NIP Spasić

Workshop

SOME BASIC CONSTRUCTION TERMS USED IN MOUNTING OF THERMAL INSULATION FAÇADE SYSTEMS

Site

Before you proceed to façade mounting, it is necessary to prepare the Site. The Site is especially marked working area, fenced (if possible), where the construction works are to be executed. The Site is arranged in such a manner to allow for safe operation and movement of construction operators, tools and equipment and transportation means. The Site is secured against access of unauthorized persons or vehicles which are not engaged in Site operations. All staff must be equipped with personal protection equipment. These include the means that construction operators use for their personal protection, depending on the type of work they perform.

Fall Protection Measures for Working at Height

During working at heights, operators must observe the following measures

  • An operator shall wear the fall arrest/fall restraint belt at all times (preferably mounted above his head) when checking the safety at certain points, before stepping to the next support.
  • An operator shall not proceed to the new support unless it has been checked for safety.
  • An operator shall not add additional load to the new support (material, tools, etc), unless he has made sure that it can sustain the additional load.
  • An operator shall not share the same temporary support simultaneously with another operator.

Scaffolding

  • Technical documentation for the scaffolding shall be provided by works manager who shall take due care that all operators are acquainted with it, in addition to taking the necessary protection measures during mounting, maintenance, demounting.
  • Before use, the scaffolding shall be inspected by a professional committee.
  • Minutes on the scaffolding inspection shall form an integral part of the scaffolding documentation.
  • The scaffolding technical documentation shall be kept on the site until its component parts have been dispatched from the site.

MATERIALS REQUIRED FOR PREPARATION OF THERMAL INSULATION FAÇADE SYSTEMS

Thermal Insulation Panels

  • Styrofoam (XPS) - expanded polystyrene of highly flame-retarding properties, environmentally friendly, since it can be completely recycled. Optimal density of Styrofoam is around 17 kg/m³.
  • Graphite-Enhanced Styrofoam- expanded polystyrene enhanced with graphite, also called “Gray Styrofoam”. It has 20% better thermal characteristics than the Styrofoam of the same density.
  • Styrodur (EPS) – expandable polystyrene. It is characterized by high density, high compressive strength and high resistance to moisture. Optimal density of Styrodur is around 32 kg/m³.
  • Rock wool – renders good-quality thermal, sound and fire protection (complies with surface burning characteristics for Class A1).

Initial aluminium profiles

 
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Sealant for thermal insulation panels

mineral-based thermal insulation sealant is intended for gluing of thermal insulation panels, as well as for reinforced plaster. It is prepared according to manufacturer’s instructions, by mixing the powder with water until it becomes fully homogenous. The prepared sealant is applied to edges and to the centre of thermal insulation panels before pressing them into a levelled, solid and clean base. On the average, you will need 6 do 8 kg of sealant to glue and plaster one square meter of panels (6-8 kg/m²).

 

Plastic anchors

are used for fixing of thermal insulation panels to a base (walls, most commonly). They are also used for additional fixing of already sealed thermal insulation panels to a solid base (brick, concrete, blocks, etc.). They are driven through the panel or layers of panels (depending on the technique the operator may choose), while the panels are supported by perforated circular pads (anchor heads with recommended diameter of 60 mm). The recommended anchoring depth varies between 40-50 mm, depending on the type of the base where thermal insulation panels are to be fixed. Length of plastic anchors will depend on the thickness of thermal insulation panels, since they are manufactured according to various dimensions. Depending on the place of mounting, average consumption varies from between 4-6 pieces/m² on flat and unexposed surfaces up to 10-12 pieces/m² on angles exposed to wind impact. Quality of plastic anchors depends to a great extent on the materials used for their manufacture.

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Fibre glass reinforcing mesh

The function of reinforcement built into a material is to improve its strength. Therefore, glassfibre soaked into plaster (bonded to the mesh and hardened) will keep the façade form in specified shape, strong and tightened. Average consumption of glassfibre mesh is 1.1 m¹/m².

One of glassfibre mesh quality parameters is its weight per m², which varies from 120 gr/m² up to 160 gr/m² for thermal insulation façade systems (although, there are lighter and heavier types). This parameter could also be a confusing one regarding the quality of glassfibre, but the dilemma is easily solved since EU ETAG 004 stipulates quality parameters that glassfibre mesh for thermal insulation systems must meet.

 

PVC Corner bead with fibre glass mesh

sis used for simple and easy reinforcement and shaping of façade corners, since it protects the edges from possible mechanical damage. Glassfibre mesh need not be subsequently folded over the edge, since it is factory-sealed. This is a way to speed up the work and to achieve better quality of finished work. Openings on PVC bead enable easy application of sealing onto the primer. In order for the corner bead to offer real mechanical protection it is necessary that the bead itself should be manufactured from material tenacious enough so as not to damage or change the façade shape in case of some mechanical damage. This is possible to achieve by using high-quality PVC grain-size complying with EU standards.

