What is the difference between caulks and sealants? They are in essence interchangeable terms. Literally, caulking is a soft, putty-like material for sealing joints where leakage or movement may occur, and sealants are compounds used to fill and seal a joint where movement or leakage is expected. There are 5 Basic types of applications where sealant is used for window replacement and retrofit applications: 1. Cavity spaces - Control joints are used between the old frame and the window, with backer rod and 1/4” minimum spaces 2. Cavity Spaces - bonding joint with minimum 1/4” depth 3. Shallow Adjacent components - Bond breaker tape and a rounded bead 4. Fillet joint - Typical at siding/trim and coil to window frame intersections and does not require bond breaker tape or backer rod. Apply ¼” to 3/8” bead. 5. Adhesive - Bedding joint between flat surfaces And there are 2 Sealant Responsibilities - • Primary - Principle barrier to air and water migration into or between space between components • Secondary - Control of moisture and air in and out cavities Sealants are never meant to join two materials in any structural way. Sealants need to support the elements of proper water and moisture management: Divert; Drain; and Dry. Window Fitters Guide to Window Installation 9 ©2022 AWDI, LLC Do not reproduce without permission Application Criteria for Caulks and Sealants BACKER ROD BOND BREAKER TAPE CAVITY JOINTS SHALLOW ADJACENT BOND BREAKER TAPE ADHESIVE JOINT BUTT JOINTS SAMPLE MANUAL
View this content as a flipbook by clicking here.