When you are building any type of structure with concrete and need to do concrete joint sealing, you must use the proper sealant. There are three main types of sealants that are used for concrete joint sealing, which will protect the structure from such things as damage from wind and rain, surface tension, and gravity, which can all create a lot of pressure on a structure, which can in turn cause the structure to be unsafe.

Here are the types of sealants you will be using for concrete joint sealing.

Liquid Concrete Sealants

These are often used because they are the most economical of the different concrete sealants. They are also relatively easy to use. A liquid sealant is made from silicone, so no moisture can get through. It also is resistant to UV rays, and will hold on to its physical properties as it ages, and even when there are severe temperature fluctuations.

Liquid sealants come in three forms, in tubes, pails, or sausages. The sealants are squeezed into the joint through a nozzle. A backer rod is used to make sure that no sealant seeps to the joint's bottom section. Once the sealant is in place, it is formed so it is in an hourglass shape, which will keep it from moving during contraction and expansion of the concrete structure.

Impregnated Foam Concrete Sealants

This type of sealant is made by putting adhesive agents that repel water and don't dry into parts of the cells of polyurethane foam. When the material expands, the joint is sealed with a seal that is always compressed. This keeps water out of the joints, eliminating water damage. It also provides insulation, which will help to keep the structure at a constant comfortable temperature. These sealants can be pre-formed, so they are ready to use without the need to mix anything, and they can be easily installed.

Hybrid Concrete Sealants

These are a combination of different types of sealants. Often they are a mix of silicone bellows that have been impregnated with the expanded foam. Whereas liquid sealants can break down over time, hybrid concrete sealants will not, so the structure will remain solid and safe. These sealants do not expand and compress like other sealants. Instead, they fold and unfold, so there is no change in the composition if there are any movements in the joint before the sealant is fully cured.

Learn more about your options by consulting resources like Allied Concrete Cutting & Drilling Pty Ltd.

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