Perma-Chink Systems, Inc. – The Materials Partner We Trust for Colorado Log Homes. When you live in Colorado, your log home weathers some of the country’s toughest conditions. High altitude means extra UV exposure. Big daily temperature swings keep logs in constant motion. Snow, wind, and dry air conspire to crack, check, and fade wood. At Pencil Log Pros, we lean on proven materials to tame those forces. That’s why Perma-Chink Systems, Inc. sits at the center of our restoration and maintenance workflow.
Who Is Perma-Chink Systems, Inc.?
Perma-Chink Systems is a U.S. manufacturer dedicated solely to log and timber structures. Their product lineup was built for the realities of round wood. That focus shows up in the chemistry, textures, and long-term flexibility of their finishes and sealants.
Over the decades, they developed a complete “system.” It starts with cleaners and wood preservatives. It continues through stains and clear topcoats. It finishes with elastic chinking and sealants that move with the home.
The result is a compatible ecosystem. Each part is designed to work with the next. That compatibility helps our crews deliver predictable, long-lasting results on Colorado homes.
Why We Trust Perma-Chink for Colorado Conditions
Colorado’s climate accelerates everything. UV at elevation breaks down pigments and binders. Dry air encourages checks to open, then slam shut when storms roll in. Freeze–thaw cycles push water into end grain and joints.
Perma-Chink Systems approaches these problems with flexibility and breathability. Their exterior stains are water-based and engineered to shed liquid water while allowing moisture vapor to escape. Their clear topcoats extend color life and add cleanability. Their sealants stretch and recover to accommodate seasonal movement.
We also value the textures and color science. Sealants and chinking have a soft, matte profile that blends into hand-peeled or milled logs. Stain systems maintain clarity and depth without plastic-looking build.
The “System” Approach: How the Pieces Fit Together
Great-looking results aren’t about one miracle product. They come from a sequence of compatible steps. Below is how we structure projects with Perma-Chink Systems, product family by product family.
1) Surface Prep and Cleaners
Clean wood is the foundation for any finish system. On restoration jobs, we often start with a perma-chink–compatible cleaner to remove atmospheric grime, pollen, and residues. For gray weathering, we may incorporate a brightener as part of our process.
The goal is not just “looks cleaner.” It’s chemistry. Prep removes contaminants that block penetration or interfere with adhesion. Clean, properly conditioned wood lets stains and topcoats cure into a coherent film. That film is what resists UV, water, and dirt long term.
2) Borate Wood Preservatives
Colorado’s mix of snowmelt, irrigation splash, and summer thunderstorms can feed decay. Borate preservatives are our answer on bare wood after prep. We apply them to vulnerable areas such as north walls, log ends, and lower courses near grade.
Borates diffuse into the wood and protect against insects and rot. They are colorless and compatible with the later stain steps when used correctly. This treatment adds a layer of insurance that doesn’t change the look of the finished logs.
3) Exterior Stains Built for UV and Movement
Perma-Chink Systems offers several exterior stain lines designed for log homes. We specify according to the project’s exposure, the homeowner’s color goals, and the condition of the substrate.
For many high-altitude jobs, we favor their premium, high-solids water-based stains. These products provide robust UV resistance while keeping the film breathable. They lay down a rich, even tone that complements knotty pine, spruce, or cedar.
Color selection is a big deal in Colorado. South and west walls take a beating. We work with homeowners to choose tones that balance warmth and long-term performance. Darker colors can look fantastic, but they soak up more heat. We factor that into our maintenance plan.
4) Clear Topcoats That Extend Service Life
Clear topcoats are a quiet hero in our climate. They shield pigments from UV and make the surface easier to wash. They also add a subtle sheen that enhances depth without looking plastic.
On most exterior systems we apply a compatible clear topcoat over the stain once it has cured. This step helps lock in color and resists environmental soiling. It also gives us a clear path for maintenance coats in the future.
5) Flexible Chinking for Traditional Log Gaps
Chinking is the unmistakable visual line that many people associate with historic log cabins. Modern chinking from Perma-Chink Systems is flexible, textured, and available in colors that emulate mortar or complement stain tones.
We use chinking where the log profile or construction method calls for a visible reveal. The material spans the gap between courses with a backer to manage depth. Once cured, it moves with the home through the seasons. That movement capability maintains air tightness and keeps water out.
