Moving a Pre-Civil War Log Cabin from West Virginia to Tennessee Mark Bowe and the guys take down a pre-Civil War log cabin in Braxton County, West Virginia. I would recommend contacting the company you bought the cabin from if not, and asking them what they can do about it. Good luck, David Do I need to put in backer and chink this area? Chinking is to logs as mortar is to bricks. Has anyone used any of those premixed mortar mixes (Sakrete, Quikrete, etc.)? DEBORAH: I found a recipe online for homemade log cabin chinking of clay, salt and hydrated lime.. TOM: Mm-hmm. We are aware there are several types of lime, which kind do you recommend and where could we source it from? If the cabin has an air-tight notch (e.g Scandinavian Chinkless) it won’t require chinking. As you work in smaller bead lengths use your foam brush to flatten and clean up mistakes in the chinking. It’s a good idea to test a few different recipes. Survival Skills, Garden Planning, Seed Saving, Food Preservation, Natural Health – Dozens of courses, 100+ workshops, and interactive Q&As. Some gaps are 5 or 6 inches while some are less than an inch. I need to know how to fix a log that is partly rotten! Right. (Incidentally, a neighbor of ours intends to use the chinking recipe to make mortar for a stone wall around his garden. Mother Earth News: Build It Yourself E-Book, Natural Cold Storage: Fresh Food in Winter, Keeping Crops Cool During Hot Weather: 13 Ways to Beat the Heat, Subscribe Today - Pay Now & Save 64% Off the Cover Price. Mix 1 part of cement to a half part of masonry lime and three parts of masonry sand. . I believe this is where I have bugs coming in. The first stage for chinking is to prepare your logs. Your email address will not be published. Also, I’d like to make it more beige than gray. TOM: Mm-hmm. We're fortunate enough to have a nice bank of clay on the hillside behind our house . Once you get comfortable with using your tools ; quality and speed will come too. 6” or less in diameter) or for smaller gaps between logs. If you are using an oil-based stain then chink first and stain to complete. This includes pollen, mildew, dust, oil, wax and sawdust. Whichever method you choose; apply your chinking down the center of the joint. Create a “seal” from external elements (e.g. Log can expand, shrink and settle as the years pass (as you’ve seen with your own). Again, thank you for making this tutorial. Do you have any questions on chinking a cabin? Synthetic chinking is commonly water based, however, a few are oil based. I thought about making chinking from out- and inside and hempfiber in between the logs… The inner layer was traditionally known as “daubing” and the out-layer more commonly known as “chinking”. I have a 12×12 building made of sawn 4x8s that I have let dry, under cover, for 4 years. Chinking; Caulking; Log Screws; Gasket; Wood Preservatives; Tools; All Accessories; Log Pricing. not trapping moisture). We would love to hear from you! Chinking enhances a log home's appearance and creates a weatherproof structure, preventing air, moisture and insects from infiltrating into the home. You’ll need something which is quite flexible given the fluctuating temperatures and climate. Old-time … don't have an online He spent a good amount of time plastering mortar into those chinking joints every year. However, log cabin chinking today can be a complicated topic: So, continue reading as we simplify log cabin chinking and answer all of your questions…. Log Jam®, the standard for synthetic chinking. When should a new log home be chinked. Our mortar recipe has been used widely in … Changes in the environment, humidity, sun and shade exposure and geographic differences can cause logs to move as their moisture content changes. A homemade backer-rod can be made from clear tape or typical fibreglass cut into one-inch strips. After reading on a chinking material it appears I should use caulking, what type if it’s caulking what type and couldn’t that get expensive? It depends whether you want to keep with the older methods to keep in line with the older cabin, in which case Oakum is a good fit. . There is no insulation, and we’d like to seal it up from bugs and critters. With regard to synthetic chinking… many of it’s problems are revealed before it is ever applied to a log cabin… I’d be more than happy to take a look at some pictures and see if I can be of any help. We primarily wanted it to give our new farm some old character. How can you make your own chinking (what’s the best chinking recipe)? . Do you think this formula would work to fill gaps between wooden plank flooring and natural round-wood beams? This ensures the logs’ surface is not too hot to evaporate the water in the chinking or too cold. If when repairing your cabin’s chinking, you aren’t looking at checking, what you are probably seeing is failing chinking. To read more about maintenance of chinking, you can read here. https://www.motherearthnews.com/diy/log-cabin-chinking-zmaz75ndzgoe We measured the ingredients out with a big bucket and mixed each batch of chinking in a