The Science of Sealants: Protecting Facades from Failure
Joint sealants are a building’s first line of defense against water infiltration, air leakage, and structural movement. When properly installed, they prevent deterioration, reduce maintenance costs, and extend facade life. However, failed or poorly applied sealants can allow moisture penetration, leading to freeze-thaw damage, cracking, and material degradation.
At GKW Restoration, we take a scientific approach to sealant application, ensuring proper material selection, joint preparation, and installation techniques to maximize long-term performance.
Why Sealants Matter
Buildings are constantly subjected to expansion, contraction, wind loads, and settlement. These forces create stress on joints, making flexibility and adhesion essential for a reliable sealant system. The choice of sealant depends on factors such as substrate composition, expected movement, and exposure conditions.
1. Silicone sealants offer superior UV resistance and flexibility, making them ideal for high-movement joints in curtain walls, glass facades, and metal panels.
2. Polyurethane sealants provide excellent adhesion to masonry and concrete, ensuring durability in porous materials.
3. Hybrid sealants combine the benefits of silicone’s elasticity with polyurethane’s adhesion, offering a balanced solution for various applications.
Selecting the correct sealant is only part of the equation—installation quality determines its longevity.
The Importance of Tooling
Tooling is the process of shaping and compressing the sealant after application, ensuring full contact with joint surfaces. Proper tooling:
1. Eliminates voids and air pockets, which can lead to premature failure.
2. Optimizes the depth-to-width ratio, allowing for controlled movement without stress fractures.
3. Enhances adhesion, reducing the risk of cohesive or adhesive failure under expansion and contraction cycles.
Sealant failure can take many forms—cracking due to insufficient flexibility, adhesion loss from inadequate surface preparation, or water infiltration from improper application. Each failure accelerates facade deterioration, leading to expensive repairs and structural risks.
At GKW Restoration, we apply building science principles to every sealant installation. We evaluate joint movement, substrate compatibility, and exposure conditions to ensure the right solution for each project. Properly installed joint sealants are not just a protective measure—they are an investment in a building’s longevity.