When you choose a log home, you’re choosing beauty, strength, and a lifestyle that lasts generations. But here’s the truth: the way your logs are sealed determines everything—your home’s energy efficiency, durability, and overall comfort. At Gastineau Log Homes, headquartered in Kingdom City, Missouri, we’ve been crafting airtight, oak log homes since 1977. And when it comes to log bonding, caulking, and chinking, we’ve set the industry standard.
Why Sealing Matters More Than You Think
Air leaks are the enemy of comfort and efficiency. A poorly sealed log home can lead to energy loss, moisture issues, and costly repairs. That’s why we engineer every Gastineau home with multiple layers of protection—from Log Bond, to precision caulking, to proper chinking for style and strength.
Unlike stick-built homes that hide joints behind drywall (where leaks go unnoticed), log homes allow you to inspect, maintain, and protect your investment with ease. And when we say “airtight,” we mean it—our homes regularly outperform traditional construction in energy tests.
What is Log Bond—and Why Is It a Game Changer?
Log Bond isn’t just another sealant; it’s the strongest adhesive in the log home industry. Applied between the tongue-and-groove of every log, this high-performance sealant creates a permanent bond. Builders love it because:
- It sticks even to wet logs—unlike foam or butyl gaskets that fail when conditions aren’t perfect.
- It eliminates the need for “perfect placement.” Once your logs are set, they’re locked in.
- It prevents leaks at the most critical point—where your logs meet.
When you build with Gastineau, your home starts airtight from day one.
Caulking and the Power of Two-Point Adhesion
We don’t stop at Log Bond. Every Gastineau log profile includes a built-in caulk channel designed for maximum performance. On the outside joint, we mill a caulk channel into every log. Then we install backer rod and apply premium caulk, creating a seal that moves with the wood over time. This technique, called two-point adhesion, means your seal stretches without breaking—essential for the natural movement of logs.
Chinking vs. Caulking: Know the Difference
Many homeowners mix up these terms, but they serve different purposes:
- Caulking – Smooth, color-matched, perfect for small joints (¼”–¾”) for a seamless look.
- Chinking – Textured, contrasting, mimics mortar for a traditional Appalachian or historic style.
Both protect your home from air and moisture infiltration. At Gastineau, we help you choose the right system for your design and preference.
Do it once. Do it right. Do it with Gastineau.