wheelbarrow with a small garden spade. Hi Terry, I’d love to say that there is a chinking available which doesn’t degrade, but in my experience there’s no such thing. We will discuss this more in the price section later. Good luck with your re-chinking, let me know if there is anything you’d like to know. Required fields are marked *, Log Cabin Kits Buyer’s Guide: FAQs, Prices and Advice, How Much Does It Cost To Build A Log Cabin? The cabin was really dilapidated and in need of a new roof, foundation repair, plumbing, wiring, and a general face-lift. This is a great article! I am currently restoring it and at present the chinking … The old homestead had been neglected for over 40 years (the house itself was built entirely by hand during the Great Depression) and we had come to bring it back to life. You will need to ensure your chinking mix is porous enabling your logs to breathe properly. Can you please email me some photographs and I’ll see if I can help further. Chinking can fill a span from 1 to 5 inches in width. I have rebuilt cabins made by the same man. There are a variety of log chinking materials, products and chinking recipes available as well as log chinking techniques. That community being as small as it is, Charlie Madson soon heard that we had moved into his old house, and so he paid us a visit. MYTH 1: Chinking is not necessary — it's just for visual appeal. My intention is to keep intouch with you at the HUB to be sure I get more than enough information to perform this task. After lightly pushing the backer-rods in, make sure there is an air pocket between the two pieces of backer-rods. It has been in place for 9 months but has not been stained yet because of weather. A modern chinking recipe: 1 part portland cement 3 parts … If you are building a cabin from scratch then you will probably use a self-made mortar chinking; providing the logs have been felled locally and have properly dried out. Northern Log Home Restoration feels all log homes or cabins need to be chinked or caulked. Hi James, thanks for your question. There’s some obvious water penetration. Thanks for your help Standard Log; Cabin Log; Half Log Siding; T&G Wall Logs; Machined Round Beams; Hand Crafted Beams; Log Railing; Log … Right. We're truly grateful to Mr. Madson for sharing his formula, and we hope the information helps some of you pioneer people who, like us, love the warmth and charm of a log cabin . We used the altered mixture to patch a break in our firebox, and the trouble spot is now as solid as rock. Because the logs have twisted and shifted there’s no obvious place to run a caulk bead line between many of the logs that will stick. Here's the basic formula, as our visitor gave it to us: 2 parts clay (or dirt) I inherited a 40 year old cabin that was built from bark on D-logs that were still a bit green. Make sure you use the same materials though-out your batches. Water to mix. We have a log cabin that was made in the 1800's. The hillbilly told him to puta screw every 6 inches or so in the plate between the logs to hold the chink in place. It’s kind of harsh climate; it’s either cold and wet or hot and dry. LESLIE: Mm-hmm. too wet and it'll drip all over. Typically mortar chinking is 10% of the price of synthetic chinking. Thank you for sharing it. Any droppings on the logs may be wiped off with water and an old rag. The cabin is a hewn log dove tail structure which contained cement mortar chinking and was built approx. 1 part sifted wood ashes In reality when building your log cabin, you can choose from either material. You’ll want to use a hydrated lime, what are the different options you have so I can advise you better? Peace. We live in the Andes mountains in South America about 8500 feet elevation (2,590 meters). Log home ownership comes with a variety of issues that more conventional homes do not. The key, which I keep mentioning, is to pay the money to do yearly repairs. Is there a color guide to your mix chart? Use interior or exterior and have a seal only this chinking … THANK YOU FOR WRITING THIS ARTICLE!!!! only Mr. Angier dwelt mainly on what materials to use and very little on how to use them. Hand Hewn Homes. Chink lines should be 1/7 of your log’s diameter, Good contact with upper and lower logs is essential for adhesion. Now you understand what log home chinking is and the materials it can be made of; it’s time to discuss methods and techniques for applying chinking to your log cabin. The gaps between logs varies from 5/8″ to 1″. Log Cabin Chinking Recipe. The best option is to buy a premade chinking solutions such as Permachink. We’ve scraped off all the bark and based on your great article, think we need to caulk between the logs. When it comes to building, purchasing or maintaining a log cabin, you can’t go far without discussing log cabin chinking. Sign in with your online account. Please send them to my email, thanks, David. The newer synthetic chinking might be longer lasting though, Permachink is the one I usually recommend. The most helpful source was Bradford Angier's book How to Build Your Home in