Sealing joints is one of the most important technological processes in the construction of panel structures. Over time, the interpanel seams and joints begin to break down, resulting in mold, leaks and building fungus, which leads to freezing of the walls.
The main causes of the destruction of interpanel butt joints
The following reasons for the depressurization of joints can be distinguished:
- non-compliance during the construction of technological standards;
- gradual displacement of wall panels due to uneven settlement of load-bearing structural elements;
- deformation of panels due to temperature fluctuations;
- the impact on sealed joints of atmospheric factors, such as "acid rain", snow and rain.
Sealing materials
For sealing and warming of interpanel joints, special sealing mastics and self-adhesive tape are used. These sealants have different brands, components and various applications.
The main accompanying material necessary for sealing joints is a sealant that will perform a heat-shielding function, and is also the basis for mastic and self-adhesive tape to be laid.
The best sealants are considered compounds, the basis of which is expandable polyurethane (PUF). Due to these factors, the destruction and deformation of interpanel joints occurs, which leads to the rapid freezing of the outer walls in the winter, as well as their course during heavy rains. As a result of this, the interior of the building can not only deteriorate, but the risk of morbidity among people there can be significantly increased.
The main types of joint sealing
- Primary sealing is used in new buildings where sealant treatment has not yet been carried out.
- Secondary sealing consists in repairing the joints of a building that is currently in operation.
Primary sealing
This type of sealing, as a rule, is carried out in panel houses immediately after the end of their construction.
Interpanel seams of new buildings are processed in 3 stages:
- Empty interpanel cavities are filled with heat-protective polyurethane foam.
- The interpanel seam is treated with the innovative Vilaterm insulation, which is a fine-meshed, fairly lightweight white material.
- Additionally, the joint is sealed outside with special mastic, which has good water-repellent properties.
The use of these three stages allows you to create the so-called "warm seam", which allows for reliable heat and waterproofing in all weather conditions.
Secondary sealing
It is carried out in buildings where some time ago interpanel seams were already subjected to this processing process. Secondary sealing is best done 6-8 years after the initial warming. Interpanel seams, which are resealed, are repaired by coating the old layer of sealant with a new one.
Interpanel seams. Sealing: general rules
Depending on the state of the seam, the secondary sealing is divided into two types.
If its condition is satisfactory, if the old heaters have not undergone significant destruction, the secondary treatment can be limited only by applying a new outer layer of waterproofing mastic. If all the signs of severe damage to the interpanel seams are clearly visible, then when they are re-sealed, certain work is required. These include: opening the seam, removing all old fillers that have become unusable, and carrying out the whole complex of sealing work, as when performing the primary sealing.
When performing repair work of panel joints, it is necessary to be guided by some rules:
- In case of leakage of panel joints in the end wall, interpanel seams of the entire end facade of the building, as well as joints between the end panel and the longitudinal wall, are sealed.
- If there is a leakage of the vertical joint of the longitudinal facade, all vertical joints are sealed along the entire height of the house. In addition, all horizontal joints adjacent to it are sealed.
- If a defect is found in the horizontal joint, all joints located on three to four vertical rows of panels shall be sealed.
- When carrying out repair work on panel joints, it should be taken into account that at the joints, the sealants undergo tension and compression. This is influenced by temperature fluctuations, shrinkage and "creep" of concrete, as well as loads arising from the settlement of the entire building. Moreover, with an increase in the ratio of the thickness of the layer of the hermetic to the width of the interpanel seam, such loads become stronger. For this reason, the sealant layer should be half as large as the joint width.
Sealing interpanel seams. Technology
Interpanel seams, the sealing of which should occur as efficiently as possible, are processed in several stages. For the most durable sealing of expansion joints, it is necessary to open them.
We suggest considering a phased repair of the joints of the panels with an autopsy.
The sealing of butt joints in prefabricated houses below is called the “warm joint”. Its main difference is the application of a layer of special heat-protective foam to the base of the seams.
Such a repair of joints has passed a large number of tests and has long been successfully used in many countries of the world.
Stage-by-stage sealing of joints at home
Consider how to insulate interpanel seams.
1. At the first stage of work, before carrying out repair of joints, it is necessary to carry out some preparatory measures. They consist in a thorough inspection of interpanel seams and surface preparation. This includes:
- cleaning surfaces from paint, dust, dirt and exfoliated panels;
- removal from the seams and joints of the old, unusable insulation and sealing means;
- jointing cracks.
2. Neatly filled interpanel seams with heat-insulating polyurethane foam (mounting foam). It should be noted that this material tends to expand during solidification and thereby fill the existing void inside the seam. Cleaning and sealing joints in buildings can be done either manually or mechanically. Before starting work, it is necessary to check the surface of the interpanel joints. It must be kept dry.
3. Insulation of interpanel seams by installing insulation "Vilaterm", which is produced in the form of hollow tubes. It is widely used in the repair of joints in prefabricated buildings. By its properties, the material has good elasticity, dense structure, it is quite convenient for them to work. Lay "Vilaterm" on a layer of foam that has not yet hardened. In diameter, it should be 25-30% more than the width of the seam.
The insulation is laid without breaks along the entire length so that there is room for applying sealant on top of the insulation.
4. The last stage is the sealing of the seams with a sealing mastic (water-repellent sealant), which closes the previously laid insulation.
This completes the sealing of interpanel joints!
Sealing joints between the panels of the house is carried out in the temperature range from -10 ° C to + 30 ° C. At the same time, precipitation must be absent, otherwise the sealing of the joints can be short-lived.
Interpanel seams, the sealing of which is performed at a height above the 2nd floor, are closed by qualified industrial climbers.