Product Information

Chinking / Sealants :: Check MateII®

Check Mate II Check Sealer

Check Mate II is an outstanding water resistant sealant that prevents water and air infiltration through pronounced cracks (called checks) in logs, timbers and wood siding. Caulking is an obvious solution to this problem, but caulking does not work because of limits in adhesion and weatherability.  As a check filler, Check Mate 2 forms a tough elastic filler and coating. It has superb color stability and resists ultraviolet rays, ozone, mold, mildew and airborne contaminates. Even the most troublesome leaks can be sealed with Check Mate II.  

Check Mate II Colors

Check Mate II Specifications

Shelf Life: 1 Year

Application Temperature: 40o to 90o Do not freeze!

Application Methods: Caulking Gun

Surface Preparation: Clean and dry Use Backing Material

Frequency: Only if needed

Drying Time: Dry to the touch in 1 hour, Cures in 3 Days

Special Instructions: Apply 1/4" to 3/8" thickness

Check Mate 2 Application Instructions

Longitudinal cracks (called “checks”) in logs, timbers and siding can allow air, water and insects to get into logs and occasionally into the interior of your home.  Rainwater may accumulate in checks, creating an environment conducive to wood rot.  Caulking may seem like an obvious solution for the problem, but ordinary caulking compounds are very limited in their ability to effectively seal cracks and checks.  They generally do not have adequate adhesion and elongation to withstand the rigorous conditions posed by the repeated opening and closing of a check from season to season.

Check Mate 2 is a specially formulated sealant specifically designed for filling cracks and checks in log walls.  It forms a tough, smooth elastic seal that prevents water from getting into the wood and cold air into the home.  It has outstanding color stability, is resistant to UV light degradation and resists mold and mildew.  Once dry, Check Mate 2 will accept a stain.

It is especially important to seal upward-facing checks that accumulate water.  If left unsealed, these will be sites where rot will start in the logs.  If you have old checks where rot is a risk, be sure to apply Shell-Guard® or Shell-Guard® RTU before sealing them with Check Mate 2.

Application Limitations: Do not apply in direct, hot sunlight, when the temperature is below 40°F or when rain is imminent.

APPLICATION DIRECTIONS:

1.  Begin by cleaning any dust, dirt, oil, solvent or previous sealer out of the check.  Previously applied caulks can usually be easily pulled or scraped out.  If the check is upward-facing or has allowed previous water penetration, pour some Shell-Guard or Shell-Guard RTU into it and allow to dry before proceeding.  This will kill any decay fungi present and prevent further deterioration of the log due to rot.

2.  For checks 1/4" wide or larger, insert the Backer Rod supplied with the Check Kit.  You can use a trowel or other implement to push the Backer Rod about 3/8” to 1/2” deep into the check.  If you push it deeper than 1/2” the cured Check Mate 2 will be too thick and may actually rip the wood from the sides of the check.  If the Backer Rod is placed too close to the surface the Check Mate 2 may end up too thin and split.  

3.  Use masking tape to mask off the wood on either side of the check.  Be sure to remember to remove the masking tape right after you apply the Check Mate 2.  If you remove the masking tape after the Check Mate 2 has begun to cure you will pull the top layer of Check Mate off along with the masking tape.

4. Cut the tip of the Check Mate 2 tube to about the same diameter as the checks you plan to fill (a little smaller diameter is better than too large).   Then fill the check with Check Mate 2 using a standard caulk gun.  The Check Mate 2 must have good contact with wood on either side of the check and be sure the crack or check is completely sealed from end to end. 

5.  Tool the surface smooth with a trowel, spatula or wet finger and remove overflow immediately with a damp cloth.  Don't forget that the masking tape must be removed while the Check Mate 2 is still wet.

6.  Check Mate 2 will dry to the touch in about one hour but complete curing may take several days depending on application thickness, temperature and weather conditions.  Note: Newly applied Clear Check Mate 2 is white but turns clear when cured.

Clean Up:  Wash hands and tools with soap and warm water.

Store tubes of Check Mate 2 in cool, dry place.  DO NOT ALLOW TO FREEZE.

Pricing

11 oz. tube $14.95

Case / 12   $119.95

CHECK-MATE II KIT        $28.00
Includes Two 11oz Tubes and 50' of 3/8" Backer Rod