Page 243 - Construction Waterproofing Handbook

5.2 CHAPTER FIVE

FIGURE 5.1 Failure of sealant. (Courtesy of Coastal Construction Products)

Sealants are also differentiated from glazing materials, which are considerably higher
in tensile strength. This higher tensile strength produces lower elongation capabilities than
sealants or caulking possess. Glazing materials are used in construction of window panels
or curtain walls where higher strength is more important than movement capability. This
strength (tensile) is referred to as the modulus of elasticity.

SEALANT INSTALLATION

Every building project involves numerous different types of building materials that require
sealing to prevent either direct or indirect water infiltration. Every building component
involved in a structure must be reviewed to ensure that the sealants specified are compati-
ble with the substrate and to determine if a primer is necessary prior to sealant installation.
Among the common envelope products occurring on most projects:

● Concrete, including precast with various finishes
● Masonry, and numerous formulations of mortar mixes
● Natural stone, such as granite, marble, and limestone
● Metals, including aluminum, copper, steel (galvanized, stainless, and structural)
● Wood or painted, stained or sealed