Fundamental Caulking

Application Guidelines:

 

·         Proper substrate preparation and application are imperative for product longevity. Read this entire Data Tec (CNL 002) before applying any product.

  • Make certain there is compatibility between your stain and Conceal. Best results are obtained when Conceal is applied to clean, stained wood. Call Sashco for guidance if in doubt.
  • Check the weather forecast. Finishing products are best-applied in moderate weather conditions, i.e., out of direct sunlight, in dry conditions and warm.
  • Check the log surface temperature. The ideal application range is between 50-90 degrees F.
  • It is always best to use a bond breaker (usually backer rod) before caulking (and Sashco always advises its use). Especially if the home is new and/or the logs are subject to significant movement. If a bond breaker is not used, then expect more caulking repairs.
  • Tool Conceal to help ensure good contact with log surfaces, especially to the upper log; this will greatly aid adhesion.
  • Ideal sealant depth is ½ of the joint width, but no less than ¼”.
  • Assemble tools and equipment:
    • Backer rod
    • Caulking guns
    • Trowels, spatulas, or foam brushes for tooling
    • Clean water and rags
    • Plastic sheets to cover the caulking if wet weather moves in
    • Staple gun & staples

 

  • If you have any questions about application, please call us before proceeding

at 1-800-767-5656.

 

Application

Surface Preparation

Best results are obtained when Conceal is applied to wood that has been previously coated with a compatible stain. If newly stained, the coating should be thoroughly cured before Conceal’s application. If the stain is older but still intact, clean the log surfaces thoroughly to remove dirt, pollen, bird droppings, and other surface contaminants.

 

The USDA Forest Products Laboratory and other researchers around the world have recently reported that surface wood exposed to sunlight for as little as 1-2 weeks can become sufficiently damaged and unsound which may lead to premature adhesive failure of  coatings. Such surface wood damage has the potential to also hurt Conceal’s (or any caulk’s) adhesion. So, once bare wood has been properly cleaned and prepped to remove unsound wood, Conceal should always be applied as soon as possible.

 

A few sealers, especially those high in wax content, or non-drying oils, may interfere with adhesion. Additionally, some of these coatings can hurt any caulk’s adhesion – whether applied before or after the caulk, so we advise against their use. Sashco maintains a list of some of the treatments that should be applied after applying Conceal, making sure Conceal is thoroughly cured before application. Check with Sashco for a more complete listing of compatible coatings.*

 

*Sashco can also test the compatibility of stains. Please allow a minimum of 6 weeks for testing. 

 

If a stain is applied over Conceal, it will typically be tinted the stain color, but will be affected differently than the surrounding wood. Test appearance before widespread use.

 

*Call Sashco for more information.

 

Joint Design

Joint width should be a minimum of ¼”, but no larger than 2”, and 4 times the anticipated joint movement. For example, if you anticipate log movement of 1/8”, bead width should be about ½”.

 

For joints 1” or more, the depth should be 3/8” to ½”. The depth of joints less than 1” wide should be half the width but no less than ¼”. (Joint depth, overall, should be between ¼” and ½”.)

 

Methods of Application

When using 5-gallon pails, Sashco’s patented Snorkler   Pumping System, grout bags, or bulk loading guns may be used. Use a caulking gun when using either the 29oz. Or 10.5oz. cartridges of Conceal. Conceal requires no heating prior to application, but will dispense easier when kept warm before use.

When using a cartridge, cut the spout at a 45 degree angle to desired bead size. In severe conditions (under 50 degress F and/or 70% humidity), full rain resistance may take longer. Cover exterior walls with plastic if rainfall is expected within 24 hours after installation (especially if it will be a long, sustained rain). Not recommended for continuous submersion or areas exposed to foot or vehicular traffic.

Tooling

Conceal should be tooled directly after application to ensure good adhesion and a smooth looking bead. Conceal may be tooled with ordinary masonry-type tooling blades, a wetted finger, or a damp polyethylene foam brush.

 

Work the material smooth, tooling Conceal tightly to the surfaces, keeping a rag handy for clean up.

 

Checks and Cracks

Because of the logs’ tendency to take on water from rain and snow through cracks and checks, it is important to pay close attention to these openings and prep and seal them properly. Note:  Most small checks should not be caulked. Only the larger ones, which admit the greatest volume of water, (1/4” or larger) should be sealed with

backer rod and caulk.

 

Clean-up & Disposal

Clean excess product off surfaces (before it cures) with a putty knife and/or a damp rag. Dispose of Conceal in accordance with local regulations. Do not dispose of in drinking water supplies. Water may be used for cleaning hands, surfaces and equipment. Toxic solvents are not required for clean-up.

 

Maintenance

Occasionally, a small number of logs on any home may undergo extreme movement due to their changing moisture content as they come to equilibrium in their new settings as part of a log home. Most logs, as they dry (or go through the repeated process of taking on and giving up moisture), will undergo moderate levels of stress on sealants applied to them. An occasional log (randomly and unpredictably) will twist, shrink or warp – in response to changes in its moisture content – in an extreme way, moving more than any sealant can possibly handle.

 

When this extreme movement occurs it will cause the sealant to fail either cohesively or adhesively. If the failure is cohesive (sealant splits apart), then the repair is performed by simply cleaning the surfaces of the failed sealant and reapplying more. If the failure is adhesive (sealant pulls cleanly away from the substrate), then the sealant usually needs to be removed and completely redone.

 

Important Notice

Because of many varying conditions affecting use and application, manufacturer warns buyer that these conditions may impair or vary the results and effects of the use of this product. Therefore, application and performance of this product are not guaranteed. Neither the manufacturer nor the seller shall be liable in respect to any injury or damage suffered by reason of use of this product for a purpose not indicated on the label or when used contrary to the directions or instructions herein. There are no warranties which extend beyond the description on this container or related literature including any implied warranty of merchantability.

 

Lifetime Limited Warranty

Sashco Sealants warrants that Conceal will stretch up to 100% of original joint size (plus or minus 50%) and will not pull away or center tear when applied in accordance to the Conceal Data Tec (CNL-002).  If you are dissatisfied at any time with Conceal’s performance in these areas, return proof of purchase to Sashco.

Limited to product replacement only.

replace with your keywords replace with your keywords replace with your keywords replace with your keywords replace with your keywords replace with your keywords replace with your keywords replace with your keywords