JOINT SEALANTS
Joint sealants are used to seal joints and openings (gaps) between two or more substrates and are a critical component for building design and construction. The main purpose of sealants is to prevent air, water, and other environmental elements from entering or exiting a structure while permitting limited movement of the substrates. Specialty sealants are used in special applications, such as for fire stops, electrical or thermal insulation, and aircraft applications.
Sealants are often the least thought about and contribute the lowest percentage to a project’s overall cost (less than 1%); however, they can become a serious, or for hidden or concealed joints, impossible problem to correct when a sealed joint fails.
There is both a science (joint design, adhesion and compatibility testing) and an art (sealant and joint components installation) to successful completion of a functional sealant joint.
Sealants cannot make up for poor substrate conditions or improper or poor joint design. They must have:
- Proper joint design especially for joints that experience movement
- Selection of a durable sealant product appropriate for its function and environmental exposure
- Proper sealant, sealant backing, and joint filler installation
We have installed millions of miles of caulking throughout the tri-state area on some of the most notable facilities in the area.
