In log home construction, the tongue & groove (or baffle & channel) of each log is a vital part of any log joinery system – that system effectively keeps weather out and comfort in. To be effective for your log home’s lifetime, the tongue-and-groove should be part of a system not heavily reliant on caulking or other material that can be compromised over time by log movement or weather.

A common fallacy about tongue-and-groove joinery is that if one tongue is good, two must be better. Not true! When properly designed, a single tongue-and-groove design has several advantages. The REAL LOG HOMES® single tongue-and-groove design, one of the largest in the industry at two-inches wide and 3/4 inch tall, allows more room for a larger gasket. That means superior protection from the elements. Because there’s only one tongue, it also means more room for secure fastening on the surface of each log. Our larger, single tongue also reduces its risk of damage during shipment and construction.

In a double tongue-and-groove system, each tongue must be smaller so that the log surface can accommodate two tongues rather than one, while providing adequate area for fastening. Smaller tongues result in the use of smaller gaskets and/or beads of caulk. We've found the combination of smaller components can create greater risk of water finding its way past the first smaller tongue and then becoming trapped between the two, risking deterioration and/or mildew.

The REAL LOG HOMES® single tongue & groove system eliminates the possibility of water being trapped within the logs’ joinery system. The REAL LOG HOMES® system works by allowing a specially formulated foam gasket to be compressed within a predetermined tolerance for a tighter fit. In combination with the gasket, an "air-lock" created by the beveled edge of the tongue and the groove of the log above, diffuses and relieves outside air pressure, providing superior draft protection. This system is effective without heavy reliance on caulk.

For over 20 years our proven, single tongue-and-groove design has been part of the REAL LOG HOMES® InterLock™ Joinery System, which continues to keep thousands of REAL LOG HOMES® brand log homes more weather-tight and draft-free. Learn more about how this system will work for your home, talk to your local REAL LOG HOMES® Independent Representative today.