6) Elastic Sealants for Checks, Joints, and Trim
Not every joint needs a wide chink line. That’s where Perma-Chink’s sealants come in. We use them for checks, butt joints, corners, and around doors and windows. These products are textured to blend with the wood and remain flexible for years.
The key is proper joint design. We install foam backer when needed so the sealant can stretch like a rubber band. Two-point adhesion and correct depth are what give the sealant its ability to move. Done right, these narrow beads all but disappear after staining.
7) Specialty Details: Log Ends and High-Splash Zones
End grain drinks water faster than any other surface. That’s why exposed round log ends can darken, check, and erode quickly. We treat log ends as a separate assembly. After stain, we apply a purpose-built end-grain sealer from the Perma-Chink lineup to slow moisture cycling.
We also give extra attention to walls near grade, decks, and handrails. Snow shoveling, sprinklers, and sun make these areas busy. Additional clear coats or targeted sealant work may be part of the plan.
How Pencil Log Pros Executes a Perma-Chink–Based Restoration
Every home is different, but the rhythm of a successful project is consistent. Here’s how our team translates materials into results you can see and feel.
Step 1: Inspection and Compatibility Testing
We start with a full assessment. That includes moisture readings and a look at the existing finish. If we suspect incompatible coatings or unknown products, we do small test patches. These reveal how the substrate will accept cleaning, stain, and topcoat.
Step 2: Protection and Site Setup
Log restoration can get messy. We protect landscaping, decks, windows, and roofing. We stage materials so the cleaners, preservatives, stains, and sealants flow in sequence. Good staging keeps the project clean and efficient.
Step 3: Cleaning and Surface Conditioning
We remove dirt, pollen, loose fibers, and UV-degraded wood. Depending on the home’s history, we may use a cleaner followed by a brightener to restore color uniformity. The goal is a sound surface ready to accept the new system.
Step 4: Borate Treatment on Bare Wood
With the wood clean and bright, we apply a borate preservative. We focus on log ends, checks, north walls, and lower courses. The application is measured and even. After the appropriate dwell and drying time, we move into finishing.
Step 5: Seal the Envelope
Before staining, we address the home’s moving parts. We install backer and a high-performance log-home sealant where needed. Checks are sealed to keep water out. Corners, butt joints, and window perimeters are tightened up.
On homes designed with a visible joint between courses, we install flexible chinking. We tool it to a smooth, consistent profile. This step dramatically improves air tightness and the home’s finished look.
Step 6: Stain Application for Depth and Protection
We apply a Perma-Chink Systems exterior stain in one or more coats as specified. Coverage is monitored, and we keep a wet edge for uniform color. The first coat often acts like a primer into thirsty areas. Subsequent passes build color and protection.
We pay close attention to sun and shade patterns. In Colorado’s dry air, products can flash off quickly. We time application to maintain open time and avoid lap marks.
Step 7: Clear Topcoat for UV Defense and Cleanability
After the stain has cured, we apply a compatible clear topcoat. This layer is the shield that takes the brunt of UV exposure. It also makes dust and pollen easier to wash away each spring. Many homeowners tell us this step is what keeps the home “looking freshly finished” for longer.
Step 8: Log Ends, Rails, and Touches
We finish with detail work. Log ends get their dedicated sealer. Handrails and posts receive the same stain and topcoat schedule as the walls, with extra attention to top surfaces. We address any remaining hairline checks that appeared during finishing.
Step 9: Walkthrough and Maintenance Plan
At completion, we walk the home with you. We explain the maintenance schedule and how to spot early signs of wear. We leave you with a simple seasonal checklist. Long life isn’t an accident. It’s a plan.
How Our Crew Uses Specific Perma-Chink Products
Below is a closer look at the tools we pull from the Perma-Chink toolbox, and why.
Exterior Stains We Rely On
For high-elevation projects and sun-blasted walls, we specify premium water-based stains from the Perma-Chink lineup. These give excellent UV resistance and maintain a crisp grain look. When a project demands a softer, more historic tone, we select a formula with a lower-build aesthetic but strong protection.
Our crews document coverage rates and environmental conditions. That documentation informs future maintenance, so you don’t guess when it’s time for a refresh.
Clear Topcoats That Make a Difference
A compatible clear topcoat is standard on our exterior systems. It acts like sunglasses for your stain. It also adds scuff resistance and makes periodic washing more effective. In Colorado’s climate, the topcoat is not optional for long-term appearance.
