Sashco Log Jam Chinking

You chose rugged, rustic logs and timbers to create your perfect home- stead. Now, use Log Jam® to protect it for years to come. Log Jam® is the industry standard in synthetic chinking. Unlike old-time mortar or other synthetic chinking, it holds tough year after year. Its superior elasticity means it moves with your logs with- out cracking to seal your log cabin from vermin, pollen, dust, rain and wind alike. You get the rustic look of old-time mortar without compromising modern-day comfort and energy efficiency. Keep the cozy feel and rustic look of big timbers without compromise. Seal your logs with Log Jam®. 

• Rustic look without the rustic application: The textured formula is easy to apply, even for a novice, for a Daniel Boone-approved mortar look. 

• Keeps the weather where it belongs - outside: Moves with your logs to create a permanently waterproof and weatherproof seal. 

• Helps you avoid repeated repairs: Just say no to crumbly mortar or cracked chinking. Stays soft and elastic over time for a long-lasting seal. 

• Easy to clean up: Easy to smooth and clean-up with water. 

• No special chemicals required 

• OK to leave in your unheated garage overnight: Stable through 5 freeze-thaw cycles.

 

Fundamental Chinking Application Guidelines

Proper substrate preparation and application are imperative for product longevity. Read this instruction sheet before applying any product.

1. Best results are obtained when Log Jam® is applied to clean, dry, stained wood. Make certain there is compatibility between your stain and Log Jam®. Log Jam® has a lifetime warranty when applied with Sashco’s stains: Capture Log Stain® / Cascade® staining system, Transformation Stain® Log & Timber and Symphony®Interior Clear Coat. If using a different stain or finish, contact Sashco for guidance. Call 800-767-5656, or visit and chat live at www.sashco.com.

2. Check the weather forecast. Finishing products are best applied in moderate weather conditions, i.e., out of direct sunlight, in dry, warm conditions.

3. Check the log surface temperature. The surface temperature should be between 40˚-90˚F (4˚-32˚C).

4. Install a bond breaker before Log Jam® is applied. Backer rod, Grip Strip, and clear packing tape all perform this function well. If Log Jam® is applied over white styrene bead-board or Tyvek™ house wrap, it is best to cover the bead-board or wrinkle-free house wrap with clear packing tape (to prevent adhesion to those materials). We do not recommend the use of blue or pink extruded polystyrene board as a bond breaker.

5. Gun the chinking over the backing material. Ideal seal- ant depth is half of the joint width, but no less than 1/4”, nor more than 1/2”.

6. Tool Log Jam® to ensure good contact with the log surfaces, especially to the upper log; this will greatly aid adhesion.

7. All chinking products may occasionally “blister”.

To avoid blistering:

• Do not apply in direct sunlight.

• Protect fresh chinking from direct sunlight for 1-2 days after application with white plastic sheeting tacked over it.

• For detailed information, read Sashco’s Savvy Bulletin, “Preventing Blisters”.

Application Surface Preparation

Best results are obtained when Log Jam® is applied to wood that has been previously coated with a compatible and thoroughly cured stain.

Clean the log surfaces thoroughly to remove dirt, pollen, bird droppings and other surface contaminants.

The USDA Forest Products Laboratory and other researchers around the world have reported that surface wood exposed to sunlight for as little as 1-2 weeks can become significantly damaged and unsound, which may lead to premature adhesive failure of the stains or other coatings applied to it. It can also hurt Log Jam®’s (or any chinking’s) adhesion to the surface. Once bare wood has been properly cleaned and prepped to remove unsound wood, stain should be applied as soon as possible. Follow with Log Jam® chinking.

If a stain is applied over Log Jam®, it will be tinted the stain color, but will be affected differently than the surrounding wood; therefore, test appearance before wide- spread use.

A few coatings, especially those high in wax content or non-drying oils, may interfere with adhesion, whether they are applied before or after Log Jam®. We advise against using Log Jam ® with such products. Contact Sashco if you have questions about your particular product.

Cold Weather Chinking

Log Jam® can be applied in cold weather by following these instructions:

1. Make sure the log surfaces are above 40˚F (4˚C). Use a surface thermometer to double-check.

2. Keep the chinking at room temperature until ready to use.

3. Make sure the logs are free of frost.

4. Tent out the walls with clear plastic sheeting and keep them warm with heaters, then apply chinking.

5. Make sure there is air circulation so moisture doesn’t form on the logs, causing a washout. Some venting up high will help with this problem.

6. Leave the tent intact day and night while chinking, and for 2 to 4 days after chinking is complete.

7. Finally, remove the plastic sheeting. This should be sufficient to let the Log Jam® skin over and slowly cure. Due to cold temperatures, it will take much longer than normal for the Log Jam® to fully cure, but it will be fine if left undisturbed. Warn people to avoid pushing on for several weeks.

More info can be found on the product info sheet. 

Questions on maintaining the legacy of your wood structure? Give us a call- 1-800-359-6614

Pickup in store - or ship to your door -in whichever woods your cabin dwells.

 Schroeder Log Home Supply, Inc. 

1101 SE 7th Avenue

Grand Rapids MN 55744

1-800-359-6614