondering if we needed to put powdered lime over top of it?

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Question:

The interior caulking in our log home has cracked. With what and how should I repair it?

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Question:

hi i just moved into a log home i noticed that between some logs there is chinking missing in some spots but there is a screen showing where the chinking was what do i use to fix it an also the home is hard to keep warm inside any sugestions
thanks harold

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