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Joint Sealing is the installation of materials into the joints of buildings, concrete slabs, balconies, car-parks and commercial structures. Creating a waterproof seal with joint sealing is used to intercept movement within the surfaces or at the point of intersection between various building elements.

A sealant is an elastomeric material that allows for 25% to 50% movement. Sealant is used to fill gaps, to keep water and air at bay, to allow for expansion and contraction of building materials, and to enhance aesthetics. Silicone and polyurethane are two popular types of sealant.

Naturally, as its name suggests, it seals spaces that exist between one surface to the next. When a sealant is used the space becomes air and water tight. Adhesives on the other hand are primarily used to bind surfaces together. Sealants should not be used to bond things together.

Silicone is the best sealant for glass, tile and metal, while polyurethane works well on natural products such as wood. Silicone fails when applied to wood. The hard drying makes polyurethane a lot more difficult to apply as it stiffens when out of the tube. Silicone has a much easier application.

Generally speaking, silicone sealants are more versatile and flexible than polyurethane sealants and they work better in most environments. The inorganic composition means that silicone is resistant to UV rays, making it a better option than polyurethane sealant, which will eventually revert back to its natural form.

It's meant to cover small holes and cracks; and is then covered with paint. Painters caulk adheres to wood, drywall, masonry and other porous interior building materials superbly.

No. If you apply paint directly over untreated silicone caulk, peeling will inevitably occur. However, you can use 'Acrylic latex' which is a gap-filler and is paintable.

The main difference between a caulk and a sealant is elasticity. Caulks are fairly rigid when dry, and are intended for use in areas with minimal expansion and contraction. Sealants are made from flexible material--most commonly silicone--making them ideal for areas prone to expansion and contraction.

The two principal causes of movement are thermal expansion and contraction and seismic movement.

Joint sealant is used to close open joints to keep water and air out (both exterior and interior); for appearance and cleanability (in interior surfaces where water resistance is not an issue); and to reduce sound transmission through cracks (usually interior and internal to composite assemblies).

Silicone caulk takes approximately 24 hours to fully cure; humidity levels in the home can slow or speed curing times.

Shower tiles should be sealed every one to two years depending on how often the shower is used.

Most silicone sealant products will last a minimum of 20 years, but you may want to begin checking your windows and in your bathroom sooner to ensure there are no gaps anywhere. When checking the silicone sealants around your home, first look at the condition of the silicone product.

Exterior wall joints (masonry, concrete, plaster/stucco, EIFS), door and window frames, concrete paving joints, metal flashings, roof joints, and seismic movement joints.

Gypsum board, plaster, floor control and expansion joints, and kitchen and bathroom wet joints.