User Guide

than 15% of the log width. For example, with 10" diameter logs,
the chink joint should be about 1 1/2" wide. If you choose to
apply a smaller bead, expect more chinking repairs.
Ideal sealant depth is half of the joint width, but no less than
1/4", nor more than 1/2".
Restoration
Wood should be clean and stained, as discussed in the
Fundamental Chinking Application Guidelines on page 1.
Remove all loose mortar.
Bond-Breaker: When using Log Jam as a restoration chinking
over old mortar, cover it with clear packing tape, which provides a
surface Log Jam will not stick to. When movement occurs, the Log
Jam will be free to stretch.
Tooling: Log Jam should be tooled to contact at least 1/2” of the
bare wood surface on either side of the old mortar. This will ensure
adequate adhesion.
Slab Siding
Slab siding can pose a special
challenge due to the very rapid and
large amount of movement it often
exhibits after being installed. This
movement shows up as extreme
shrinkage, bowing and twisting, and
can stress sealants more than logs do.
To help reduce this problem, follow
these additional tips with slab siding:
1. Use only dry slab siding (19% or
less moisture content level, veri-
fied with a moisture meter)
2. Install the siding with heavy
screws, not nails.
3. If applying over Tyvek™ house wrap, make sure the Tyvek™ is
wrinkle free and tape over it with clear packing tape.
4. If the boards are thick enough, install Half Rod backer rod with
the round portion of the profile facing out. This will provide for
the best joint design. (Refer to the graphic.)
Warning: Blisters May Occur
Blisters are a common phenomenon with chinking and caulking
products and are caused by a variety of things. Blisters appear as
“bubbles” in the chink line and can vary widely in size.
To help prevent blisters, shield freshly chinked walls from
the sun with white tarps. If this cannot be done, keep a close
eye on the chinked wall for the first 24-48 hours. If a blister
begins to develop:
• Pop the blister and gently push the material back into place
• 3 to 5 days later, apply a skim coat of Log Jam and tool
to blend in.
For more detailed information on blisters, download or call
us for a copy of the Sashco Savvy Bulletin entitled “Preventing
Blisters in Chinking Material.”
Clean-up and Disposal
Dispose of Log Jam in accordance with local regulations. Do
not dispose of in drinking water supplies. Hands, surfaces and
equipment may be cleaned-up with water.
2 3
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 nor-
mal for the Log Jam to fully cure, but it will be fine if left undis-
turbed. Warn people to avoid pushing on for several weeks.
Methods of Application
When using 5-gallon pails, Sashco’s patented Snorkler
™
chink
pump, grout bags or bulk loading guns may be used.
When using a cartridge, cut the spout at a 45˚ angle to desired
bead size. In wider joints, multiple beads may need to be run until
the entire joint is filled with chinking.
Tooling
When applying Log Jam in temperatures below 70˚F (21˚C),
a mixture of 1-part denatured alcohol to 2-parts water can be used
for misting the chinking immediately prior to tooling. When the
temperature is over 70˚F (21˚C), water alone will be sufficient.
The techniques discussed below will give an aesthetically pleasing
chinking line, as well as ensure a proper seal between the Log Jam
and the log surface.
Tooling Log Jam on Round Logs: Work the material smooth
with a damp foam brush, keeping a rag handy to clean up drips of
water and excess Log Jam.
Tooling Log Jam on Square Logs: Use a putty knife to strike
off excess Log Jam, making the joint level with the logs. Use a
damp foam brush to smooth the material, keeping a rag handy to
clean up drips and wipe off excess Log Jam.
New Construction
Joint Design
The diagram shows the ideal type of joint design for all
sealants—which allows for maximum sealant movement and
favors cohesive failure (the best kind) if the movement is so
extreme that failure
cannot be avoided.
Round backer rod is
best, especially when
substantial movement
is expected, as with
“green” logs. The chink
line should be no less
Conceal
Backer Rod
Proper Joint Design: Depth = 1/2 width
Logs Move!
Occasionally, a small number of logs on any home may
undergo extreme movement. This movement is a natural part of
the logs moisture content adjusting to their new settings. Most
logs, as they dry (or go through the repeated process of taking
on and giving up moisture), will undergo moderate levels of
stress on sealants applied to them. An occasional log will ran-
domly and unpredictably twist, shrink or warp in response to
these moisture changes, moving more than any sealant can pos-
sibly handle. When this extreme movement occurs, it will cause
the sealant to fail either cohesively or adhesively.
If the failure is cohesive (sealant splits apart), then the repair
is performed by simply cleaning the surfaces of the failed
sealant and reapplying more. If the failure is adhesive (sealant
pulls cleanly away from the substrate), then the sealant usually
needs to be removed and completely redone.
First Aid
EYES: Immediately flush with large quantities of water for at
least 15 minutes. If irritation persists, see a medical doctor.
SKIN: Wash with soap and water and rinse thoroughly. Wash contami-
nated clothing before use.
INHALATION: Remove to fresh air.
INGESTION: If large quantities are swallowed, DO NOT INDUCE
VOMITING - seek medical help.
Warranty
Sashco warrants this product will substantially meet published
specifications on the date of sale. If it fails to do so, return unused
portion with original sales receipt for replacement or refund, at
Sashco’s sole option. These are purchaser’s sole and exclusive
remedies for any breach of warranty.
Purchaser must determine suitability of product for purchaser’s
specific needs and assumes all risk associated with its use.
Except as stated above there are no warranties for this product. The
foregoing express warranty is in lieu of all other warranties, express
or implied, including without limitation, implied warranties of
3/8" min.
S
lab Siding
Log Jam
Log Jam
Mylar Tape
Half Rod
1
. Start with logs that are
stained with a coating
compatible to Log Jam and
have properly installed
backer material.
3
. Gun Log Jam over the
backer material.
2
. Tape the entire joint using
polyester tape.
4
. Lightly mist the trowel
as needed.
5
. Tool to ensure a tight seal
to the top and bottom of
the chink line.
Appalachian Style Logs
*NOTE: Use a bond breaker
(e.g. backer rod) when signif-
icant log movement could
occur. When movement is
known to be minimal (as with
many older homes) using
backer rod is still best, but
usually less critical.
1
. Install Grip Strip into caulk
w
ell of clean, stained logs.
3
. Gun Log Jam over the
b
acker rod.
2
. Or, install backer rod
i
nto caulk well of clean,
stained logs.
4
. Lightly mist the Log Jam
a
s needed.
5. Tool to ensure a tight seal
t
o the top and bottom of
t
he chink line.
1. Install backer rod into cor-
ners of clean, stained logs.
3. Lightly mist the Log Jam
as needed.
2. Gun Log Jam over the
backer rod.
4. Tool to ensure a tight seal.
Corner Joints
Round Logs