Log homes by nature are imperfect. While they are beautiful, they are made of organic materials that expand and contract and sometimes twist and even crack. So does your log home need to be caulked? If so, When? Where? And how often? Should you caulk between every log? Only the corners? What type of caulk should be used? How about checks? Let’s look at some of these questions.
First and foremost, let’s practice a bit of common sense. Can you see light through the gaps between logs? Could the wind blowing through your home blow out a candle? If yes, then you obviously, definitely, without a doubt need to do some caulking. Otherwise, it is generally recommended that new log homes be allowed to dry completely before being too concerned about caulking. However, it is also recommended that logs be caulked between each course after a log home has reached 10 years old. Although most log homes are built with gaskets or seals between each log, after logs move and settle, those seals are often compromised. Additionally, corners are notorious for allowing air into the house. Make sure that special attention is paid to corners, and around doors and windows. Caulking your home can also help to keep heating and cooling costs down.
Log homes by nature are imperfect. While they are beautiful, they are made of organic materials that expand and contract and sometimes twist and even crack. So does your log home need to be caulked? If so, When? Where? And how often? Should you caulk between every log? Only the corners? What type of caulk should be used? How about checks? Let’s look at some of these questions.
First and foremost, let’s practice a bit of common sense. Can you see light through the gaps between logs? Could the wind blowing through your home blow out a candle? If yes, then you obviously, definitely, without a doubt need to do some caulking. Otherwise, it is generally recommended that new log homes be allowed to dry completely before being too concerned about caulking. However, it is also recommended that logs be caulked between each course after a log home has reached 10 years old. Although most log homes are built with gaskets or seals between each log, after logs move and settle, those seals are often compromised. Additionally, corners are notorious for allowing air into the house. Make sure that special attention is paid to corners, and around doors and windows. Caulking your home can also help to keep heating and cooling costs down.