Masonry Joint Sealant

Masonry Joint Sealant

Masonry is an ancient material that can be used in a variety of applications.  Not only can it be used as a veneer for the building but it can also be used in actual building structure.  In addition, it can also be used to build retaining walls and other structures.  In order to compensate for the various movements that the materials may undergo, it is necessary to provide for expansion and control joints.  These joints will need to be sealed.

Both clay and cement bricks are considered two types of masonry.  The bricks are joined together and the structure will find its strength in the mortar that is used.  The nature of the clay or cement necessitates the use of expansion or control joints, whichever is applicable.  Expansion points are used for clay brick masonry because masonry can expand when it gets wet.  Control joints are used for cement bricks because cement can shrink after manufacture.

In addition, both types of masonry need joints that will accommodate the materials’ natural contractions and expansions due to thermal changes.

Should these movements not be accounted for, the masonry could shift and become displaced.  Therefore, the joints and the sealants used to seal the joints must be able to withstand all these forces.