28 / 150
22
INSTALLATION
Of all factors affecting the performance of a
sealant, installation is the most critical.
Successful installation depends on several steps
including:
1. Joint preparation.
2. Priming when required.
3. Installation of backer rod or backing
tape.
4. Mixing, applying, and tooling of
sealant.
Joint preparation
A. Problems: Joints are not
cleaned or are contaminated,
incorrect solvents are used and
substrates are not dry.
B. Solution: Use two rags: one to
wet the joint with solvent, the
other to wipe the joint.
Using one rag will only smear the contaminants.
Remove all mortars, aggregates and foreign
matter as the sealant will only pull them away
from the substrates when the joint moves.
Other contaminants such as sealers, oils, waxes,
and curing agents will require removal using
mechanical methods such as grinding. Please
remember, after a mechanical cleaning, the joints
must be recleaned to remove dust and residue
left behind by the mechanical cleaning.