Home › Working methods › P3 Sealing of joint between post bottom and masonry
Sealing the joint between the post bottom and masonry is crucial for preventing moisture infiltration and improving insulation. By carefully sealing this connection, the structure is protected from weather elements, enhancing both the lifespan and energy efficiency of the entire system.
Choice of products to apply
– DRY FIX® UNI / DRY FLEX® 1, 4 and 16
– DRY FIX® UNI / BIO FLEX™ ALLROUND and COOL
P3.1 Remove the paint in the area to be cut out. For sanding, use an (eccentric) rotary sander and sand to bare wood.
P3.2 Fit the router with a half-round head bit (diameter 9.5 mm) and set the router to a speed of 22,000 rpm.
P3.3 Rout the bottom of the post as close as possible to the masonry 10 mm wide and to full depth. It may be easier to use a multitool. When routing, avoid contact between router and any masonry. Remove the remaining wood splinters towards the rebate using a sharp knife.
P3.4 Carefully check around the routed area for cracks in the wood. If present, follow procedure P4. Follow the curative procedures when encountering damaged wood (wood uneven in colour, soft and crumbling).
P3.5 Measure the wood moisture content of the joint with the EASY-Q™ wood conditioner CS1. If the moisture content of the wood is too high (≤ 18%), allow it to dry naturally in the open air.
P3.6 Remove loose exposed wood fibres from the routed surface by sanding. Carefully remove any wood debris and dirt.
P3.7 Protect masonry with a plastic tape or release tape (do not use moisture-permeable tapes!).
P3.8 Apply DRY FIX® UNI to the contact surface thinly but fully. Allow to penetrate for at least 20 minutes. Check within 45 minutes that the DRY FIX® UNI has penetrated properly (the treated surface will then have a nearly matte finish). Remove (dab off) any surplus DRY FIX® UNI with absorbent paper towel or a lint-free cloth. The repair paste should preferably be applied immediately after treatment with DRY FIX® UNI. If the repair paste is applied later, this should be done within 24 hours after applying DRY FIX® UNI and the repair surface should be checked for contaminants.
P3.9 With the EASY-Q™ buttering Knife or the smallest EASY-Q™ stainless steel modelling knife, apply DRY FLEX® or BIO FLEX™ into the joint in such a way that an optimal coating (contact) of the wood is obtained.
P3.10 Seal the joint with DRY FLEX® or BIO FLEX™. Avoid air inclusion and model the repair according to the RCI method.
P3.11 After the DRY FLEX® or BIO FLEX™ has cured, remove the top layer (amine layer) by sanding. If necessary, sand the entire surface mechanically smooth and even. Interfering imperfections and transitions between wood and the applied DRY FLEX® or BIO FLEX™ must not be visible afterwards. Carefully remove the sanding dust.
P3.12 Smooth out any small irregularities (surface filling) according to method P9.
P3.13 Treat according to painting advice. Always use a primer as a base. When time is important factor a quick drying primer can be used.
The number behind the type DRY FLEX® refers to the curing time. It should be noted that the curing time of the products depends on the applied layer thickness and the temperature of the surrounding environment.
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