Chinking for Character and Performance
Perma-Chink’s modern chinking combines elasticity with a classic look. The texture reads as “natural,” not shiny or plastic. We color-match chinking to the stain palette or intentionally contrast it for a historic feel. The material’s flexibility maintains a tight building envelope through winter cold snaps and summer heat.
Sealants for Invisible Protection
We use Perma-Chink’s log-home sealants to handle thousands of small joints no one notices until they leak. Checks on the south wall, butt joints that always seem to open, and window trims that start to whistle in January. We tool sealants smooth and, after finishing, they simply disappear.
Borate Preservatives for Peace of Mind
Rot and insects don’t announce themselves. Borate treatment is our silent guardian. Applied after prep and before stain, it penetrates the wood and helps prevent decay. We treat vulnerable zones and document where those applications occur.
Log End Sealers for the Most Exposed Fibers
End grain is a straw. It pulls in water fast and sheds it slowly. Perma-Chink’s end-grain products build a tougher barrier on these surfaces. The payoff is fewer blackened ends and less checking over time. It’s a small line item that pays big dividends.
Maintenance Philosophy: Plan the Future on Day One
We don’t treat maintenance as an afterthought. The day we finish your home, we’ve already mapped a practical care plan. That plan is based on exposure, color, and the specific Perma-Chink system we installed.
Expect a simple spring wash each year. Expect a quick visual inspection after the first winter. Expect a light maintenance coat of clear topcoat when the water no longer beads or the surface loses its tight look. Staying in front of wear costs less and looks better than waiting for failure.
What Homeowners Ask Us About Perma-Chink Systems
“Are the products low-odor and low-VOC?”
Yes. The water-based chemistry keeps odors modest and cleanup simple. Most tools wash up with water. That’s easier on your home and your schedule.
“Will the chinking crack if my logs move?”
Modern chinking is designed to stretch and recover. The secret is good joint design. We use proper backer and apply the correct thickness so the material can flex without tearing. That flexibility is key in our high-altitude climate.
“How do you keep stain from peeling?”
Peeling often traces back to poor prep or incompatible layers. We strip or clean correctly, get the wood ready, and use compatible stain and topcoat from one system. Breathable films and proper dry times finish the recipe.
“What about my log ends?”
We treat log ends as their own project. They receive stain, a dedicated end-grain sealer, and careful inspection every season. This keeps the most vulnerable fibers from soaking up water.
“How often is maintenance?”
It varies by exposure and color. South and west walls usually need attention first. Many homes do well with routine washing and periodic clear maintenance coats before the stain erodes. We’ll show you exactly how to check your surfaces each spring.
Environmental and Safety Notes
Water-based systems are easier on occupied homes. Lower odor and water cleanup reduce disruption. Used correctly, these finishes allow moisture vapor to escape while shedding liquid water. That balance helps logs stay dimensionally stable.
We follow manufacturer instructions and weather windows closely. Colorado’s thin air and sun accelerate dry times. Our crews work in the right temperatures and avoid direct midday exposure when needed. These details are small, but they determine how long your finish lasts.
Training and Technical Support We Value
Perma-Chink Systems supports the trade with technical guidance and hands-on education. Our team engages with product training to stay current on best practices. That means you get crews who understand the “why” behind each step.
We also use their color resources and mock-ups when a project calls for an exacting match. Dialing in appearance before we mobilize saves time, money, and surprises.
Why Pencil Log Pros + Perma-Chink Is a Strong Combination
Materials alone don’t guarantee success. Success is the marriage of the right products with the right process. Our field experience across elevations and exposures informs every specification we write.
Perma-Chink’s system gives us tools that work together. Our disciplined prep, installation, and documentation bring those tools to life. The payoff for homeowners is a quieter, tighter home that looks great and ages gracefully.
Mini Case Snapshots from the Field
High-Altitude South Wall Rescue
A full-sun south wall at elevation was fading faster than the rest of the home. We cleaned and brightened the surface to remove oxidized fibers. We applied a high-solids Perma-Chink exterior stain and followed with a clear topcoat. We sealed enlarged checks and protected log ends. Two years later, the wall matched the rest of the home with only a quick wash.
Historic Look, Modern Performance
A homeowner wanted the classic chinked aesthetic on a newer Swedish cope. We installed chinking at a scaled reveal to fit the profile. After staining and clear coating, the joints read as authentic but remain flexible. Winter drafts at the corners disappeared, and energy bills dropped.
