How to Apply Mortar Chinking to a Log House
White mortar chinking is a classic log cabin detail. Insulation between the logs will block drafts but is subject to wear and tear until it is sealed and lacks aesthetic appeal. The pliability of mortar makes it easy to work into the small spaces and it is porous enough to breathe so moisture doesn't get trapped between the logs. Mortar is simple to apply but it takes time to become proficient at mixing the components to the right consistency and applying it evenly. The result will be a clean, finished appearance that suits traditional and modern log construction. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Fiberglass insulation
- Nails, 2-inch finishing
- Hammer
- Mortar mix:
- 1 part white Portland cement
- 3 parts masonry sand
- 4 parts masonry lime
- Shovel
- Wheelbarrow or bucket
- Trowel
- Mortar board
- Paper towels or cloths
- Dropcloths
- Wood preservative
Instructions
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1
Cover the floor with dropcloths. Clean the log walls and insert strips of loose insulation, cut to fit the space, between the logs.
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2
Tap nails in the chinks every 2 to 3 inches, alternately placing them in the upper and lower log. Nail them in halfway and bend in the heads.
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3
Mix cement, sand and lime together in a wheelbarrow or bucket. Add water until the desired consistency is achieved.
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4
Place a small amount of the mixture on the mortar board. Hold the board at the edge of the work and apply the mortar mixture between the logs with the trowel. Push it in behind the nails and fill in the rest of the space.
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5
Continue applying mortar for about 5 feet. Return to the start and use the trowel to smooth mortar. Wipe the logs with paper towels or a damp cloth and apply wood preservative to the manufacturer's instructions.
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Tips & Warnings
You can order white Portland cement from a lumber supply center or hardware store.
Don't compress the insulation.
Realize that the nails hold the insulation in place.
Add water carefully to the mortar mix. Never add dry ingredients to adjust a mix that's too wet.
Aim for a mortar consistency that enables you to form it into a ball.
Test the mortar mix where it is not easily viewed.
Use a pastry bag for filling in tight spaces. The pastry bag should be plastic or have a coated liner.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Photos.com/Photos.com/Getty Images