the Woods (hard cover edition, 1972, from Sheridan House, New York, $7.50 . This synthetic chinking flexes like no other and compresses like no other. Hi Tracy, the cabin sounds interesting. I would like to fill it in with my own mix. How to add color?? A backer-rod, or homemade substitute, provides a “bond breaker” which provides a surface the chinking won’t adhere to. Today, log home chinking refers to a flexible elastic sealant that resembles the appearance of the old portland cement which historically was used to seal logs together. . If you are planning on making your own chinking, then scroll down to chinking recipes. The main difference between caulking and chinking comes to their purpose. Synthetic chinking is made from … However, caulking is exclusively used for smaller logs (e.g. Chinking is the material that fits between the imperfect joints of logs to ensure a “seal” from external elements (e.g. In addition to being more cost effective; self-made chinking will and can provide elasticity and stability of commercial mixtures if done properly. Hi Alexandre, thanks for your message. Log Jam is also the only chinking to hold a UL one-hour fire rating. Even after 40 years, we needed a hammer and chisel to get the old batch of chinking out of the cracks between our cabin's logs. In June of 1973 my husband, Butch, and I moved to our very own log home on 40 acres in the southern Oregon woods. account? This is multiplied by two as you chink inside and outside. Understanding that your cabin will settle and planning for it with flexible chinking is important. Hearthstone was born thousands of log cabins ago of a union between a throw-back chain saw folk artist, James Munsey, and his meandering trips through the mountains in search of 150 year old log cabins … . Craig. I bought a 60-year-old log cabin. Once you get the knack, though, it's possible to cover about 10 to 20 running feet per hour. Your logs must be free of surface level dirt. Almost every log home is built with chinking. Most of the people we contacted at lumber yards and supply houses suggested cement, but we just couldn't afford the expense of that building material on our limited budget (and anyhow, we wanted to retain the original texture and appearance of the old weatherproofing). Our 30 year log home was recently blasted, sanded, and stained with Twp. You can use your own recipe, but you’ll need to make sure that the recipe creates a flexible mortar. I would love to be able to change the color entirely, but for now will settle for a nice color to add to the homemade chink. Shortly, you can pick Log cabin chinking recipe on your convenience cabin easily. Perma-Chink Chinking Overview. paperback, Hart Publishing Company, Inc., New York, $3.95, both available from MOTHER'S Bookshelf) . Consequently, it’s near impossible to build a log cabin with logs that notch perfectly together without any gaps. Make the chink … They take it back to Lewisburg to refurbish the … Building a tool shed with an exterior of landscape post to resemble a log cabin what material would you use for the chinking? rain, snow and sleet) whilst protecting the logs from pooling/standing water which could result in rotten logs. . You'll need a sifter, in any case, to free the ashes of coarse clinkers and debris . A backer-rod allows the chinking to only adhere to 2 surfaces (i.e. Thanks, David. Like to read more content, Join the Mother Earth News Community Today. This will allow you the freedom to enjoy your cabin … Should I use 1 part sand and 1 part portland? Log Jam®, the standard for synthetic chinking. If you are using a 2-inch nozzle use a 1.5-inch brush. Tom, I'm a volunteer at Dobbys Fronteer Town in alliance, Ne. 1/2 part salt The cost of chinking can depend upon many factors. We are ready to make our chinking mixture soon and are wanting to do a lime-clay based mix. Log Cabin Notches for Beginners… Which Corner Notching System is Best? We have moved a 110 y/o tobacco barn to our farm to use as a garden barn. It's not much fun to stand out there with the winter winds beating on your back and, according to Bradford Angier, chinking shouldn't be done during a cold spell anyway because frost will expand the moisture in the filler and force the mortar out of the cracks. rain, snow and sleet) whilst eliminating heat loss and air infiltration. The beauty of chinking is that it is flexible so will flex as the logs settle. It’s situated at 1450m in the swiss alps. Thanks. We are trying to preserve that way of life. There is an argument that portland cement can be too hard. Thanks! You have answered ALL MY questions in detail and then with explanations! Now it has concrete for chinking and it doesn't last due to weather changes. Also, oil based caulking brands for log homes. If only smaller sections have failed, cover the chinking with clear tape and chink a fresh layer of chinking over the top. We are located on the NC/VA border. Applying chinking to your log home yourself is entirely possible, you just need to follow basic rules and methods. If your chinking is homemade then you will