resources
proper sealant replacement
Step One:
Work starts with cutting out the failed caulking and cleaning out debris from the joint, including all of the old caulking. The surfaces need to be fully cleaned to ensure a quality bond between the new caulking and the wall.
Step Two:
Joint surfaces that will receive new caulking sealants are lightly ground to remove the old sealant. The joints are cleaned to remove the dust that could interfere with the bonding of the new sealant.
Step Three:
Joints surfaces are treated with a liquid primer matched to the substrate material. Once the primer has been applied, caulk will be installed into the joint while the primer is still tacky.
Step Four:
Backer rod is then installed in the joint. It allows for proper joint profile and depth-to-width ratio, which maximizes the movement capability and life of the new sealant. The depth of the backer rod must be consistent along the full length of the joint. If the closed cells of the backer rod are nicked with the blade of the knife during installation, the escaping gases will bubble through the new caulking and be visible on the surface.
Step Five:
Joints are filled completely with new sealant in a color approved by the client. All of the sealant for the project should be ordered at one time because factory orders of sealants vary in color slightly from batch to batch
Step Six:
Joints are then tooled to a smooth concave profile with an accurately sized tooling knife. Every differently sized joint requires its own correctly sized tool. Craftsmen begin by back tooling, removing the excess sealant, followed by finish tooling the sealant in a smooth, constant motion to ensure bonding to the substrate.
For more information on G.L. Capasso inc. services please call us at 203-469-2810 or email us at info@glcapasso.com.