Joint Sealants

Advantages of Joint Sealants

A joint occurs when two material components meet and may occur within an element of construction or at part of an interface between two elements. 

A wide range of components made of different materials are brought together when being sealed, joint sealing plays a key role in the integrity of the overall construction. Joint sealants facilitate the movement of materials but ensure that the construction or component remains protected from water, air, moisture, and vapor.

 It is at the joints where a structure, building, or material is most susceptible to leakage. In Australia, where structures are highly susceptible to weather-related challenges, effective joint sealants become imperative to prevent leakage and uphold the durability and integrity of the overall structure.

Types of Joint Sealants

Joint sealants are used to fill and seal joints between two surfaces, such as between two sections of a concrete road or between the expansion joint in a building. There are several different types of joint sealant materials, each with its own specific properties and intended uses.

• One common type of joint sealant is silicone. Silicone sealants are often used in building construction because they are highly durable, flexible, and weather-resistant. They can be used to seal expansion joints in concrete or masonry structures, as well as in window and door frames. They are also used to seal the joints around bathtubs, showers, and other fixtures, as well as in appliances and electronic equipment.
• Another type of joint sealant is MS Polymers and Polyurethane. These sealants are also very durable and flexible, and they have excellent weather-resistance properties. They are often used to seal expansion joints in concrete and masonry structures, as well as in construction equipment, such as bridges and highways.
• A third type of joint sealant is butyl rubber. This type of sealant is primarily used in metal construction, such as on the seam of standing seam metal roofing. They also can be used in the construction of aluminum and steel buildings.
• A fourth type of joint sealant is polysulfide which is often used for waterproofing and provides flexibility in the joint. Due to its chemical properties, it is often used in runway and bridge construction, as well as in marine structures.

The selection of a joint sealant depends on the application, the type of joint, the materials that are being sealed, and the environmental conditions to which the sealant will be exposed.

See Also:

• MS Sealants
• Joinery Adhesives
• Sealants
• Silicone Sealants