The construction of external wall insulation holds paramount importance, as it not only influences the thermal insulation effectiveness but also correlates with the leakage potential of our external walls. Therefore, mastering the steps of exterior wall construction is imperative for successful exterior wall insulation. Generally, the steps of exterior wall construction encompass four major stages: preliminary preparations, treatment of the base layer, pasting of insulation boards, and surface layer treatment.
1. Preliminary Preparations for Construction:
Since external wall insulation involves pasting insulation from our wall to the external facade, which often entails working at heights for multi-story buildings, thorough preparatory measures must precede construction. This includes implementing safety protocols and ensuring protective measures for construction operations. Recommended pre-construction preparations entail:
- Erecting scaffolding: For houses of moderate height, setting up scaffolding using steel pipes is advisable to provide a stable operating platform and protective frame for facade work.
- Utilizing hanging baskets: For taller buildings, hanging baskets installed on the roof provide a safe and efficient means for exterior wall construction. These baskets should be wide enough to accommodate insulation boards and construction materials.
2. Treatment of Exterior Wall Base:
The first step in external insulation construction involves preparing the outer wall surface. Effective treatment of the base layer is essential to ensure proper adhesion and durability of the insulation. Depending on the type of exterior wall (e.g., concrete or brick), the following steps are typically followed:
- Hole blocking: Seal all openings on the exterior wall facade using appropriate materials to prevent air and moisture infiltration.
- Wall plastering: Achieve a flat and smooth surface on the exterior wall through plastering, ensuring verticality and flatness for optimal adhesion of insulation boards.
3. Pasting the Insulation Board:
Once the wall surface is adequately prepared, the insulation boards can be affixed. The most commonly used insulation boards for exterior walls include graphite polystyrene boards and rock wool boards. The following steps are involved in pasting insulation boards:
- Applying adhesive: Use specialized adhesive provided by manufacturers to coat the back of the insulation board, ensuring full coverage around the edges and spot coating in the middle.
- Installing insulation nails: Secure the insulation boards in place by installing insulation nails through pre-drilled holes, ensuring proper depth and tightness to achieve a secure attachment.
4. Surface Layer Treatment:
The surface layer plays a crucial role in the durability and aesthetics of exterior wall insulation. Proper surface treatment is essential to prevent material detachment and ensure long-term performance. Recommended steps for surface layer treatment include:
- Hanging mesh and applying plastering glue: Hang alkali-resistant glass fiber mesh cloth while applying plastering glue to achieve complete coverage of the insulation board surface.
- Applying exterior wall putty: Use specialized exterior wall putty to fill imperfections and provide additional adhesion between layers.
- Applying exterior wall paint or real stone paint: Once the putty layer is smoothed and polished, apply exterior wall paint or real stone paint to achieve the desired finish and enhance weather resistance.
In summary, successful external wall insulation construction requires careful attention to detail and adherence to the prescribed steps. Focus areas include preparatory work, base layer treatment, insulation board pasting, and surface layer treatment. Attention to factors such as adhesive application, insulation nail placement, and surface finish selection is crucial for achieving effective insulation and long-lasting results.
