Innovation Meets Durability: Premium Perma-Chink Products for Log Home Maintenance and Preservation

Back in the day, traditional log chinking consisted of cement, clay, lime, and sand, which cracked over time as the logs shifted. Perma-Chink Systems, Inc. created a synthetic chinking material in 1981 that solved these problems by remaining flexible, waterproof, and long-lasting. Since then, Perma-Chink has become the industry standard for log home maintenance and preservation.

Perma-Chink Products and Uses

Chinking material from premium Perma-Chink is the gold standard for the tightest, greenest, and most impeccably finished log homes in the world. It is a high-performance log home chinking product that seals the gaps between logs in log cabins. Unlike traditional mortar chinking, Perma-Chink is a flexible, elastic, and durable acrylic material that moves with the natural expansion and contraction of logs, preventing cracks and air leaks.

Perma-Chink Systems offers a full range of products designed for log home construction, sealing, staining, and maintenance. These products help protect log homes from weather, moisture, insects, and aging. Below is a breakdown of core product categories and their uses.

Baking Materials

Sealant systems require backing materials, which should be employed wherever possible. Proper application thickness and backing are essential for optimal sealant system effectiveness. Round backer rod is the most typical backing for small joinery projects. It’s available in many sizes and is reasonably priced. This flexible material can be easily pressed into a crevice without needing nails or staples.

Log Home Chinking and Sealants

Log chinking products are a flexible, acrylic chinking material that fills gaps between logs. They seal large gaps between logs to prevent air and water infiltration. They also provide an authentic log cabin aesthetic while allowing logs to expand and contract naturally. Additionally, they are available in multiple colours and textures to match different wood finishes.

Here you can choose between “Energy Seal” and “Check Mate 2. “ The former is a more flexible, smaller-gap alternative to Perma Chink. It’s best for sealing narrow joints and gaps between logs. It is energy-efficient weatherproofing without the wide chink-line appearance. The latter is a sealant specifically designed for sealing cracks in logs. It prevents water intrusion in small cracks and splits that naturally form in logs. It also stops the cracks from widening due to weather exposure.

Log Home Stains and Finishes

The “Lifeline Ultra-7” and the “Lifeline Ultra-2” are premium breathable log home stains with UV protection and long-lasting colour. They protect the wood from sun, moisture, and decay while allowing it to breathe. This enhances the natural beauty of logs with a variety of colours.

The “Lifeline Advance”, which can be available in satin and gloss, is a clear topcoat applied over Lifeline stains for additional protection. It’s a terrific option for sealing and extending the life of stains by adding UV and water resistance. It creates a smooth, easy-to-clean surface.

Their “Log and Timber Defense”, on the other hand, is a low-maintenance water-based finish for log homes. It protects logs from moisture and decay while maintaining a natural look. The best part? It requires less frequent reapplication than traditional stains.

Wood Cleaners and Restoration

Wood cleaners and restoration materials from Permachink are a must when upgrading your log home maintenance. The “Oxcon” is an oxalic acid-based wood brightener.  It helps remove dark stains caused by metal fasteners or water exposure. It’s also good for prepping wood before staining. The “Log Wash” is a gentle cleaner for routine log home maintenance. This product is made for removing dirt, pollen, and light mildew. It’s also good for prepping logs for staining or chinking.

Insect and Rot Protection

When it comes to insect and rot protection, you have two options. “Shell-Guard RTU” is a ready-to-use product preventing wood decay, rot, and insect infestations such as termites, carpenter ants and beetles. It’s a borate-based wood preservative protecting both interior and exterior logs from fungal growth.

On the other hand, the “Armour-Guard” is a powdered borate preservative that requires mixing with water before use. It provides deep-penetrating protection against rot and wood-eating insects. It’s generally applied during log construction or restoration.

Application

Proper application is crucial for utmost log protection and preservation. Therefore, clean the logs with Log Wash or mild detergent. Ensure that logs are dry and free of dirt, dust, or old chinking. Install Grip Strip or backer rod into larger gaps for better adhesion. Load Perma-Chink into a chinking gun or bulk-loading gun. Apply a smooth, continuous bead along the log joint. Use a foam brush or spatula to smooth and press the chinking into the gap.

Keep in mind that the surface dries in a few hours, but full curing takes several days. Avoid applying in direct sunlight or rainy conditions. Once cured, Perma-Chink remains flexible and waterproof. When done, check logs annually for cracks, gaps, or chinking separation. Touch up any small cracks with Check Mate 2 or additional Perma-Chink.