Having well-maintained sealant joints is an important part of any construction project. Sealant joints are instrumental in preventing water from infiltrating the building envelope and ensuring that the structure is airtight. Properly maintained sealant joints also ensure the building is energy efficient, preventing air leakage. 

Risks Associated with Sealant Failure

• Water Infiltration: Unsealed joints can lead to water infiltration, which can cause damage to the structure, such as mould and mildew growth, rot, and corrosion. 
• Structural Damage: Poorly maintained sealant joints can lead to structural damage, such as cracking, warping, and buckling.
• Poor Air Quality: Leaky sealant joints can lead to poor air quality as air leakage can allow for the infiltration of outside contaminants.
• Reduced Energy Efficiency: Poorly maintained sealant joints can lead to increased energy costs, as air leakage can cause the building to be less energy efficient. 
• Environmental Damage: Sealant failure can lead to environmental damage, such as the release of volatile organic compounds into the atmosphere.

How to Identify Potential Sealant Issues

• Visual Inspection: A visual inspection of the sealant joints can help identify any potential issues, such as cracking, discolouration, or other signs of wear.
• Thermal Imaging: Thermal imaging can be used to detect air leakage and identify any potential issues with the sealant joints.
• Pressure Testing: Pressure testing can be used to detect any air leakage through the sealant joints.
• Air Quality Testing: Air quality testing can be used to detect any contaminants that may be entering the building through the sealant joints.

Repairing Sealant

Once any potential issues have been identified, the sealant can be repaired. This can be done by either replacing the sealant with a new, higher-quality sealant or by repairing the existing sealant.

To repair the existing sealant, the area in need of repair should be cleaned, and any loose sealant should be removed. The sealant should then be reapplied, ensuring that it is applied correctly and completely sealed. Finally, the sealant should be allowed to cure for the recommended time before it is put back into use.

Properly Cleaning Applied Sealants

Once a sealant has been applied, it is important to properly clean the area to ensure that it adheres properly and lasts as long as possible. The sealant should be cleaned with a damp cloth and warm, soapy water. Any residue or dirt should be removed, as this can prevent the sealant from adhering properly. Once the area is clean, the sealant should be allowed to dry completely before it is put back into use.

In addition to cleaning the sealant, inspecting the area regularly for signs of wear or damage is important. If any cracks are noticed in the sealant, they should be filled as soon as possible with a compatible filler material. This will help ensure that water and other liquids do not penetrate through these areas and cause further damage. If there are gaps between two surfaces where the sealant has been applied, additional layers may need to be added to provide an effective barrier against moisture penetration.

The Bottomline

Proper sealant joints are crucial for any construction project, providing a crucial barrier against water and air infiltration. Furthermore, they play an important role in the prevention of structural failure and the conservation of energy. As such, it is important to ensure that proper sealant joints are maintained throughout the life of a building. Doing so will not only help protect the structure but will also provide long-term energy savings. Therefore, proper maintenance of sealant joints is an essential part of any construction project.

Quality Seal Australia is one of the best caulking contractors today. We offer high-quality silicone and caulking services to the Brisbane and Gold Coast building industry. Get in touch with us.