The fibreglass mesh placed on PVC corner bead must comply with all quality requirements, same as the fibreglass used for reinforcing of thermal insulation façade system.

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PVC profile with drip and with fibre glass mesh

is used for protection of parts of the façade where (rain) water penetration is likely to occur. It is installed on balconies, at openings for doors and windows (at upper edge of the façade, above windows or doors) and it can be used instead of initial profiles, as well as at all corners where there is a chance of water running. It prevents capillary movement of water i.e. façade rupture. Likewise, it protects the edges on which it is mounted from any mechanical damage, and provides ideally straight arris. The fibreglass on PVC architrave bead must comply with all quality standards, same as the fibreglass mesh used for reinforcing of thermal insulation façade system.

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PVC Bead with adjustment angle and fibre glass mesh

is easily fitted to various angle edges and enables forming of precise edges resistant to mechanical damage. In addition to mechanical protection, it provides for a faster and easier work and ideally straight arris. It is used for all types of edges on thermal insulation façade systems where “L”-shaped PVC beads cannot be used due to angle irregularities (90° angle).

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PVC bead with adjustment angle

is easily fitted to various angle edges and enables forming of precise edges resistant to mechanical damage. In addition to mechanical protection, it is quick and simple to work with and provides ideally straight arris. It is used for all types of edges on thermal insulation façade systems where “L”-shaped PVC beads cannot be used due to angle irregularities (90° angle).

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PVC angle bead with fibre glass mesh

offers mechanical protection of arch edges of different radius. It inhibits fine cracks on finishing façade coating and provides formation of straight arris resistant to mechanical damage to achieve far quicker and simpler work on arch finishing.

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PVC angle bead

offers mechanical protection of arch edges of different radius. It inhibits fine cracks on finishing façade coating and provides formation of straight arris resistant to mechanical damage to achieve far quicker and simpler work on arch finishing.

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Connection window profiles (trimming window profiles) 6 mm and 9 mm

(corner beads for windows and doors) protect windows and doors from impurities and mechanical damage during work (wall finishing). They insulate against cold weather and noise by providing better sealing properties achieved by product design features. They provide perfect aesthetic finishing. Part of the profile which is not coated with finishing materials is easy and simple to remove after work, leaving perfectly straight arris.

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Connection window profiles (trimming window profiles) with fibre glass mesh 6 mm and 9 mm

(corner beads for windows and doors with fibreglass mesh, for external use) protects windows and doors from impurities and mechanical damage during mounting of thermal insulation façade system. They insulate against cold weather and noise by providing better sealing properties achieved by product design features. They provide perfect aesthetic finishing. Part of the profile which is not coated with finishing materials is easy and simple to remove after work, leaving perfectly straight arris. Fibreglass mesh facilitates and makes final treatment of façade less time-consuming.

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Circular Pad

is intended for mechanical fixing of thermal insulation panels, while using self-tapping screws or screws for wood. It is used for surfaces like OSB panels, plywood or metal panels. Due to its shape, it can be used at places that are difficult to reach. In combination with corresponding bolts, it provides safe anchoring into the base panel.

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Spacers

provide uniform setting of initial aluminium profiles on uneven surfaces. They speed up the work and reduce consumption of expensive materials (skimming paste, etc.).

Movement beads (Expansion joints)

are intended for quick connecting of initial aluminium profiles while providing at the same time easier levelling of initial profiles ensuring that all connected profiles are in the same plain (when checked by spirit level).

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Primer for finishing coating

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Finishing Silicone Mortar

is used as the final coating on façades. It is washable, and weatherproof. Its characteristics include good permeability and resistance to scratches and impact. The grain-size varies from 3mm – 3.5mm.

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PREPARATORY WORKS FOR MOUNTING OF THERMAL INSULATION FAÇADE SYSTEMS

Properly executed preparatory works are of utmost importance. In order to prevent any delays during the works, it is necessary to assess well the situation on the Site and to agree in advance with the Main Contractor or the Employer that the following PRECONDITIONS for commencement of the works are observed:

  • Roof must be finished
  • Sheet-metal works must be finished and horizontal protection of cornice, attic, etc. executed in such a manner that any water is discharged outside the façade layer
  • Windows and outdoor doors must be installed or replaced
  • Balconies and terraces must be provided with hydro-insulation
  • All installations on outdoor walls must be executed
  • Outdoor walls must be dry and levelled
  • There shall be no visible humid areas
  • All “wet” works inside the building must be finished.

Preliminary activities

  • It is recommended to contact a tinsmith for possible metalwork repairs, while the scaffolding is still available.
  • Detach the air-conditioning unit from the wall to make room for works on thermal insulation.
  • Make the facility accessible so that the scaffolding can be erected.
  • If applicable, ask for permission from the neighbour to avoid trespassing.