Sealing joints in buildings. How to use

The first step in installing joints is to size and check them before caulking them.

Calculating joint widths requires knowledge of the dimensional variations to which the joint may be subjected. The depth of the joint must remain less than its width, to avoid excessive surface deformation.

Before caulking is carried out on site, a number of site constraints must be taken into account (qualifications, deadlines, installation period, etc.), as well as the joint's exposure to rain. The caulking process involves a series of fifteen steps: from checking the condition of the substrate to selecting, filling and tightening the sealant, right through to finishing the job. Old sealants only last a few years, so they need to be renewed or recalibrated.

This article deals with the application of caulking products.