Joint sealants are used to seal gaps in construction and prevent the intrusion of water, air, and dirt. There are two main types: fluid/gel and preformed solid sealants. They are designed for specific joint types and have different physical properties and environmental additives. Application-specific characteristics are also important.
Joint sealants are typically fluid, gel, or solid agents used to seal construction gaps in masonry, asphalt, wood, or steel structures. The use of a joint sealant has the dual purpose of creating a physical barrier to keep out water, air or dirt, creating an aesthetically pleasing finish to otherwise unsightly joints. The two most common types of joint sealant are fluid/gel and preformed solid sealants. These joint sealants are specifically designed with specific physical attributes and may also have additives such as flame or bacterial retardants included in their formulations.
Joints in building elements are an inevitable and often essential feature of most industries. Whatever their function, most joints require sealing to keep out moisture or air and keep out the intrusion of plants and dirt. In the case of decorative structures such as walkways, patios, decks and pool decking, the joint sealant should also provide a visually pleasing finish. Joints in high traffic or stress applications such as sidewalks, roads and bridges must exhibit superior abrasion and impact resistance qualities along with their general sealing characteristics.
There are two main families of joint sealants: fluid or gel sealants and preformed products. Gel and fluid sealants include a wide variety of latex, silicone, polyurethane, polysulfide, and acrylic products that are typically poured into the joint or applied with a caulk gun. These sealants have excellent stretch, weather and tear resistance qualities and in many cases can be colored or painted to match the surrounding structure. Fluid sealants are available in many specialty grades which include mold and mildew resistant products for bathrooms or kitchens and chemical grades that are resistant to fuel or acids. These sealants are the most commonly used products for home and do-it-yourself (Do It Yourself) applications to seal joints in concrete pavers, decks and slabs.
Preformed joint sealants are usually available as pre-cut strips or as continuous lengths on rolls and include wood, rubber, foam, fiber or cork materials. These sealants are most commonly used to seal joints in sheet glass, metal panels, automotive parts, plumbing fittings, and shop fixtures. Many of the foam and cellular rubber products are fitted under compression, requiring specialized application tools. Sealants such as wood strips make attractive and durable exterior seals for walkways and driveways. Natural fibers like hemp are used to seal joints in plumbing systems, especially those involving hot water. Fiber and cork sealants are most commonly used to produce seals for use in automotive, gas and high pressure water systems.
Joint sealants are usually designed for specific joint types. Physical properties such as tear strength, elasticity, fatigue and abrasion resistance must be matched to the intended use of the sealants. This also applies to environmental elements in an application environment that require additives that are ultraviolet (UV), acid, mold and fire resistant. Application-specific characteristics are also important characteristics of the different types of joint sealant. These include application methods, pot life, tack free, tooling times and application temperatures.
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