If you’re looking at a concrete slab and see a gap or joint, you might think that all you need is some caulk and a steady hand. It’s not that simple, though.

Concrete moves. It expands when temperatures rise, contracts when they drop and can shift as a building settles. The material used to seal a joint needs to cope with that movement while also keeping out water, dirt and other contaminants.

Concrete caulking and joint sealing are different, they overlap in some applications, but they aren’t exactly the same.

Concrete caulking involves applying a flexible sealant to a joint, gap or crack in a concrete surface.

The sealant creates a barrier between the concrete and whatever is on the other side. Depending on the location, that might mean stopping water from getting through a joint, preventing dirt from collecting in a gap or creating a more finished appearance.

Caulking is commonly used around areas such as:

Concrete slabs and pavements

Expansion and control joints

Concrete-to-concrete connections

Concrete-to-metal interfaces

Around penetrations and fixtures

The type of caulk matters. Concrete isn’t completely static, so a rigid filler can crack or pull away as the joint moves. This is why experienced concrete caulking contractors look at the joint itself before deciding what product and application method are appropriate.

Joint sealing is a broader term for protecting a joint with a suitable sealant.

Concrete joints are deliberately incorporated into many structures, they allow sections of concrete to move without putting unnecessary stress on the surrounding material.

An expansion joint, for example, needs to accommodate movement as the concrete expands and contracts. A sealant is then used to keep moisture, chemicals, dirt and debris from getting into the joint.

While caulking may describe the act of applying sealant, joint sealing usually refers more specifically to sealing a designed joint within a concrete structure.

Concrete Caulking and Joint Sealing Done Properly

Concrete caulking and joint sealing both have an important role to play in protecting concrete structures, but the right approach depends on the joint, the surrounding materials and the conditions it needs to withstand.

If you’re dealing with deteriorating sealant, gaps between concrete surfaces or joints that are allowing water through, don’t assume that applying more sealant is the answer.

Structural Services Australia provides professional concrete sealing and caulking services for commercial, industrial and structural applications as well as concrete grinding and concrete rectification services. Experienced concrete caulking contractors can assess the condition of the joint and use the appropriate preparation and sealing method for the job.

Get in touch with us today to see how we can help.