CAULKING EXPLAINED
What Is Caulking—and Why Does Your Building Need It?
Caulking creates a flexible, weather-resistant seal at joints and gaps where building materials meet. Correct product selection and application help manage water, air and normal structural movement.
THE PRINCIPLE
Buildings move. A good joint is designed to move with them.
Concrete, glass, aluminium, masonry and cladding expand, contract and settle at different rates. Rigid fillers can crack or separate. A correctly designed elastomeric sealant joint stretches and compresses while maintaining adhesion to compatible surfaces.
- Accommodates expected joint movement
- Reduces water and air pathways
- Protects adjoining finishes and substrates
- Creates a controlled, clean visual line
COMMON APPLICATIONS
Where caulking protects the building envelope
Every application has different movement, adhesion, weathering and finish requirements.
Expansion joints
Flexible sealing for designed movement joints in concrete, masonry and façades.
Windows and doors
Perimeter seals that help stop wind-driven rain and unwanted air leakage.
Façades and cladding
Weather seals at panels, transitions, penetrations and material interfaces.
Internal wet areas
Compatible sanitary and waterproofing seals around showers, baths and benches.
External gaps and cracks
Purpose-selected repair seals for suitable, properly assessed exterior gaps.
Industrial joints
Durable joint systems for operating environments and specified traffic conditions.
PERFORMANCE DEPENDS ON PREPARATION
The cartridge is only one part of the system
Even a premium sealant can fail when the joint is poorly designed or the surface is contaminated. Always follow the current technical data sheet and project specification.
- Confirm substrate and sealant compatibility
- Remove dust, laitance, oil and failed material
- Use primer and backing material where specified
- Respect minimum and maximum joint dimensions
- Allow for temperature, humidity and cure time
- Complete adhesion testing when required
Unsure which sealant suits your joint?
Share the substrates, joint size, location, exposure and expected movement. We’ll help narrow the suitable product category before you order.