Have you ever wondered how those beautiful, seamless facades on buildings are created? It turns out that there’s more to it than just slapping some cement or plaster over the surface!
To create a seamless facade, architects and builders use a detail known as ‘facade joints’. But what are they, and how do they work? Keep reading to find out!
What are facade joints, and what do they do?
Facade joints are the spaces between panels on a building’s facade. They are used to seal from weather and water ingress, attach the panels, and allow for movement in case of earthquakes or other natural disasters.
By using facade joints, builders can create a facade that is both seamless and strong.
Considerations when choosing joint sealants for building envelope waterproofing.
The width of the joints
Any joint sealant has to deal with the thermal and dynamic stress of the joint it is filling.
That’s why it’s essential to select a joint sealant that has the flexibility to resist these movements. The width of the joint also needs to be considered because a wider joint requires a more robust sealant to handle more stress.
If you’re unsure about which joint sealant to choose, consult with a professional who can help you select the best product for your needs.
Different Types of Materials
Joint sealants are essential to many construction projects, as they help to prevent water and other materials from entering the joint and causing damage.
When choosing a joint sealant, it is crucial to consider the different types of materials that are available. For example, silicone joint sealants are often used in areas with a lot of movement, as they are flexible and can accommodate joint movement without cracking.
On the other hand, polyurethane joint sealants are more rigid and are better suited for projects where joint movement is not an issue.
Each type of material has advantages and disadvantages, so it is vital to choose the right one for the job.
Environmental elements the sealant will be exposed.
Each type of joint sealant has its unique benefits and drawbacks.
For example, silicone joint sealants are highly durable and have UV resistance, but they can be difficult to remove once they’ve been applied. Urethane joint sealants are also quite durable but tend to shrink over time, creating gaps that allow water or air to pass through. Acrylic joint sealants are the most popular type of joint sealant, as they provide a good balance of durability and flexibility.
However, all joint sealants will eventually degrade due to exposure to the elements and need a level of UV resistance.
As a result, it’s essential to choose a joint sealant that is appropriate for the specific environment in which it will be used.
The look and required finish required.
When choosing a joint sealant, it is vital to consider the aesthetics and the performance.
For example, if you are looking to use a clear joint sealant to achieve a particular finish, you may find that the clear sealant does not provide the same level of waterproofing or soundproofing as other types of joint sealants.
As a result, it is crucial to choose a joint sealant with high performance for the intended application that is visually appealing.
Different sealant manufacturers
At GFC, we offer a wide range of quality sealant manufacturers to choose from.
Bostik
Bostik has been a world leader in high-performance movement joint sealant for over 100 years.
Soudal
Soudal is a Belgian company specialising in sealants, adhesives, and foams for industrial and DIY applications.
Sika
Sika is a specialty chemicals company with a leading position in developing and producing systems and products for bonding, sealing, damping, reinforcing, and protecting in the building sector. Popular product Sikaflex at facade.
Ramset
Ramset was established in New Zealand in 1955. It has become the largest supplier of fasteners for securing steel connection joints and timber components to concrete.
With so many options to choose from, we are confident that we can find the perfect sealant for your needs.