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Expansion Joint Tape for Column and Floor applications 

What is the use of expansion joints in columns and floors?

Mr. Maruthu Pandi, Business Head, PRONIL, India & South-East Asia

Expansion joint sealing tape is a specialised adhesive tape designed to address movement within expansion joints in structures. These tapes are integrated between elements of a building or structure to accommodate natural movement caused by factors such as temperature variations, seismic activity, or settling. The tape also prevents the infiltration of water, air, dust, and other contaminants. Typically composed of materials like rubber or silicone, the expansion joint sealing tape acts as a protective barrier, important for maintaining the structural integrity and durability of buildings and structures where controlled movement is a design consideration.

When selecting an expansion joint sealing tape, it is important to choose a tape that is compatible with the surfaces it will be applied to and the environment in which it will be used. Pronil Proseal is one such high-performance Thermoplastic Elastomer expansion joint sealing tape. It is a thin, flexible sealing tape with an extra-tough elastic strip providing considerable longitudinal and lateral extension. It is non-hazardous for users and provides long-term resistance against bacterization.

  • Flexible and permanently elastic
  • Highly versatile
  • Good tensile properties.
  • UV-resistant.
  • Heat weldable
  • Easy to install
  • Long term resistance to bacteria
  • Non-hazardous for users

The product is ideal for sealing and waterproofing expansion joints subjected to irregular and high movements.  It is used across different parts for buildings but is highly preferred for columns and floors.

  • Accommodates natural floor movements, preventing cracks and damage caused by temperature variations or settling.
  • Superior sealing properties protect floors from water infiltration, ensuring longevity and preventing water-related damage.
  • User-friendly design simplifies the installation process, saving time and reducing labour costs for floor applications.
  • Engineered to withstand environmental factors, including UV exposure and extreme temperatures, 
  • By isolating movements and vibrations, it contributes to noise reduction between floors, enhancing the overall living or working environment.
  • Ensures the structural integrity of columns by accommodating natural movements and preventing cracks or damage.
  • Superior sealing properties act as a barrier, protecting columns from water infiltration and potential water damage.
  • Seamlessly blends with the aesthetics of columns, contributing to an overall polished appearance.
  • Easy installation, minimal maintenance requirements, and durability make the product a cost-effective choice for column protection.

Application Methodology of PROSEAL – Expansion Joint Tape For Floor (Horizontal Area)

Ensure surfaces are clean, sound, and dry. Repair broken edges with high-strength readymade mortars, ensuring straight joints. Surfaces must be free from dust, oil, grease, and contaminants.

  1. Premix components “A” and “B” separately.
  2. Add component “B” to “A” and mix until uniform in colour.
  3. Use a low-speed mechanical mixing device with a suitable paddle.
  1. Apply Epoxy Adhesive to the prepared substrate on both sides of the joint.
  2. Ensure both sides of PROSEAL are embedded in the adhesive over a width of at least 40mm. The layer thickness of Epoxy Adhesive should be approximately 2mm.
  3. Immediately embed PROSEAL into the fresh adhesive and press using a hand roller or similar tool.
  4. Ensure PROSEAL has good contact with the adhesive.
  5. Apply a second layer of Epoxy Adhesive on top, overcoating the edges of PROSEAL on a width of at least 40mm.
  6. Apply Epoxy Adhesive at a width of at least 20mm to cover the substrate next to the PROSEAL.
  7. Lay 200-250 GSM Geotextile Membrane or any board over the TPE tape to protect it during the screed.
  8. While doing the screed, open the gap and maintain it for expansion and contraction of the joint and the tape.
  9. For normal foot traffic, lay a 1.25mm GI or Aluminium plate fixed with one-sided screws. For driveways, use a top layer fixed with Aluminium or GI Chequered Plate with a minimum thickness of 5mm to protect the entire system from the top with one-sided screws.

Application of Pronil Proseal for floors

Surface Preparation:Follow the same surface preparation steps as for the horizontal area.

Mixing – Epoxy Adhesive: Same mixing steps as for the horizontal area.

  1. Apply Epoxy Adhesive to the prepared substrate on both sides of the joint.
  2. Ensure both sides of PROSEAL are embedded in the adhesive over a width of at least 40mm. The layer thickness of Epoxy Adhesive should be approximately 2mm.
  3. Immediately embed PROSEAL into the fresh adhesive and press using a hand roller or similar tool.
  4. Ensure PROSEAL has good contact with the adhesive.
  5. Apply a second layer of Epoxy Adhesive on top, overcoating the edges of PROSEAL on a width of at least 40mm.
  6. Apply Epoxy Adhesive at a width of at least 20mm to cover the substrate next to the PROSEAL.
  7. From the ground level up to 7 feet of the finished floor level, lay a 1.2mm GI or Aluminium Plate fixed with both-sided screws (For Vertical Surface).
  8. Proseal Expansion Joint tape can be painted with any Acrylic/any hybrid UV resistant coating systems (For Vertical Surface).

Application of Pronil Proseal for columns

The company manufactures a wide range of Expansion Joint tapes and Waterproofing flexible Joint sealing tapes. The company also manufactures high-performance Acrylic Swellable Bars and Bentonite Hydrophilic Waterstops. From foundation protection to construction joints, the company has a solution for every waterproofing challenge. The company’s diverse product portfolio ensures that you can find the ideal tape for your project requirements.

The author is the Business Head for PRONIL, overseeing operations in India and South-East Asia. With more then two decades of experience, he plays a an important role in managing and leading the company’s business division. His responsibilities includes strategy development, sales, marketing, product development, and customer relations.

Pronil India
Pronil Building Products, Plot XII, Aringar Anna Street, Co-operative nagar, Thiruverkadu, Chennai – 600077
Mobile: +91 94890 58644
Email id: maruthu@pronil.com
Website: www.pronil.com

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