Steel column to concrete block wall air seal

[Alan CA]

Hi everyone,

I have this existing building with above-grade exterior concrete block walls and steel columns. The steel columns werr not air sealed and you can feel air draft through at the web and flange corner. The attached sketch illustrate the situation.
How do I air seal the gaps between the columns and the block walls? What details and materials would you recommend?

 

[HTURKAK]

The suggested detail by NMCA is attached below..
In your case, i do not have any idea for the gap sizes. If around 25 mm, i would go with PU foam ( spray bottle ) and sealant..

 

[Alan CA]

This is great, thank you very much.
Gaps I have are almost 1 in. in width.
What compressible fillers would you think I'll need?

 

[dik]

I would think something like neoprene or something of that ilk. If it is to be clad with a finish, you might consider a product like blueskin.

Rather than think climate change and the corona virus as science, think of it as the wrath of God. Feel any better?

-Dik

 

[bimr]

Insert a backer rod and then inject foam on top of it.

backer rod

foam

 

[Alan CA]

Thank you very much dik and bimr

 

[FacEngrPE]

If you use urethane foam, be aware it is not particularly UV resistant, painting after applying prevents UV ageing.

 

[Tmoose]

I'm guessing one side is exterior, and one is interior.
Goes the the exterior side get wet from weather?
I'd seal the outside flange first to prevent water ingress, damage and corrosion, and if objections to drafts continue the inside flanges as necessary.

When there are big differences in outside and inside temperatures I'd expect a noticeable convective loop of cold air flowing down the warm wall. The steel column with exposed flanges is pretty effective heat exchanger. Residential window "draft" complaints are sometimes are based on convective loops.