What is konopatka log , how to do it with his own hands , and what materials to use

Houses made of wood has always been attractive for the private builder.Suitable materials - logs, lumber different treatment - have been increasingly used in individual construction is largely due not only affordable, but also a large range of products that are on sale.Wooden houses differ in many advantages, it is written a lot.

At the same time, they are inherent in some disadvantages, one of which - the formation of gaps (gaps) between the "details."This is partly due to the fact that in practice impossible to provide a completely flat surface of the workpiece, and sometimes there is a deviation of the parameter values ​​(section width) along the entire length.Although this is less about the materials, specially treated (for example, a calibrated timber).

But the main cause of the "depressurization" surfaces constructed of wooden parts - shrinkage of the material.Even preform heat-treated to contain a certain percentage of moisture.Depending on the technology, it may be in the range of 8 to 20% (with a higher not recommended for use in construction).

Naturally, the timber, "freed" from the water changes its volume, thus changing the geometry of blanks.Therefore, it is impossible to avoid the appearance of cracks - it is only a matter of time.

Understanding the processes occurring in the material, it becomes clear and the purpose pursued by the owners, producing konopatku log - formed seal the gap (clearance) between the structural elements.

konopatki recommended in terms of:

• immediately after the construction of a log house;
• after 6 months;
• a year and a half after the completion of construction (depending on the degree of humidity of the wood used);
• further - as needed.

Tools

• Mallet (rubber);
• hammer;
• blades for caulking.They have a different shape and thickness of the working part, so as cracks in the walls distinguished by its size: Razbivnaya "road builder" curve type-setting;
• chisel.

natural materials

• moss;
• hemp;
• felt;
• tow;
• linen (thin strips of cloth).

All of them are environmentally friendly, but also have common shortcomings - a small shelf life, the ability to absorb moisture.In addition, for some reason they like insects that can settle the whole colonies.

Recently, demand is jute fiber, which is made on the basis of a heater.Even under damp material absorbs moisture not more than 5.1.In addition, it differs admirable strength, therefore, is long.

Not to be confused with Jute felt!Its very "loved" mole, and furthermore, it is prone to rotting.

It may be noted, and another equally attractive material - lnovatin (compressed dust, tissue waste products of flax).

Artificial materials

• materials based on mineral wool and foam;
• grout, which have different compositions.

methods konopatki

«The kit»

In fact, this caulk large gaps strands of insulating material.They wound into a ball and using konopatki (tool) or chisel ( "ball" is gradually unwound) closed up tight all the voids formed between the workpieces.

«The stretching»

The difference is that the cavity filling is done in rows, individual torsions insulation.Then it is rolled from the harness, which is hammered on, the entire length of the slit.

The Nordic countries enjoy such procedure.The slots are sealed with mineral wool, and fix it in place of packing cord of polyethylene.However, this technique requires careful fitting timber as joints should be as narrow as possible.

With special formulations

Some can cook yourself.The ingredients are used as clay, sand and cement.Water is such grout does not absorb, but the elasticity of the same.Therefore, in the shrinkage of the wood will be destroyed, and konopatku have to do more often.

sale and special sealing compounds for sealing cracks, usually on the polymer base.They are more convenient because more elastic than "cement" materials.

1 kg of sealant (for wood) will cost about 275 - 350 rubles.

It is worth noting that not all the "welcome" konopatku using such compositions.The main argument - they do not allow the wood to "breathe."With it is possible to argue, as we are talking about the sealing of cracks instead of treating the entire surface of the wall.

In choosing the material should be guided by its projected cost, which depends on the type of compounds that fit the density logs (timber).Naturally, the use of hemp - a cheaper option but to spend it konopatku not always convenient.

Vyvod- need to take into account the structural features and the quality of installation work.

question the appropriateness of self-caulking is largely dependent on the availability of time and experience.If you decide to involve experts, it is necessary to provide for an additional cost.

What is included in the cost of work:

• total area of ​​cultivated surfaces;
• kind pieces that were used for the construction of homes, as well as the degree of their primary treatment (surface, thermal);
• number of crowns and how to corner joints elements.

Several averages:

• excavation of the old insulation gaps - from 23 rubles / rm .;
• konopatka (without material cost) on the one hand logs: lnokanatom - from 48 rubles / mp .;lnovatinom - from 70 rubles / mp .;timber - from 60 rubles / mp .;
• surface impregnation of joints - from 12 rubles / mp.

Practical advice

1. order to avoid warping of the structure, it is not necessary to handle all the walls one by one.Konopatki made round, around the perimeter of the bottom-up.

1. quality work increases the overall height of the house about 10 - 15 cm. This should be taken into account at the design stage (in particular, in determining the laying of utilities options).

1. When erecting log heater is placed between the rows.It is necessary to provide the follow konopatki.Therefore, the material must be laid with the expectation that the wall was cut free space (30 - 40 mm).This will put quality material when terminating slots.