Log Cabin Living : Resources & Information for log home and log cabin building

Preparation of Logs The logs must be clean and free from all dirt, oil, grease, and obstructions such as nails, tacks, staples, etc.

Determine Size of Tri-Rod To determine the correct size needed and amount of linear feet, lay the various sizes into the log joints. It should fit snugly into the log joint and form a flat, vertical surface. Choose the size that best fits each joint.

Installation Place the Tri-Rod down on a flat surface or holding rack. Spray the two exposed

sides of the rod lightly with spray adhesive. Allow adhesive to dry until tacky, then carefully insert it into log joint with the exposed face parallel to the plane of the wall and press firmly until it fits snugly between the logs. Continue in this manner until all of the rod is installed into the joints. Note: Never spray adhesive directly to log surface. It can cause adhesion problems with the chinking and finishes.

To maintain a neat, uniform appearance, try to make a smooth transition when changing size of rod in a surface line. When installing around knots, corners, curves, etc., the back side of the rod may be cut out as long as the front flat surface is left intact. When blocking is used between logs, apply the rod over

blocks and mark the back of the Tri-Rod at the edges of the block. Turn Tri-Rod over and cut along mark, being careful not to cut completely through to the front flat surface. See illustration.


For Chinking Joints greater than 1/4", a round, flexible length of extruded polyethylene backer rod (it looks like a rope made of foam) is used to create a surface backing for the chinking. At the same time, it insulates and saves on the amount of chinking material used. But most important, it acts as a bond breaker allowing the chinking to adhere only to the top and bottom of the logs, not to the backer rod. This allows the chinking to flex naturally as the logs shrink, instead of peeling away. Note Spray adhesives may be needed when installing Tri-Rod and Closed Cell. FYI Backer Rod and Chinking Part 1 and 2 Commonly Asked Questions Chinking, Caulking, and Sealants			Open Cell Easy to install (softer, more pliable than closed cell). Will compress more to fit a wider range of joint sizes and allows for faster cure of caulk and chinking. Recommended for indoor applications only. Will not cause outgassing, which can cause blisters; if the caulking or chinking sealant is punctured, closed cell can absorb moisture.

Closed Cell Will not hold, but actually repels moisture. In some cases, it will give a little higher insulation value. Closed Cell provides a firm finished joint because it is a stiff material. Has a wider assortment of sizes 1/4" to 4" in diameter. Works well for caulking jobs that requires a smaller backer rod, such as 1/4" to 3/8". In some uses this product will need to be attached in place, using spray adhesives.
			Dual Rod A soft, flexible, compressible (like open cell, yet has been extruded to repel moisture), and non-gassing rod. Easy to fit in various size joints because of compressibility. Used in expansion and contraction joints to control sealant application. (Many builders of the Swedish cope style use it as an internal seal.) Manufactured to exceed 1990 Clean Air Act requirements.


			Grip Strip A closed cell trapezoid shaped product which, under normal use will not cause blisters in chinking material. Unique design provides excellent fit with a flat surface within chink joint, resulting in saving on chinking. Can be used on exterior or interior surfaces. Comes in 4' lengths. Repels moisture.
Tri-Rod A triangular shaped, closed cell backer rod. Available in 6' lengths. Repels moisture.


			Spray Adhesive Touch ‘n Stick™ Multipurpose spray adhesive for lightweight materials. Bonds fabric, flexible foam, foam insulation panels, fiberglass insulation, cork, felt, cardboard, metal, foil, and other materials. Not for use on vinyl materials, automotive headliners, or laminates. Provides fast tack and low soak-through. 12-oz can $7.10 Touch 'n Seal Foam Sealant™ Polyurethane foam sealant provides airtight insulation, fits into hard-to-reach openings, reduces heating and cooling costs. 24 oz. can - 2,400 linear feet of " diameter bead. 12-oz can High Yield $8.80 24-oz. High Yield $13.25 This product is also available in a gun type to eliminate loss of material and for easier application. High Yield Gun Foam in 24 oz. screw can that mounts to the gun. $16.50 Economy Model Foam Gun $30.25 Sharpshooter VII Foam Gun Contractor model. $75.00 Prices subject to change without prior notice. To Place an Order: Call Toll Free 1-800-359-6614 or visit Schroeder Log Home Supply, Inc. to order!
Installing Tri-Rod Preparation of Logs The logs must be clean and free from all dirt, oil, grease, and obstructions such as nails, tacks, staples, etc. Determine Size of Tri-Rod To determine the correct size needed and amount of linear feet, lay the various sizes into the log joints. It should fit snugly into the log joint and form a flat, vertical surface. Choose the size that best fits each joint. Installation Place the Tri-Rod down on a flat surface or holding rack. Spray the two exposed sides of the rod lightly with spray adhesive. Allow adhesive to dry until tacky, then carefully insert it into log joint with the exposed face parallel to the plane of the wall and press firmly until it fits snugly between the logs. Continue in this manner until all of the rod is installed into the joints. Note: Never spray adhesive directly to log surface. It can cause adhesion problems with the chinking and finishes. To maintain a neat, uniform appearance, try to make a smooth transition when changing size of rod in a surface line. When installing around knots, corners, curves, etc., the back side of the rod may be cut out as long as the front flat surface is left intact. When blocking is used between logs, apply the rod over blocks and mark the back of the Tri-Rod at the edges of the block. Turn Tri-Rod over and cut along mark, being careful not to cut completely through to the front flat surface. See illustration.