What to use?

[youngie22]

Just put horizontal cedar siding on the front of the house. And I'm wondering what will look the best for caulking all the seems. I am probably going to seal it with Sikkens SRD or similar product. Would clear caulk look better than a "cedar" color? I don't want the caulk to stand out any, but would like it to match well. Has any one been in this same dilema? Let me know what you guys think!

[Skeeter21i]

I recommend using Sascho Log Builder caulk. It tools easy and remains flexible. It is available in a few different colors so it'll blend well with your stain color. You probably won't be able to find it local but easy enough to get online. Schroeder Log Home Supply in Grand Rapids is a good source for caulk and stain. Their HSOforum has everything you need.

Sikkens is a great stain, you can't go wrong there. Besides SRD, check out the Cetol 1, Cetol 23 line as well. You will spend a bit more but you should get a bit more life out of the stain.

[Surface Tension]

Ain't no caulk that'll stand up to time.

What you propose to do in this day and age is nothing more then filling a void for cosmetics reasons.

Flash the windows and corners to protect from water intrusion, the caulk is filler for a sloppy job.

[Biggerfish]

Chalking has come a long way over the years.

I would recomend do not buy the cheapest out there. This is one area not to cut corners.

Believe it or not most of the builings in mpls or st. paul have the glass held in by only chalk. Code allows 20 psi structural adhesion value for a good silicone sealant.

[Skeeter21i]

I agree that some do use caulk for cosmetic purposes and to cover sloppy work. However, it is still used in log home/wood home construction with success. Cheap hardware store caulk won't work. Caulk designed for the application will, such as Log Builder that I mentioned earlier. Proper prep and application is important though. Some of the homeowners I've worked with have applied the caulk to their logs on their own rather than hiring it out. Some get it right but some hurry through it and don't do it properly by not cleaning the surface, not tooling it out and things like that and end up having problems. Those problems usually show up sooner rather than later. The product didn't fail, the applicator did.

[Biggerfish]

Excellent call.....

Proper Preparation will make a difference....

[youngie22]

I have ran a few miles of caulk in my day, so I'm not worried about applicating it my self. Everything underneath is Tyveked, taped, and flashed. I am not too woried about water getting to the sheathing, but it is required by code to get everything caulked. I am definetly going to look into the "log builder" caulk... sounds like exactly what I am looking for. I'll be up north this weekend, so I'll check with my favorite wood mill at the corner of 6 & 18 outside of Garrison. I am sure Levi will have a connection to get that for me! Thank guys every little bit of info helps!!!

[larryz]

If he isn't hunting somewhere!!!

[youngie22]

We'll be on the lake together... so I think we can figure it out over a drink!