Joints are part of the facade

Joints are an essential element of surface structures and facades built from concrete. The purpose of jointing is to seal the parts of the structures so that the end result is an aesthetically attractive, durable and tight joint providing protection against water, noise, airborne contaminants and moisture. Incorrectly designed, built or sealed joints need replacement sooner than a correctly implemented joint.

A facade is both a visual and a technical whole displaying the chosen structural solution, materials, finishing methods and details. Apart from external wall surfaces, also windows, external doors, balconies, shelters, facade fixtures and lighting need to be considered. All the components of a facade affect the overall result significantly.

The conventional joint sealing method is to use elastic jointing compounds which produce joints that are both airtight and stormwater tight.

Proper selection of joint locations as well as detail design allow joints to be used as accentuating components of the surface structure or facade, instead of being the dominant part of it. Joints can also be blended by various methods.

Jointing is carried out in compliance with the instructions of the designer and the jointing compound supplier. The jointing plans present the methods for the pre-treatment of the surfaces to be jointed, the shape, width and thickness of the joints as well as the joint ventilation type and joint details.

Normally the technical age of a joint on a precast structure is ca. 15…20 years.

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