Deck-Adjacent Splash Zone
Rails and lower logs near a hot tub showed early darkening. We stripped, treated with borates, and rebuilt the finish with a breathable stain system. We added an extra clear coat to the top surfaces and sealed end grain carefully. The area now sheds splash and sun with simple seasonal washing.
A Homeowner’s Checklist for a Perma-Chink–Based Finish
Use this quick list to hold any contractor to a high standard. These are the steps we consider non-negotiable.
- Full inspection and documentation of existing finishes and moisture conditions.
- Protection of landscaping, decks, and fixtures before work begins.
- Thorough cleaning and brightening to establish a sound, uniform surface.
- Borate preservative treatment on bare wood in vulnerable areas.
- Joint design with backer and flexible sealants where movement occurs.
- Selection of a compatible Perma-Chink exterior stain appropriate for exposure.
- Application within correct temperature and sun conditions for Colorado elevations.
- Clear topcoat application to extend UV protection and cleanability.
- Dedicated end-grain sealing on exposed log rounds.
- Final walkthrough and a written maintenance schedule.
Tips to Maximize Finish Life Between Maintenance Visits
Small habits make a big difference in our climate. Here are practices we recommend to every log homeowner.
- Rinse dust and pollen in spring with a hose and soft brush. Skip pressure washers unless directed.
- Trim vegetation at least a foot from walls to improve airflow and drying.
- Adjust sprinklers to avoid wetting logs, especially in the evening.
- Clear snow against lower courses after storms to reduce meltwater contact.
- Walk the home after freeze–thaw cycles. Note new checks or open joints for quick touch-ups.
- Watch the water-bead test. When droplets stop beading on the surface, it’s time to plan a maintenance coat.
What Sets Perma-Chink Apart from Generic Products
Many coatings and sealants look similar on paper. Log homes are not generic walls. Round wood moves differently. Checks open and close. End grain is everywhere. Joints are curved and irregular.
Perma-Chink Systems builds for those realities. The sealants have body and texture to blend with logs. The stains are tuned for clarity on knotty species. The topcoats are compatible and easy to maintain. That purpose-built approach is why we specify them again and again.
Our Promise When We Specify Perma-Chink
We never treat your home as a test site. When we recommend a Perma-Chink system, we’re staking our reputation on a proven path. We will:
- Use the right cleaners, preservatives, stains, and topcoats from a single ecosystem.
- Install flexible chinking and sealants with proper backer and joint geometry.
- Document coverage rates, conditions, and sequences for your records.
- Set a realistic maintenance schedule based on your exposure, color, and elevation.
- Stand behind the work with responsive service and clear communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Perma-Chink only for “old-school” chinked cabins?
No. The brand name includes “chink,” but the company makes modern sealants for narrow joints and checks too. We use both visible chinking and nearly invisible sealants depending on the home’s design.
Are the stains water-based?
Yes. The exterior stains we specify from Perma-Chink are water-based. Homeowners appreciate the lower odor, compatibility within the system, and easier cleanup.
Do I really need a clear topcoat?
In Colorado’s high UV environment, a clear topcoat is a smart investment. It extends color life and simplifies washing. It also provides a straightforward path for future maintenance coats.
Can I spot-seal checks myself?
You can, but joint design matters. DIY spot fixes sometimes fail because the bead is too thin or adheres to three sides. We’re happy to show you which checks are safe to handle and which need backer and a deeper sealant bed.
How long will the finish last?
Service life depends on exposure, color depth, and care. South and west faces get more sun. With basic washing and timely clear maintenance coats, we’ve seen homes stay beautiful far longer than with a one-and-done approach.
The Pencil Log Pros Difference
We restore, seal, stain, and maintain log homes across Colorado’s varied elevations. We know where wind-driven snow stacks up and where sunburn starts first. We specify Perma-Chink Systems because it helps us deliver consistent, durable results in those conditions.
If your home needs a full restoration, a color refresh, or just targeted sealing, our team will build a materials plan using the Perma-Chink ecosystem. That plan will be tailored to your exposure, wood species, and goals for appearance and upkeep.
Ready to Protect Your Log Home the Right Way?
Let’s put a Perma-Chink–based system to work on your home. We’ll inspect, design the right sequence of cleaners, preservatives, stains, topcoats, and sealants, and execute with the care Colorado homes demand. Tell us about your project, and we’ll create a detailed scope and maintenance roadmap you can count on.