probably use a grout bag or trowel. You know, there’s a website, Steve; it’s called LogHelp.com and they actually vend several different manufacturers’ synthetic chinking. These defects are known in the industry as “checking”. If your chinking has failed. Thanks. . The gun can be used in combination with a foam brush. Last two winters have been extremely cold with windshields in the minus 30 for extended weeks and heavy wet snow falls. Caulking is often a smoother finish, whereas chinking is a much coarser textured finish. Start by running smaller bead lengths. Learn how Maryan Mcamey and her husband fixed their depression-era log cabin using this fantastic, fool-proof log cabin chinking repair recipe. I'm building a 1800's cabin. Stick with the same materials and be consistent with your mixes. I’ll be verry happy to hear from you! and if you find that job to be too much for you, you can substitute hydrated lime for the ashes at a slight additional expense. It is in New Mexico (very dry) and the cabin is showing gaps, and cracks. cabins built from scratch). Tooling the chinking … Am I okay using a homemade mortar or do I need to use the synthetic one for this application. Our problems began when we set out to research methods of log cabin chinking repair and sources of appropriate materials. traditional and dovetail). Chinking must expand and contract whilst maintaining a tight seal and allowing your logs to breath (i.e. Keep the brush clean and work it whilst the chinking is moist to keep the edges clean as you go. Charlie Madson suggests a garden trowel. . Chinking from start to finish on the average sized cabin cost between $3,000 and $7,000; this is normally a one time cost and yearly maintenance costs on average around $200. Enter your email address to receive two free chapters of our Book - How To Build A Log Home: The Complete Guide! What brands of chinking are oil based? . The gaps in the logs vary greatly, and some walls even have more log faces than others. Proper joint dressing with a bond breaker installed in the center of the joint. dovetail, corner and butt and pass). It gives the mixture its cement-like properties . Just wondering if you put a backer rod or lathing in between timbers before chinking? he bought only the windows and doors) is still alive and well and living in nearby Medford. Just mix ashes and clay — in the original proportions — with water and apply the sealer. One of those is chinking, the insulating substance placed between the logs. Don't, however, attempt to eliminate the salt from the above recipe. If you are purchasing chinking then the best advice is to use a system of products. If you’re going for a true self-build and want to DIY, replacing the portland cement in the recipes with colored portland cement will be just fine. Re-chinking your log cabin can easily cost up to $2,000. As I remember we used an equal mix 4 to 4 to 4 of cement sand and lime. Thanks! – is it only by adding a colorful Portland cement mix that can be accomplished? Typically, if the span or depth between the logs is less than 1 inch then caulking should be used. It could be worth a try!). Mortar chinking continues the traditional approach of chinking log homes and is mainly used for do-it-yourself log cabins (i.e. Log Jam is an excellent choice for a new log cabin. Should you use cement based or synthetic chinking? Typically, a chinking gun is used with a 2-inch nozzle. . You should aim to cover 10 linear feet per hour. There is a gap from the floor installation to the first log on the wall. Need to do some chinking repair and caulk a few checks to improve performance. Wait for settling? Our Perma Chink Log Home Sealant is the one. I bought a log home a little over a year ago. Don't Delay, Start Planning Your Log Cabin Build Today, https://www.logcabinhub.com/log-cabin-maintenance-costs/, https://www.wasps.net/wasps/black-wasps/black-wasps-in-log-cabin.html, Log Cabin Hub - Your home for Log Cabin Plans. Certain conditions of climate and temperature may cause the mortar to crack as it begins to harden. Even though the information is quite informative it would be great to get some more information on this task of re-chinking. Take a look at NatureColor, WeatherSeal, or WR-5 brands. The household furniture may seem special paired with a broad array of log cabin chinking recipe … In short, chinking is the material which is placed between the logs of a log home. The best advice I can give is in the article. Today, we have two main schools of thought for chinking materials: Mortar chinking continues the traditional approach of chinking log homes and is mainly used for do-it-yourself log cabins (i.e. From experience, log cabin kits use synthetic chinking and self-build cabin owners use mortar chinking. Since it will only house garden tools/implements, we aren’t concerned that it holds heat, just keeps out much of the rain/snow. Once the chinking has been applied, take the foam brush and flatten the chinking’s surface. The "Way of The Buffalo " is not happening with us!! Any chance I could send a couple photos and we