How to caulk log house

Usually the construction of the building is not the end point of the entire project. In order for the house to serve a good time, it is important to follow the rules of care and preventive maintenance. This is especially true for log buildings. One of the key points to know is how to caulk a log cabin.

What, why, when

A bath or a house, which was built from a rounded log or log, usually shrink. In some cases, this value can reach 15? 20 cm for the first year. This factor must be taken into account when designing. This phenomenon is due to the fact that some of the moisture is lost and drying occurs. During the course of this process, loose contiguity of the material may appear where everything seemed to be quite tight before. To compensate for this unpleasant fact, it will be necessary to seal the seams. Simply put, this is an event that aims to seal the gaps to prevent drafts, as well as reduce heat loss. It is necessary to carry out caulking iron after complete shrinkage, which occurs within 6–7 months.

The better

In order to produce the process of compaction of a log house as best as possible, it is necessary to acquire not only a good tool, but also a suitable material, as well as an idea of ​​how to use them correctly. Of the devices we need:

• Konopatka. This is a small device that resembles a chisel or chisel in appearance. Usually for the quality of the tasks required at least two types. One of them is called typesetting. The width of its blade can reach 10 cm. Thanks to it, it is possible to pass large sections faster. The second will be smaller, about 2–3 cm. It will be needed during the compaction of the corner joints. Skilled craftsmen use the curve tool that allows you to perform work much better, but requires special skill.
• Material that will fill the gap. Previously, only natural fibers were used for this purpose. Today, synthetic materials, as well as various sealants, have been invented.
• Hammer. In this case, you can use any that is on the farm, but it is better if it is a small sledge hammer.

Some masters believe that it will be more convenient to work with a wooden or rubber mallet, since the blow is soft, and as a result the logs are not damaged. Opinions may diverge, so everyone chooses for themselves the most appropriate tool.

With moss

For these purposes, marsh red moss is used. This is one of the most environmentally friendly methods. It serves as a kind of antiseptic that prevents rotting. It has been used for centuries. This material allows wood to breathe in the best possible way. It can not be laid too wet, you need to give it a little dry.

If this is not done, it can lead to the fact that the joints will begin to rot and the structure will become unusable. But to lay it dry is also not recommended. In this state, it will crumble easily, and also subsequently will not be able to close the seams tightly. Before its driving it is necessary to make certain processing. Preparing a solution based on water (10 liters), to which is added 500 ml of oil and 250 g of soap. Everything is mixed until the soap is completely dissolved. After that, the moss is soaked and laid to drain a little. For ease of forming the roller, some craftsmen add tow fibers.

Pack

It is also a natural material that plumbers know very well. Due to its fibrous structure, it serves as a good compactor. Some masters are not very fond of this fiber. The fact is that it is quite difficult to work with him. Also, over time, the tow becomes useless, which will force the removal of its remnants and do everything again. Before laying it will need to be treated with a special substance that will serve as an antiseptic, as well as scare away insects that can feed on both the fibers themselves and harm the wood.

Felt

Excellent material, which, like moss, allows the tree to breathe. It is a good filter that does not let in odors. In modern material began to add additional synthetic inclusions, which made it even more durable. The main disadvantage of using this solution is that the mole loves to feast on felt. Before caulking it is treated with special compounds that repel this insect.

Lnovatinom

Modern material, which is 100% flax and is a waste product. It is a good seal that does not hinder air circulation. It has some stiffness, which complicates the process of the caulker.

Jute

One of the best materials. It not only perfectly fills the gap, but also protects intervening space from moisture penetration. Birds do not use it for the construction of their nests, so do not have to worry that they will peck it. It is made from wood of the family of lime. Usually it is imported from other countries. The material has softness and plasticity.

Jute rope. In addition to its intended purpose, this cauldron performs the role of a decorative finish.

Sealant

This is a modern method. Many manufacturers joined in this race. Material is supplied in special tubes. It is applied to the joints, after which a beautiful seam is formed.

What to choose is the decision of everyone personally. Everything will depend on the budget, as well as on the availability of a particular material in a particular area. But the material is better not to save.

Technology

The process of sealing mezhventsovyh seams are divided into two types. They are interchangeable and, rather, complementary.

• Stretching. This look got its name due to the fact that the material stretches along the entire seam and the fibers intertwine with each other. Usually it is used for primary caulk. After the construction of the log house, the cracks are still quite small, so it makes no sense to hammer them in with a thick layer of insulation and it is useless. The material is arranged in fibers so that they are perpendicular to the logs. With the help of a tool, it is pushed through the slots. After that, the ends that remain hanging hang up in a roller and fit tightly into the seam.
• In set. This method is used after the log house shrinks and the gaps become more visible. To do this, you will need to collect all the fibers in a pile and make ropes of them, which are then wound into a ball. Moreover, the thickness of such a rope will have to be calculated separately for each seam, because the gaps are not always the same.

After the distribution of the rolled material, the process of sealing the seams was greatly simplified. Primary stacking is usually done right away when laying logs. To do this, roll material is laid on the lunar recess and secured with a construction stapler. Further the log is located on the place. No need to carry out additional work after complete assembly.

At primary sealing it is important not to save material, but also not to stack it with a large layer. One lane will not be enough, so two fit. One should go next to the other, and the edge to act a few centimeters. It is very important to give stability to the log and make it easier for you to carry out the task when re-processing is performed.

Secondary compaction, which is made at least six months, is not the last. After about 4–5 years, when the building finally sits down, it will be necessary to once again process the seams. You can follow the following sequence:

• We clear seams of garbage and material which got out or worn out. You can go vacuuming to simplify your task.
• A caulk should be made poventsovo, not fasting. Those. need to move around the circumference of each row. It is important that there is no skew and the building was not damaged.
• It should start from the outside, and then go inside the building.
• Need to unwind the tape. Its length should be 15 × 20 cm longer than the wall. This is important, because in the process of compaction folds are formed, to which this stock will go.
• Now it is important to gently tuck one of the edges of the tape into the slot to fix it.
• Next, using a caulk and a hammer, we make a seal. To do this, raise the hanging end, tuck it and beat. This operation must be performed in several passes. It is not necessary to try to score everything at once, as it can quickly become skewed and the sealing itself will be worse. When twisting several times, a seam in the form of a rope is formed, which is dense enough not to allow air from outside.
• Repeat the operation from the inside.
• We move from the lower (grading) crown to the upper. Perhaps at the top it will be enough just to tuck the material gently with little effort so as not to hinder further shrinkage.

You need to be careful not to overdo it with the layer. During the caulk, the frame is raised. If you make the lining too thick, it can lead to the fact that the rise exceeds the size of a single log. The consequence may be that the dowels will not stand up and the bars will fall out.

Insulation with sealant is much easier. For this, a special string of suitable diameter is purchased. It is usually made from synthetic materials. Without effort, it fits into the seam to cover the gap. After that the mastic is applied. Its layer should be from 5 mm wide and from 10 mm high. After applying the composition is sprayed with impregnation, and then leveled with a small spatula. In the first few days you will have to curtain the seams on the sunny side, because usually the manufacturer advises to avoid direct sunlight until completely dry.

Sealant is also used after applying natural materials. It helps protect the sealer from pests and animals. Inside the house, instead of a sealant, it will be possible to use a string of sufficient diameter to decorate the pierced joints.

Usually, self-sealing of a log house does not cause any particular difficulties and does not require great skills. The only thing you need is patience, because time is running out.

Video

This video shows the caulking process with acrylic sealants: