Sealing seams is one of the important technological processes in the construction of panel structures. Over time, interpanel seams and joints begin to collapse, resulting in mold, leaks and fungus, which leads to freezing of the walls.
Main causes of destruction of interpanel butt joints
The following reasons for joint depressurization can be identified:
- non-compliance with technological standards during construction;
- gradual displacement of wall panels due to uneven settlement of load-bearing elements of the structure;
- deformation of panels due to temperature fluctuations;
- impact on sealed joints of atmospheric factors such as "acid precipitation", snow and rain.
Sealing materials
For sealing and insulation of interpanel joints, special sealing mastics and self-adhesive tape are used. These sealants come in different brands, ingredients and applications.
The main accompanying material necessary for sealing the joints is a sealant, which will perform a heat-shielding function, and is also the basis for the laid mastic and self-adhesive tape.
The best sealants are compositions based on foaming polyurethane (PPU). Due to these factors, destruction and deformation of interpanel joints occur, which leads to rapid freezing of the outer walls in winter, as well as their leakage during heavy rains. As a result of this, not only the interior of the building can deteriorate, but the risk of morbidity among the people there can also be significantly increased.
Main types of joint sealing
- Primary sealing is used in new builds where no sealant has been applied yet.
- Secondary sealing consists of repairing the joints of a building that is currently in operation.
Primary sealing
This type of sealing is usually carried out in panel houses immediately after 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-mesh, fairly light white material.
- Additionally, the seam is sealed from the outside with a special mastic,with good water repellency.
The use of these three stages allows you to create a so-called "warm seam", which allows you to provide reliable thermal and waterproofing in all weather conditions.
Secondary sealing
Performed in buildings where some time ago the interpanel seams were already subjected to this processing process. It is best to carry out secondary sealing 6-8 years after the primary insulation. Interpanel seams, which are resealed, are sealed by covering 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 it is in a satisfactory condition, if the old insulation has not undergone significant destruction, secondary processing can only be limited to applying a new outer layer of waterproofing mastic. If all the signs of severe destruction of the interpanel seams are clearly visible, then certain work is required when they are resealed. These include: opening the seam, removing all old fillers that have become unusable, and carrying out the entire range of sealing work, as in the case of primary sealing.
When performing repair work on panel joints, you must follow some rules:
- In case of leaking panel joints in the end wall, the interpanel seams of the entire end wall are sealedthe facade of the building, as well as the joints between the end panels and the longitudinal wall.
- If a vertical joint of the longitudinal facade leaks, all vertical joints along the entire height of the house are sealed. In addition, all horizontal joints adjacent to it are sealed.
- If a defect is found in a horizontal joint, all joints located on three or four vertical rows of panels are subject to sealing.
- When carrying out repair work on panel joints, one should take into account the fact that sealants are subjected to tension and compression at the joints. 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 hermetic agent layer to the width of the interpanel seam, such loads become stronger. For this reason, the sealant layer should be half the width of the joint.
Sealing of interpanel seams. Technology
Interpanel seams, the sealing of which should be of the highest quality, are processed in several stages. For the most durable sealing of expansion joints, it is necessary to open them.
We propose to consider a phased repair of panel joints with opening.
The following sealing of butt joints in prefabricated houses is called "warm joint". Its main difference is the application of a layer of special heat-shielding foam to the base of the seams.
This executionSeam repair has been extensively tested and has been successfully used in many countries around the world for a long time.
Step-by-step seam sealing at home
Let's consider how to insulate interpanel seams.
1. At the first stage of work, before the repair of the 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 peeling panels;
- removal from the seams and joints of the old, worn-out insulation and sealant;
- Crack jointing.
2. Interpanel seams are carefully filled 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 of seams in buildings can be done both manually and mechanically. Before starting work, it is necessary to check the surface of the interpanel joints. It must be dry.
3. Insulation of interpanel seams by installing Vilaterm insulation, which is available in the form of hollow tubes. It is widely used in the repair of seams in panel buildings. According to 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 seam width.
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 sealing the seams with sealing mastic (water-repellent sealant), which closes the previously laid insulation.
This completes the sealing of the interpanel joints!
Seaming between the panels of the house is carried out in the temperature range from -10°C to +30°C. In this case, there must be no precipitation, otherwise the sealing of the joints may be short-lived.
Panel joints that are sealed above the 2nd floor are sealed by qualified industrial climbers.