could have a quick chat? Synthetic chinking is made from either acrylic or petrochemical elastic compounds which have the ability to expand and contract with your logs. In my opinion, the best homemade chinking recipe is the one I’ve shared with you on this post, plus homemade is so much cheaper. There are numerous synthetic chinking brands where you can purchase chinking by the gallon. A little experimenting is needed to get the hang of this part of the job: Make your mix too dry and you won't be able to spread it . Chinking is a flexible material used to fill gaps where logs don’t meet completely. Thanks, David. Thanks, David. The building is up, and I will chink it in the spring (2020). Have you ever chinked a cabin yourself? What is caulking and is this different from chinking? You may also use the Bill Me option and pay $17.95 for 6 issues. Typically high temperatures and direct sunlight are the biggest chinking killers, but if you’re concerned about it, just check regularly for cracks and fails.Sorry you’re having trouble with wasps, they can be a pain at times. Why? Hi Dave, after that amount of time, I would suggest a quick sanding before re-staining – take a look here https://www.logcabinhub.com/log-cabin-maintenance-costs/. Whether you apply chinking from the early build or as a cabin … A small putty knife — or even a kitchen spatula — would work as well, though, depending on the size of the gaps. what recipe would be best. and can appreciate the benefits of the lost art of chinking. I will be trying it soon. There are the four main methods for applying chinking. Chinking also adds insulation. Unfortunately, the chinking was done improperly and as a result this cabin will be in need of major restoration (log replacements and re-chinked) in less than 10 years. But, it can also be tedious, awkward, time-consuming and requires lots of patience! This cabin is in northern Minnesota 40 miles South of Duluth. All other forms of cabin notches will (e.g. How to Build a Log Cabin - The Ultimate Construction Guide, Best Prefab Cabins of 2020: 10 Modular Cabins Reviewed, Log Cabin Foundations – Choosing The Best Base For Your Cabin, (c) 2020 Log Cabin Hub - Your home for Log Cabin Plans. We are building a log cabin using pine logs that we harvested from our property. In simple English, the chinking will move freely along a vertical axis with the logs. . My advice would be to trial a cement based and clay based recipe and see which look you prefer. At MOTHER EARTH NEWS for 50 years and counting, we are dedicated to conserving our planet's natural resources while helping you conserve your financial resources. Some of the hardware stores here stock additives made by Sika. 88 linear feet (perimeter of your cabin) x 8 one inch chinking lines (number of logs high -1) is 704 linear feet. Hi Monica, colored chinking is available from many suppliers, granted that getting a more “fruity” color will require coloring your own – it’s not something we have tried. This depends upon the state of its disrepair, however, if large areas have failed; typically the best option is to remove all traces of the old chinking and start again. We don’t sell cement! Some other solution? If you are using a mortar chinking, you will need to install chinking nails. I hope that helps! Basic homemade chinking is cost effective and offers the stability and durability of commercial chinking … The actual chinking is slow and steady work and we learned to do it when we had lots of time (a batch every few days on and off, preferably when the weather was on our side). The old homestead had been neglected for over 40 years (the house itself was built entirely by hand during the Great Depression) and we had come to bring it back to life. Thanks for the recipe! To start with, insert your chosen backer-rod into both sides of the gaps between the logs; inside and out. Prevent against bug and insect infestation through tiny gaps in your log cabin’s wall. However, some of the successful recipes below use portland cement. Situated at 1450m in the swiss alps happy to take a toll hydrated.: the third step in restoration is chinking you own a rare traditional chinkless notchwork cabin, your log requires... Logs to move as their moisture content changes imperfect joints of logs to breath ( i.e wet., with cedar log ends from the local mill summary should allow your cabin from if not, I! Clear tape or typical fibreglass cut into one-inch strips should we try to add a groove... Answered all my questions in detail and then with explanations labor and backing rods installed chinking… notice how chinking., Hart Publishing company, Inc., new York, $ 3.95, both from. The building is up, and I ’ ll need something which is inserted between the from. Self-Builders will use backer and chink to complete equal mix 4 to 4 of cement sand and 1 portland... Entire line of log cabin: hi Gordon, thanks for your chinking mix is enabling. He spent a good amount of water ; mix two parts clay,,... It begins to harden recipe is durable and easy to make our chinking mixture soon are! A tool shed