by Arthur L. Sanders, AIA, and Lawrence E. Keenan, AIA, PE
In both new construction and rehabilitation projects, sealant joints are often given short shrift when it comes to time and attention, as well as budget. Sealants often comprise the lowest percentage of a project’s overall cost—this is surprising considering all these products are asked to do.
As modern buildings have moved away from mass walls toward lighter, more pliant construction, designers rely on … Continue reading Sealant Joint Solutions
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Prior to the mid-20th century, building walls relied on their thickness and density to resist water penetration. Moisture would mainly deflect from the wall face or be absorbed and later evaporate from the mass wall.
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This year, ‘resiliency’ emerged in the building landscape as more than a buzzword. Many regions around the world are increasingly subject to the rigors of various impacts, including extreme weather, population shifts, disease, power or communication disruptions, and financial shocks.
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When it comes to a leak-free building, the sealants are the backbone of the whole cladding system. Even the best exterior aluminum, masonry, glass, steel, or exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS) are only as good as the sealants used to weatherproof the joints, penetrations, and transitions.
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Sealant is used in the exterior joints of every modern building, but usually incorrectly. Owners have high expectations for performance and durability, but premature sealant failure is common, resulting in air and water infiltration, property damage, and expensive repair work.
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