MOUNTAIN HOME BLOG

Owning a log home for most is a dream but can become a nightmare if the proper care isn't given to your house logs. Get the facts on how to maintain your log home. Can I apply a clear finish to protect my logs? Should I apply a water based stain or an oil based stain to my log home? How often do I need to re-stain my log home? Will my log home require chinking or caulking material? How much chinking material, caulking material or log stain will my log home need?

Before or after buying your log home there are certain things every log homeowner should know. Some things might be open for debate but one thing is for sure, your log home will require attention. This doesn't mean that you will spend all of your waking hours staining, caulking, sealing, chinking, re-caulking, re-chinking and re-sealing. It does mean that you will need ...

When building a log home there are many important decisions to make during the building process. Each one is important because typically they will have an impact on your next decision. When it comes to selecting the chinking and stain for your log home these tasks should not be overlooked. It is important to choose a chinking material based on the following criteria. T...

Chinking for log homes can be used for aesthetic reasons or can be done to ensure the elements stay outside. Some homeowners like the look of chinking while others don't want to see any chinking on their home. Typically chinking is required on your log home if you meet any of the following criteria: Can you stick your hand from the inside of your log home to the outsid...

Chinking a log home requires patience and an artistic touch. It is typically done by professional chinking contractors but can be accomplished by homeowners. Follow the guidelines below for a successful job. Ensure that your wood is clean and dry before starting your chinking job. The moisture content of your wood should be below 20%. Rain should not be in the forecast...

Log home caulking is designed to specifically handle the expansion and contraction of the logs during and after the log home building process. Caulking can be purchased in a 5 gallon bucket, 29oz tube or 1o.5 oz tube. It is available in variety of colors like tan, redwood, woodtone, dark brown, prairie gold, harvest wheat, warm honey, golden mesa, canyon wall, santa fe ...

Chinking for your log home can be easy and complicated all at the same time. It is important to follow the guidelines below. Select the right chinking application contractor for the job. Ask your chinking contractor for references. Most good chinking contractors will not mind sharing this information and will probably provide it before they are asked for it. Select a c...

Chinking material has been around for centuries. It has seen many changes over time. Typically chinking material is designed to keep the elements outside of a log structure. Also, it can be used solely for aesthetic purposes. Who makes chinking? Well, there are 3 main chinking manufacturers that supply the majority of the chinking for the current log home industry. Thes...

Modern chinking is designed to look like old time mortar yet remain soft and flexible in order to keep the elements outside. Chinking can be purchased in a 5 gallon bucket or a 29oz tube. It is available in a variety of colors like light gray, mortar white, buff, tan, pecan or white white. Chinking is typically used in joint sizes ranging from 1-4 inches wide. Chinking ...

Building, maintaining or living in a log home? There may be some terms you don’t know! Mountain Home Building Products is here to help with our glossary of log home finishing terms! Adhesive Failure: Occurs when a sealant pulls away from the substrate. This type of failure is typically present when there is a compatibility issue between the finish and the sealant. Bac...

Chinking a log home requires patience and an artistic touch. It is typically done by professional chinking contractors but can be accomplished by homeowners. Follow the guidelines below for a successful job. 1. Start with clean, dry and sound wood. The moisture content of your wood should be below 20% and rain should not be in the forecast for at least 7 days prior to y...