Horizontal insulation – methods

Horizontal insulations – methods

In our daily work, we use carefully developed methods thanks to which horizontal insulation proves to be an effective protection for various types of buildings.

Horizontal insulation of load-bearing walls is one of the most important solutions used in construction to protect against capillary moisture. Its absence or improper execution can lead to serious problems that over time destroy the structure of the wall, foundations and even the entire building. Older buildings, where advanced insulation technologies have not been used, are particularly vulnerable. They often draw moisture from the ground, which in consequence leads to the development of mold, fungi and weakening of the entire structure.

When considering wall drainage, the methods are different. In modern construction, horizontal wall insulation is standard. Does this mean that older structures are lost? Nothing further from the truth. The solution is various methods of drying and introducing horizontal insulation in existing buildings – especially the proprietary PRINZ method, which is becoming increasingly popular.

We encourage you to read the table below, which clearly compares the most popular methods. On this basis, you will see that horizontal insulation using the PRINZ method brings the most benefits.

Comparison of basic methods of installing new horizontal insulation in existing buildings.

 PRINZ draining of walls through sawing processChemical methods – injectionMethod of driving stainless chrome-nickel steel sheets
Zalety
  • 100% efficiency – comparable insulation as in a new building
  • durability of PEHD horizontal insulation – until the end of a building’s technical durability
  • insulation execution possible in case of all wall loads
  • extensive experience in method application (for about 100 years)
  • short time of order completion
  • relatively low interference in the static stability of the construction as compared to mechanical methods
  • insulation execution possible in case of all wall loads
  • high efficiency
  • insulation execution possible in case of all wall loads
  • experience in method application (for about 20 years)
  • high durability of horizontal insulation estimated to total at least 50 years

Disadvantages

  • linked with more extensive repair work – more working space required
  • substantial price increase in the case of an irregular course of working joints in walls made from harder materials
  • no possibility of optical control of the behaviour of substance once it is introduced
  • high variety of available agents for injections, characterised by different levels of efficiency
  • efficiency of the method depends on many factors
  • considerable financial outlays, mainly due to high prices of metal sheets
  • in case of long walls without staying, the application of the method is risky
  • existence of a continuous joint is required
  • considerable vibrations connected with driving metal sheets, which may cause the formation of cracks
  • no possibility of execution if stones are present in a joint
Warranty period30 years of warranty for services provided (in practice, until the end of a building’s technical durability)approx. 5 years, the procedure needs to be repeated after this time20 years

Time of execution

(house 10×10 m, walls 40 cm + partition walls, approx. 22m2 wall surface in total)

approx. 3-4 working daysapprox. 2-3 working daysapprox. 3-4 working days
Application
  • in case of brick walls, carbide tipped chains are used
  • in case of stones and concrete, saws with a diamond rope are used
  • dampness level is of no significance
  • historic buildings, palaces, castles
  • many injection techniques used depending on the type of moisture, degree of dampness or injection agents applied
  • historic buildings, palaces, castles
  • buildings with brick walls, with continuous and equal joint
  • homogeneous brick walls
  • historic buildings – walls of maximum thickness of about 1 m

Horizontal waterproofing of walls

Horizontal insulation provides not only immediate protection, but also long-term durability of the structure. It cuts off the lower parts of the walls from the ground and prevents capillary moisture rise. Thanks to this, degradation is significantly slowed down. In the case of the PRINZ method, the price is very favorable in relation to the effects – just one modification can protect the building until the end of its days. The use of our technology, based on precise and accurate processing of joints, allows for effective separation of structural elements, which allows maintaining ideal conditions inside the building for decades.

The strategies on which we base are our own solutions – developed on the basis of many years of experience and careful analysis of the most popular methods commonly used in construction. The greatest and unrivaled advantage of our method of laying horizontal insulation is its 100% effectiveness immediately after execution. This gives the same protection effect as in the case of protective waterproofing layers installed in newly constructed buildings, in the first stages of investment.

With complete certainty that proper execution of horizontal insulation becomes a guarantee of its effectiveness and durability, we provide a 30-year guarantee for our projects. What is also important – the method we propose can be used for both utility and historic buildings. Even if the joint line is irregular – execution of horizontal insulation is possible.

The load of the wall and load-bearing walls is also irrelevant – even with heavy loads, the execution of moisture protection using the PRINZ method is possible. By entrusting us with this task, you can be sure that we will take care of maintaining the excellent technical condition of the building and will try to complete the work entrusted to us as quickly as possible. We have modern equipment, which is why we are able to complete any order, regardless of the type of material from which the walls were made and finished.

The durability and effectiveness of horizontal insulation made using the PRINZ method are effects that result from the use of the highest quality materials and precisely planned technology. Thanks to this, we are able to guarantee that the insulation properly made by us will be resistant to changing weather conditions, fluctuations in groundwater levels and long-term structural loads. The well-being of historical, often historic buildings depends on it. In drying foundations, costs should not play the main role – what counts is the effects and effectiveness.

Chemical drying of walls

One of the more well-known methods of dealing with moisture is chemical drying of walls. It works especially well in buildings where it is impossible to use more invasive methods, such as undercutting the foundations. It involves introducing special substances into the wall that create – for a certain period – a hydrophobic barrier, preventing further penetration of moisture through the capillaries. Thanks to this, the walls begin to dry out, and their structure is protected against further destruction.

Horizontal insulation in existing buildings using chemicals is carried out in two ways. One of the most commonly used is crystal injection. It works on the principle of introducing a special mixture that reacts with the moisture contained in the wall, creating a crystalline layer. This barrier should not allow water to pass through, it should be durable and ecological.

Another technique is hydrophobization, which involves impregnating porous building materials, such as brick or concrete, with acrylic or silicone-based preparations. This process fills the pores and capillaries, creating a waterproof surface that blocks moisture from entering the wall. This protects the walls not only from water, but also from mold, fungi, corrosion and contamination.

Drying using chemical methods, especially injection, requires precise execution and proper preparation of the wall. There are also conditions in which injection will not be possible, such as a heterogeneous mixed wall or insulation of layered walls.

Why choose PRINZ wall drainage technology?

Warranty

We provide 30-year warranty for our services.

Effectiveness

Our method guarantees 100% cut-off of capillary moisture – the problem does not return until the end of technical life of the building.

Versatility

The method can be used in most of the buildings, regardless of wall moisture level and thickness.

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