General-purpose slabs are widely used in the construction of buildings of various types, as well as in the installation of engineering structures. They are rarely used in critical and load-bearing elements of the building’s power frame, but this is the optimal solution for the facing structure of walls and partitions. In particular, for facade and exterior surface finishes, a windproof plate is used, which is characterized by resistance to precipitation, mechanical stress and temperature fluctuations.
Material Functions
This is a multifunctional auxiliary coating, which cannot be attributed strictly to decorative cladding or an integral part of a rigid power structure. It can be said that this is an intermediate layer that performs a number of important tasks of microclimatic regulation. Among the main functions of a windproof plate are:
- Reducing the effect of cooling the exterior walls of the house by minimizing their blowing.
- Facade insulation.
- Waterproofing of external surfaces.
- Exclusion of condensate in the air gaps between the wall and the cladding due to the natural circulation of air flows. In particular, water vapor escapes.
As you can see, the product is characterized by a whole set of microclimatic properties that provide protection to the structure and the plate itself, and facade surfaces.
Design features
There are different approaches to the manufacture and molding of such plates, but most often they are produced in a "wet" way on the basis of soft wood chips. Unlike conventional wood-fiber panels, windproof modifications are thoroughly impregnated with impregnated paraffin. It is this component that provides a unique combination of hydro and vapor protection properties, which retains the ability to naturally ventilate the structure. Adhesive resins, on which the durability and strength of particle boards usually depend, are practically absent in windproof boards. Manufacturers explain this decision by their desire to improve the environmental friendliness of the product, which expands the scope of application of the material in private housing construction. On the other hand, high structural reliability indicators are compensated for by the characteristics of elastic lignin, which, when moistened, eliminates the delamination of the plate and the swelling of its fibers.
Plates "Beltermo"
One of the leading manufacturers of general building materials, widely representing the line of windproof panels with an average thickness of 20 to 28 mm. In this case, the emphasis is on the sound and heat-insulating qualities of the plates without loss in the strength indicators of inter-fiber ties. As the manufacturer himself notes, the product structure retains its basic technical characteristics for 50 years. High strength composite materials are used as a binder for the Beltermo windproof panel, the environmental friendliness of which is evidenced by the fact that components of the same origin are approved for use in the structure of dentures. Coniferous fibers with paraffin or polyurethane impregnation form the basis of the plate. By the way, the Beltermo family of plates also includes special modifications with a rough front surface, designed for external coating with plaster and putty materials.
Windproof Isoplaat
Also a well-known brand, under which insulation and wood-shaving materials of various formats are produced. And if in the previous case the products are focused specifically on the insulation function, the Isoplaat series is carefully thought out as a means of structural and technical support. This means that the Isoplat windproof board is used as a water-repellent, warming and carrier substrate on which decorative topcoats can be laid. The large size of the panels is also designed for this purpose - so, in length they reach 2700 mm, and the width varies from 800 to 1200 mm. This format facilitates construction and installation activities during the installation of plates, but does not reduce the technical reliability of the coating.
Plate mounting
Installation can be performed not only on the surfaces of facade walls. Depending on the specific parameters, such plates can be used in the roof “pie” on the roof and in floor structures.
A typical vertical installation scheme provides for the preliminary installation of the lathing of wooden planks and bars. Actually, the usual supporting frame is mounted on the facade, to which the windproof cover will be attached in the future. As carriers, boards from 2-3 cm thick are used, which are rigidly fixed to the wall with a step of the order of 30-40 cm. Next, the panels are installed - usually with the help of complete hardware. For example, the installation of Isoplat windproof boards is carried out with brackets and hot-dipped nails with a length of 25 to 40 mm, depending on the thickness of the material. If the kit does not include fasteners, then you can use universal construction brackets, the length of which varies from 32 to 58 mm. Most importantly, the hardware should be made of stainless or galvanized steel. Spread the fixation points at intervals of 10-15 cm, and without fail, at least 1 cm is indented from the edges of the sheet. After finishing work, it is advisable to immediately proceed to the exterior decoration with decorative finish, plaster or primer. In any case, it is undesirable to leave the plates open - at least for temporary protection, it is worthwhile to use a light sheathing that will protect the joints.
Conclusion
In a huge assortment of building and finishing materials, it would seem that there is an exhaustive range of all kinds of insulation options, technical protection and even structural modeling of the facade in order to align. And is it really necessary to use windproof plates with such an abundance of specialized materials? Of course, the use of this type of chipboard is not required in every case. The unique qualities of this product include a combination of environmental cleanliness, mechanical resistance and balanced steam throughput with an effective hydrobarrier. To achieve such a set of properties using a single and thin coating in other ways, in addition to the use of synthetic combustible insulators, is almost impossible today.