Chinking

The space between the logs on a wall is called the chink area. The process of filling these spaces, as well as the filling itself, is called chinking.

In the past, a permanent compound was not available. Rather than a preservation problem, chinking was an ongoing maintenance chore since building with logs began. The original method was to fill the space with available moss, dung, straw or clay. This progressed to just nails to hold the rude concrete, then to metal screen lath that inproved the adherence of mortar and concrete. Insulation included rags, burlap, okum, shredded paper, and sawdust. We have found tattered undergarments and old socks! Traditional chinking formulas are used primarily in heritage restoration.