Log Construction Flexible Seal Gasket

Abstract

A wood log of any dimension having a relatively flat upper and lower surface for the construction of log walls and log buildings. The flat portion of the logs may also have tongue and grooves, dog ears, radiuses or similar machined into them. A custom cut groove running the desired length of the log. Custom groove is cut within the mating surface area/s of the log/s. A flexible seal gasket is inserted into the custom groove. Flexible seal gasket is compressed into position during assembly of the logs which insures seal. Seal is maintained between logs even after log movement, shrinking, expanding and settling over time. The purpose of the flexible seal gasket is to seal the mating log surfaces from the penetration of water, weather, air and or Insects while adding additional insulating value between the logs.

1 . A log used for the construction of a log wall, log building or any structure made from logs. Said log having inner and outer sides and relatively flat upper and lower sides where said logs are joined together during said construction. A custom groove cut down the desired length or entire length of said log. Said custom groove is cut within the contacting surface area/s of either or both relatively flat upper and lower sides to receive a flexible seal gasket. Said flexible seal gasket of desired shape and material is inserted into said custom groove to provide one or more sealing surfaces against the adjoining log to prevent the penetration of water, weather, air and or insects for the life of said construction. Said seal gasket and said custom groove are specifically designed to enhance and maintain said flexible seal gaskets performance and life during and after the normal settling, moving, expanding and shrinking experienced with log construction. Once said seal gasket is in place it does not interfere with said log to log contact or the integrity of said log construction.  
   
   
       2 . A log as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the relatively flat upper and lower portions of the said log can also have either 1 or more notches, tongue and groove, bead and channel or such or a mixture of.  
   
   
       3 . A log as set forth in  claim 1  wherein a custom groove can be cut into the tongue and groove, notches or bead and channel portion of the log or a combination thereof wherein the flexible seal gasket will be inserted.  
   
   
       4 . A seal gasket as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the seal gasket is made of a low VOC or nontoxic material.  
   
   
       5 . A seal gasket as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the seal gasket uses a material that will last and maintain flexibility for the life of the log building.  
   
   
       6 . A seal gasket as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the seal gasket also increases thermal insulation of said log building.  
   
   
       7 . A custom groove as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the custom groove is cut as close to the outer side of said log as possible.