Pre-Compressed Foam Sealing Tapes to Seal Joints between Building Envelope Components Watertight: An Experimental Assessment

Abstract

Currently there is gaining interest in pre-compressed foam sealing tapes to seal joints watertight between different building envelope components. Little to no information is available on the parameters affecting the resistance of these foam tapes to driving rain. On the other hand, several research studies have shown that water leakages can be expected at relatively low-pressure differences and that drainage should be provided. Therefore, a study was designed to on the one hand assess the material and installation parameters that affect the watertightness of pre-compressed polyurethane foam sealing tapes impregnated with an acrylic polymer dispersion and on the other hand evaluate the potential of providing drainage possibilities, either as a two-barrier system or by means of integrated drainage cavities. It was found that the joint width, the presence of an airtight coating, and the position of the tape relative to the exterior surface affected the watertightness of the sealed joints. Notably, 87% of the evaluated foam tapes applied as a single barrier showed water leakages at pressure differences of 600 Pa or lower. Foam tapes with integrated drainage cavities, on the other hand, resulted in watertight joints up to an average pressure difference of 825 Pa.

Analytical Hierarchical Process as a Multicriteria Decision Tool in Material Selection for Prefabricated Wood Buildings

“…The prioritization for watertightness can be explained, since rain or other types of water penetration or moisture into the building structure or envelope can create problems that affect the durability of building materials, causing material degradation, mold growth, wood decay [56], steel corrosion, and concrete deterioration. Water infiltration is a common issue that can occur at the connections between various building envelope elements, including joints between prefabricated façade elements or windows [57]. According to Saito [58], rainwater especially reaches inner structures through the areas where nails and staples fasten the roofing underlayment.…”

“…Even when subjected to elevated temperatures, the dissipation of this trapped moisture remains slow, risking durability loss and fungal growth [59][60][61]. Therefore, much research has been carried out on alternative materials and techniques for achieving watertight seals in joints, which has surged recently, as indicated by the increasing number of references in publications [57,[62][63][64]. Gaspari et al [39] demonstrated the effectiveness of utilizing a breathable yet water-resistant membrane on the exterior of mass timber wall assemblies to reduce water exposure.…”

Experimental Analysis of Watertightness Performance of Interfaces between Masonry and Steel Structures Subjected to Accelerated Aging

“…According to Liden and Boscche [17], there has been an increase in the employment of pre-compressed foam sealing tapes for sealing joints between building envelope components. There is little to no information regarding the parameters that affect the durability of these tapes under driving rain conditions.…”