The only way to avoid a poor performing sealant joint is to use the right sealant. You can also spray our Multisolve solvent before and after application of the sealant to ensure a flawless finish.
Common Reasons for Sealant Failure
When it comes to sealant joints, size really does matter. Without a doubt, the most common source of sealant failure is due to the fact that the sizing is all wrong. Too small a joint is usually the result of the user trying to preserve the original authenticity and appearance of the building itself. Trying to hide the presence of these joints by using smaller sizes will only end in failure. In the same way, making the joints too big for the application at hand will not do you any favours.
Another reason why sealant joints stop working is because they are incorrectly located. Joints must be placed in the right place and within the correct distance etc. This is because joints must be able to accommodate movement, especially when it comes to contraction and thermal expansion. Many of the materials in use can be quite absorbent. Take concrete for an example. Concrete will actually shrink as it dries and if the joints are unfit to accommodate this change, they will ultimately fail. The same goes for wood, which both shrinks, absorbs water and will swell. The joints in use MUST be able to accommodate this thermal movement between two materials.
You will know that your sealant joints have failed almost immediately. Incorrect sizes and locations lead to joints crushing from the pressure, bending and even shearing its surroundings. The only way to ensure that your sealant joint never fails is to choose the RIGHT sealant.
CT1 Sealant and Adhesive
CT1 is a world class sealant and construction adhesive. It is incredibly flexible and can accommodate heavy movement as well as fluctuating temperatures. It is 100% water resistant, meaning that it can be applied on wet surfaces without absorbing the water. In fact, you can even apply this unique sealant underwater. When it comes to joints, the sealant in use must be able to expand and contract as required. CT1 is also UV resistant, ensuring that it will never dry out and crack or shrink over long periods of time and exposure to the sun.
If you need to prepare the surface area before applying the sealant, we advise that you use our fast acting and safe solvent, Multisolve. Multisolve is the ultimate degreaser, with the ability to remove tar, grease, oil, adhesives, old sealants and even silicone. This means that you don’t have to worry about removing the old sealant in order to replace it with a new one.
