True North Log Homes is the most technologically advanced custom log home manufacturer in the world, and is thus always looking for new advancements in log home technology. Our new Thermo-groove six-seal system further improves the True North Log joinery system by enhancing the thermal performance and sealing capabilities of the tongue and groove joints between the logs.
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| The original Three Seal System |
The original three seal tongue and groove system, used with
our 6" x 12" log construction, features butyl rubber tape sealant on
the two outer tongues and asphalt impregnated foam gasket tape on the inner
groove (pictured below).
Six Seals are Better
than One
The new Thermo-groove six-seal system, available on our
8" x 12", 10" x 12" and 12" x 12" logs, is
designed with six channels to better accommodate
the butyl rubber tape sealant and asphalt-impregnated foam gasket tape. The
outside channels are angled to accommodate the butyl tape, which improves
installation, as the butyl tape is less likely to fall off while setting the
log above. Also, by using the diagonal, the square butyl tape changes the seal
from 1/4" to a 3/8" seal, thereby increasing performance without the
added cost of a 3/8” seal.
The channels also prevent the sealant from being completely
flattened out by the upper log, so when movement occurs in the logs, a
sufficient amount of sealant is still able to flex.
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| The New Thermo-Groove Six-Seal System |
The remaining four channels (no. 2, 3, 4 and 5) are designed
to accommodate the asphalt-impregnated foam tape. In addition to providing insulation
value, the foam tape is also waterproof when compressed by 50 percent.
Much Like A Thermal
Pane Window
The thermal performance of the six-seal system can be
compared to a thermal pane window: if the six seals represent six panes of
glass, the trapped air space between the glass will act as an insulator. Each
section of dead air space between the tongue and groove seals reacts in the
same way, thereby improving thermal performance and insulation capabilities.
For more information on log home technology or log home maintenance, visit True North Log Homes.
