Waterproofing control joints is important because leaks and dried out, brittle caulking lead to costly damage. Failures at the control joint result in cracking, water intrusion issues, and substrate deterioration.
Though some people use the terms interchangeably, control joints and expansion joints serve two distinct purposes.
- Expansion joints are intentionally sized and designed to separate building elements and handle what are often large, expected movements in the materials they separate.
- Control joints are used to relieve stress caused by small amounts of movement brought about by absorption and expulsion of moisture in concrete or masonry.
Like any other building component, control joint caulking needs to be occasionally repaired and replaced. Routine maintenance and replacement protect and preserve your building and are a cost-effective way to avoid major repair costs. You can trust the control joint contractors at Presto Restoration to get the job done right.
Why Is Replacing Old Caulking So Important?
As it ages, caulking hardens and shrinks, losing its integrity and ability to seal a joint adequately. Failed sealant joints can lead to moisture, air, and pest infiltration, as well as energy loss.
Moisture infiltration typically appears as water leaks that may or may not be visible on the inside of a commercial building. These leaks commonly occur at interior windowsills, ceiling tiles, and floors where they meet exterior walls. They also appear around piping. Though they often start out small, ignoring these leaks can lead to mold growth, wood rot, and damage to interior finishes that result in costly repairs. Because they don’t have the same visible signs, air infiltration and energy loss are more difficult to detect, but that doesn’t mean they don’t also cause damage.
Caulking and waterproofing control joints prevents cracking and spalling in walls, walkways, parking structures, and more. The process is just as critical for new construction as it is for existing structures. Other benefits include:
- Improved air quality. When a building isn’t fully protected from outside factors, it’s easier for mold, mildew, and other elements to affect the indoor air quality. Waterproofing keeps mold, mildew, and water intrusion at bay.
- Durability. Water is the leading cause of wood rot and architectural damage. Commercial buildings that are tightly sealed are more durable than buildings that don’t have moisture protection.
- Energy efficiency. Because waterproofed buildings have a more stable interior climate, they’re more energy-efficient, which can result in significant cost savings.
When to Have The Caulking Checked On Your Commercial Building
Sooner rather than later is always the best approach when it comes to inspecting, repairing, and replacing your building’s caulking. Neglect these tasks, and the repercussions become costly for your budget and comfort.
Inspecting your commercial building for gaps and cracks at least once a year ensures it stays water and airtight as well as energy-efficient. Routine inspections are a quick way to detect and prevent water, air, and pest intrusion. You can perform periodic visual inspections yourself. However, a professional waterproofing and caulking provider like Presto Restoration should be consulted for more comprehensive inspections. This ensures minor caulking failures are identified before they become major issues that threaten your building’s structural integrity.
Best Practices for Waterproofing Control Joints
Proper surface preparation and installation are critical to superior joint sealant performance. While joint size and sealant type are important, thorough removal of existing sealants, adequate cleaning of substrates, and correct installation techniques ensure good adhesion and long service life of the new sealant.
In most cases, we recommend Dow Corning silicone sealants which have a 20-year service life and are what we consider the most effective in protecting a building from even the most hostile environments.
Presto Provides Entire Building Caulking and Waterproofing Services
For nearly three decades, the expert technicians at Presto Restoration have provided control joint waterproofing services for all types of structures, including high-rise buildings, hospitals and other healthcare facilities, hotels, multi-family complexes, business parks, historic structures, and more. We do it all!
In addition to our caulking services, we also provide concrete and stone cleaning and sealing services, two other tasks crucial to your commercial building’s maintenance program. Our decades of experience make it possible for us to tackle even the most complex and challenging jobs. If your commercial structure needs caulking and sealant inspection, repair, or replacement services, contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote.
