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We are building a new rental cabin to look like an old 1800’s log cabin utilizing grey weathered roughsawn 1″ x 8″ siding, installed horizontally with varying width gaps in between ( 2″ to 3″ gaps). As added protection, the boards were sprayed with several heavy coats of waterproofing sealer. With or without using wire mesh cut to width and tacked in between the boards, I am seeking advice as to what kind of mix to apply between the “logs” to chink it. On a test panel, I used stucco base-coat, which had a tendency to crack. Also tried a Type ‘S’ mortar mix, but cracked to pieces before it dried. My best luck, however, was with a fast set ‘sanded’ floor leveler, and it worked and looked pretty good. But…will it work good in the long run?? It is also pretty expensive @ $8 per 20 lb. bag. Our seasons are fairly mild in N. Georgia, so extreme temp. changes are not a grave concern. I hear there is a special mix out there specially formulated for chinking, but cost a friend $1200 alone to do a small 2/1 cabin. That’s a little much for our budget! I am in need of some help from someone who is more knowledgeable in this field. I will be especially grateful for any info!
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Replies
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What's your 1"x8" siding installed over , sheathing , open studs ? That's asking a lot from your " chinking " to span a 2" or 3" gap at only 3/4" to 1" thick I would think . Give us some more info , wood species , green or dried ,location .
Chuck
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Chuck, the boards are a full 1" roughsawn yellow pine, over top of felt covered 1/2" CDX. As an extra precaution, because it was our first time tackling a project like this, I beveled the edges on the back side of the boards to give extra grip for the chink. The boards have been dry for some time, but have been exposed to weather as well, if that would factor in for much. We are in the N. Ga. Mountains, so the temp drops down into the teens, and gets up into the 90's, so for the most part that is the normal range we have to deal with. I agree that 2"-3" gaps are pushing it some, but that was all part of the "rustic" look the homeowner wanted. Any suggestions?
*HiGregf - I have used a product called "Permachink" with great results. It has elastomeric properties and after 12 years shows no signs of cracking. On other parts of the house more traditional chinking material was used and it has cracks and in some cases has shrunken and pulled away from the beams.Best, Doc7
*Thanks, Doc7. I will definitely look into Permachink. Is it something I can get at Lowe's or Home Depot? Or is it a mail order item? It may be the same stuff a friend used, but was extremely expensive. I'll have to check it out. Thank you for your help! GREGF
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We are building a new rental cabin to look like an old 1800's log cabin utilizing grey weathered roughsawn 1" x 8" siding, installed horizontally with varying width gaps in between ( 2" to 3" gaps). As added protection, the boards were sprayed with several heavy coats of waterproofing sealer. With or without using wire mesh cut to width and tacked in between the boards, I am seeking advice as to what kind of mix to apply between the "logs" to chink it. On a test panel, I used stucco base-coat, which had a tendency to crack. Also tried a Type 'S' mortar mix, but cracked to pieces before it dried. My best luck, however, was with a fast set 'sanded' floor leveler, and it worked and looked pretty good. But...will it work good in the long run?? It is also pretty expensive @ $8 per 20 lb. bag. Our seasons are fairly mild in N. Georgia, so extreme temp. changes are not a grave concern. I hear there is a special mix out there specially formulated for chinking, but cost a friend $1200 alone to do a small 2/1 cabin. That's a little much for our budget! I am in need of some help from someone who is more knowledgeable in this field. I will be especially grateful for any info!