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.