Best chinking?

[Logcabin77]

So I plan on using galvanized diamond wire mesh between my full round logs in my cabin build but is there a best chinking to use?( I've heard some say that standard mortar along with galvanized Diamond wire mesh holds up great but then I've also heard guys say that they added some type of silicone-based additive to the mortar that it flexes some)

[rusticretreater]

Chinking recipes are plentiful, but it is advisable to use an additive to make it long lasting and durable.  I don't know about using a standard mortar though.  Everything will move over time.  You don't want huge chunks just falling off.

[Nebraska]

Permachink ??

[scsmith42]

I chinked some of my old tobacco barns almost 20 years ago using plain old mortar and nails embedded in the logs to help retain it.

It was an inexpensive solution at the time but one of the cabins has really cracked a lot. 

If you go this route, be sure to use an additive that is designed to minimize cracking.

A product such as Perma-chink is probably best, albeit a lot more expensive.

Pick below is from 2003



Close up of chinking on the back side 20 years later.



I think that the primary difference between the cabin where the mortar cracked a lot and the tool cabin is that the former had more water in the mix.  If you use cement based chinking, mix it pretty dry.