Checks & Caulking

You just noticed some small splits or as they are called in the log home industry “checks”, in the logs on the outside of your home, what should you do? First off, this is a normal occurrence. These can occur in the first couple of years after your home is completed, especially on the more exposed west and south sides of the home. These sides receive more sun and higher temperatures. This can cause the logs moisture content to dry more than the less exposed sides. This additional drying will sometimes cause checks to occur.
How concerned you should be, depends on where the check is, if they are small, less than a ¼” wide and on the under side of the log radius, you can apply caulk or leave them alone. If they are on the upper side of the log radius they should be caulked.
Checks on the upper side of the log can have rainwater or snow melt running into the opening. This will increase the weathering process of the wood and during the winter months, the water can freeze and expand increasing the size of the opening.
To get a good weather tight seal with the caulk, we recommend using a wire brush or coarse sand paper to remove any dirt and finish from around the crack, then clean the area with mineral spirits, let that dry then apply caulk into and over the crack. Allow the caulk to skim over, and then apply a coat of finish over the caulk. This will create a weather tight seal over the check.
We provide Sashco’s Conceal caulk for caulking any small gaps that may occur on the outside of the logs. If you decide to use another brand of caulk make sure it is a high quality caulk and for exterior use, as a rule of thumb the high the cost of the caulk the better the quality. And make sure the caulk color will match the finish color.
Also check the handrails and exposed log ends for new checks. If you have any questions please give us a call, we will be happy to give you some guidance.
Fred Hathaway