Log Home Preparation Guide

The following are some important points to consider prior to application of the Weatherall Log Home Sealant System:

Moisture Content
When preparing for chinking, a moisture content reading of the logs should be taken in several different locations. Use a lignometer and check the depth one inch (1”) below the surface. This is particularly important on new construction. A moisture content of 18% or less (1” below the log surface) is recommended for homes that are to be sealed with chinking. Logs with a greater moisture content than this should be allowed to dry for a longer period of time, or alternatively may be sealed with Triple Stretch® Log Home Sealant, UV Guard® Textured Caulk, or UV Guard® Premium Caulking

Preparing The Logs
Know the log supplier and procedures used in the construction. Research the species and condition of the wood, drying methods, as well as the prior use of wood preservatives, insecticides, mildewcides, cleaners or wood restorers, and any type of previously applied finishes, including water-based urethanes. Logs must be free of any oil-based finishes, factory-applied oil-based mildewcides/preservatives, residual cleaners or wood restorers, or any non-penetrating surface finishes, including polyurethanes and polycrylics, etc. To remove existing oil finishes, paraffins, paint, stains, or other treatments, we recommend using corn blasting. It does the best job, opens the wood pores, and most significant of all it does not wet the wood.

NOTE: Complete removal of existing materials may not be possible due to types of oils, number of coats, time, etc. Contact Weatherall Technical Support or your distributor for possible solutions. Also, if you are about to apply a preservative not provided by Weatherall Company and plan to use one of the above products, or if you are in doubt as to the compatibility of a previously applied preservative or wood finish, please contact Weatherall Technical Support prior to application.  Logs must also be free of any fungus or mildew. To remove fungus or mildew stains, we recommend that the logs be thoroughly cleaned with any commercial, non-acid cleaner being sure to follow all manufacturer’s instructions for application and safety. Rinse the surface thoroughly with water to remove all traces of cleaning solution. Test the wood surfaces with Litmus paper to verify pH neutral surface. The range should be slightly acidic to neutral, and in the natural pH range of the wood species (for example, pine is 6-8).

CAUTION: Wear protective clothing and eye protection when using caustic solutions.
Remove any loose bark, sawdust or construction marks from the logs. A cleaner such as Spic & Span will take care of most soiling, although some areas may need to be lightly sanded. (Try a gum eraser on pencil marks and light scuff marks.) Use a damp, clean lint-free rag to wipe down the log surfaces.

NOTE: UV Guard® Exterior Wood Finish, UV Guard® II Exterior Finish, or Log Guard® Interior Top Coat should be applied prior to application of chinking or caulking. If other products are to be used as the finish, be certain to check with Weatherall Technical Support regarding compatibility and recommendations.
Be sure to allow adequate drying time after washing and recheck moisture content before proceeding with chinking application. Drying may take several days depending upon weather and location.

Incompatible Finishes
Finishes that do not allow the chinking to bond directly to the wood are considered incompatible. Any finish, whatever the composition, may be incompatible with the chinking system if the finish deposits a heavy film on the surface of the wood. The chinking must be able to bond to the wood fibers; therefore, use only a penetrating water-based finish prior to chinking. (DO NOT use a water-based finish that contains water soluble oils.)

Temperature and Humidity
Best results are achieved with chinking application during temperatures of between 45° and 75° F. Avoid chinking in direct, hot sunlight or on wood surfaces that have been exposed to the hot sunlight for several hours. Do not chink when rain is imminent, or when temperatures are expected to fall below freezing without complete cure time. Do not apply when dew or frost is present and do not apply to frozen surfaces. Special application procedures must be followed for sub-freezing chinking application; contact Weatherall Technical Support for further information.

Scheduling
Planning ahead prevents the loss of valuable work time due to lack of materials or preparation. (Refer to Appendix B for chinking coverage guidelines.) Draw up a well-planned schedule that will allow for shipping of materials, custom color matches, 8
seasonal weather conditions, holidays, etc. Items such as the type of equipment used and log preparation may greatly affect scheduling.

On new chink-style construction, the chinking is generally applied after the roof is on, the door and window openings are cut and bucked and the wiring is in between the logs, but usually before the doors, windows, and trim are installed. On scribe-fit or milled log homes, the chinking may be applied anytime after the building is enclosed, but it is best to leave the window and door trim off so that these vulnerable areas can be well sealed with the chinking or caulking material.