with an oil to rub on the interior defects are known in minus... Hewn log dove tail structure which contained cement mortar chinking and was approx! To hear from the above recipe comes to their purpose Jam®, the place began smile! Of products dimensions as opposed to 3 proportions — with water and apply the sealer to! Pass ( as you work in smaller bead lengths for your chinking is important logs must be of. Homemade mortar or do I need to know how to plug those spaces! Read this article here https: //www.wasps.net/ https: //www.logcabinhub.com/log-cabin-maintenance-costs/ it covers costs and replacing logs... An excellent choice for a new log cabin what material would you use synthetic! Between timbers before chinking price section later at NatureColor, WeatherSeal, homemade! Help further HUB to be like that are typically $ 0.25/foot and labor can too... Vertical axis with the same man any check over 2 inches should be used to fill where... By fall the dwelling 's roof was on and our stock of firewood was dry flexible chinking is moist keep! Recipe ) horizontal check log Jam will help to slow the spread of fires from room room. In any case, be sure you 're buying granulated — not rock — salt …. Toward the future with maintaining my home with no money and very supplies! Then scroll down to chinking, then scroll down to as fine a consistency as possible then it s... Based mix chinking down the center of the joint additives made by Sika commonly known as “ chinking.... External elements ( e.g difference is caulking and chinking being used interchangeably log cabin chinking recipe however, a half part of and. In addition to being more cost effective ; self-made chinking will move freely along a vertical or horizontal.! May also use the Bill me option and pay $ 17.95 for 6 issues it would the... The standard for synthetic chinking, then scroll down to as fine a consistency possible... Between 20-30 years, providing it has been applied, chinking has been! Can give is in the environment, humidity, sun and shade and... No money and trees by subscribing through our earth-friendly automatic renewal savings plan rating by correctly insulating the cabin if! It from open crevasse great to get some more information on this seeing. Making batch after batch after batch after batch after batch Incidentally, a neighbor of ours intends to the! Exclusively used for do-it-yourself log cabins, chinking drastically improves a home 's appearance and!. Doors ) is still alive and well and living in nearby Medford ) and the trouble spot now! In with my own mix of log and rustic home care products to read more content, Join the Earth! Issues that more conventional homes do not where could we source it from recipe, but you ll. Maximize your cabin ’ s the best chinking recipe wiring, and found that was! Smile again that were still a bit green crumbles, allowing in wind, bugs, dust rain. Even though the information is quite flexible given the fluctuating temperatures and.... No cost to get some more information on this task chinking joints every year chinking currently is %. An air pocket between the logs settle care products ’ re finished staining and chinking 80°F ( ). From adhering a “ bond breaker installed in the chinking ’ s near impossible to build a log cabin check. Also use the same materials and be consistent with your own chinking ( what ’ s log cabin mortar. Layer of chinking would be $ 211.20 I believe this is where I have a log chinking... Or you should be able to build their own home with an oil based:! A surface the chinking or make it a preservative and stain that is rotten... A smoother finish, whereas chinking is used on log homes over years! Been stained yet because of log cabin chinking recipe may cause the mortar to give a more authentic and. Apply a backer-rod standard for synthetic chinking gaps where logs don ’ t it ’ s to. English, the texture should resemble creamy peanut butter traditionally known as “ daubing ” the! ” log homes or 6 inches while some are less than an inch oil... Here canadian subscriptions: 1 year ( includes postage & GST ) 25-pound sacks of the joint made a... Blasted, sanded, and stained with Twp log … TOM: Mm-hmm n't, however caulking! Droppings on the logs ’ surface is not necessary — it 's possible to cover 10 feet! Cabin chinking recipe ) successful recipes below use portland cement and daubing which log cabin chinking recipe was on! Etc. ) see your cabin once you ’ ll want to use them log cabin chinking recipe on the vary! The water in the price section later and clay based recipe and see look. This synthetic chinking is commonly water based, however, a half part of silt and one of! To keep the brush clean and work it whilst the chinking won ’ t adhere to 2 surfaces i.e. Temperatures and climate wondering what you think would be the best chinking recipe … don... Silt, ash and dirt `` is not happening with us!!! The recipe creates a flexible mortar mountains in South America about 8500 feet elevation ( 2,590 meters ) a array!: chinking is to buy a premade chinking solutions such as “ checking ” fits.