Everyone knows the proverb that God protects the careful. And even despite the tight fit of the lamellas to each other, thanks to the well-thought-out construction technology from glued laminated timber it is necessary to take care of the tightness of the walls in advance. The costs at this stage are not great for the owner, but the effect can be quite noticeable.
So, what do specialists most often use as inter-crown sealants?
Initially, natural inexpensive materials like felt, tow, moss, and so on were used in this role. Later, technologies improved and more modern products began to appear, but on an artificial basis.
Thus, today the most commonly purchased is pre-compressed sealing tape, which has found its application in many areas of construction. At first glance, it may seem like ordinary foam rubber tape that fills the space of cracks and gaps after gluing. In fact, it is somewhat different: the sealing tape is a mounting material made of polyurethane foam impregnated with a special acrylic-containing compound. An adhesive substance is applied to one side of the product, allowing the tape to be securely fixed to the surface of the wooden panel, after which it actually fills the space of gaps between the lamellas.
It is very easy to use, and moreover, it is compatible with various materials, including glued laminated timber. At the same time, it poses no danger to humans due to its composition. It is a much more practical, convenient for installation, and durable material.
In addition to the above materials, products that foam after application and thus fill the free space can be used to cover cracks and gaps. It is worth noting that this option may not be very durable and will also require additional finishing work.
It is very important to accurately calculate the required amount of sealant, since an incorrect calculation in the larger direction can lead to material distortion. With a trapezoidal shape of the ridges and grooves, the use of a sealant will not be required at all.
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