Seal Gaps and Keep Your Cabin Comfortable

Log cabin restoration and chinking services in the Flathead Valley and surrounding areas that stop drafts, block moisture, and improve energy efficiency without compromising the look of your home.

Your log home in Kalispell may have visible gaps between logs where old chinking has cracked, shrunk, or fallen out completely, leaving openings that let in cold air, moisture, and insects. Tamarack Remodel & Design installs and repairs chinking to seal these gaps and restore the appearance and function of your cabin, a service that is especially important in areas near Flathead Valley where winter temperatures drop below zero and wind-driven snow can push moisture into unsealed joints.

This service includes chinking installation and repair using flexible, weather-resistant materials that move with the logs as they expand and contract with seasonal humidity changes. The chinking seals gaps for insulation and protection, prevents moisture and pest intrusion, and maintains the traditional log cabin appearance. It also improves energy efficiency by reducing air leakage and lowering heating costs during Montana winters.

Get in touch with Tamarack Remodel & Design to schedule a chinking inspection for your log cabin in Kalispell.

What Happens When Gaps Are Sealed Correctly

Your project in Kalispell begins with gap inspection and cleaning, which involves removing old chinking, debris, and loose wood fibers from between the logs. Backer rod is then inserted into each gap to provide support and control chinking depth, and the chinking material is applied in smooth, consistent beads that fill the joint completely and adhere to both log surfaces.

Once the chinking cures, you will notice that drafts around windows, doors, and wall joints are gone, and your heating system does not cycle as often to maintain indoor temperature. The gaps between logs are sealed with a flexible, textured surface that looks intentional and blends with the wood. Moisture no longer collects in the joints, which reduces the risk of rot and insect activity in those areas.

This service is designed for log homes with gaps wider than one-quarter inch and works on both traditional and modern log construction. It does not replace rotted logs, repair structural settling, or fix foundation issues, and it assumes your logs are still sound and properly aligned. Homes with severe settling or ongoing movement may require additional structural work before chinking can be applied effectively.

A few things people ask about chinking

Homeowners often ask about chinking materials, timing, and how long the seal lasts, so the following questions cover the most common concerns that come up before and during log cabin restoration projects.

What is chinking made of?
Modern chinking is made from acrylic-based elastomeric compounds that stretch and compress with log movement. These materials bond to wood, resist UV damage, and remain flexible for decades.
How long does it take for chinking to cure?
Chinking usually cures to the touch within 24 hours, but full curing takes one to two weeks depending on temperature and humidity. You should avoid heavy contact or water exposure during this time.
Can chinking be applied in cold weather?
Most chinking products require surface temperatures above 40 degrees for proper adhesion and curing. Tamarack Remodel & Design schedules chinking projects during warmer months to ensure the best results.
Why does old chinking crack and fall out?
Cracking usually happens when chinking is applied too thin, without backer rod, or when logs move more than the chinking can stretch. Proper installation and material selection prevent this problem.
How often does chinking need to be replaced?
High-quality chinking lasts 20 to 30 years or more with minimal maintenance. Inspecting the joints every few years and touching up small cracks extends the life of the seal.

Tamarack Remodel & Design handles log cabin restoration and chinking throughout Kalispell, including homes that need full joint replacement or targeted repairs on specific walls. Contact us to inspect your cabin and plan your chinking project.