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About Joint and Sealing Work | A Detailed Introduction to Cost Estimates and Construction Methods!

Hello! This is Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd.!

Today, I would like to explain about 【joint and sealing work】!

“What is joint sealing?”

“What is joint replacement or additional sealing?”

I hope to clarify these questions a little.

I will provide a detailed explanation about joints and sealing!

About Joints and Sealing

First of all, a joint refers to the “connection point of materials.”
Sealing is a building material used to protect the joints, such as those between exterior wall boards, from rain leaks and other issues, adapting to the movement of the building.
Sealants are used to ensure waterproofing and airtightness.
In the case of siding exterior walls, it is not an exaggeration to say that sealing is more important than painting.
When sealing deteriorates, it can lead to rain leaks, warping or cracking of the siding, and even the rotting of the underlying wood and structure, making it a very important area.
Indoors, you often see it used mainly in kitchens and bathrooms to prevent water intrusion.
It fills gaps in the exterior walls and buildings, serving as a cushion, and is also used to fix joints and materials together!

Sealing Installation Locations

Sealing is used in various places, but when I think of sealing, the first thing that comes to mind is the joints of exterior walls.

Sealing is used in a wide range of applications, including repairs for cracks in exterior walls and roofs, as well as at the joints of materials.

What is the difference between sealing and caulking?

In some cases, sealing work is also referred to as caulking by contractors.
Since the names are different, some may wonder if they are different types of work or materials, but sealing and caulking essentially mean the same thing!
Our company often uses the term sealing, so we will refer to it as sealing in this article as well!

Types of Sealing

There are various types of sealing, which can be broadly categorized into four types of sealing materials!
We will introduce them in detail below!

① Urethane

② Acrylic

A sealing material that can be used in damp areas, is water-based, and is very easy to work with.
The downside is that it tends to shrink upon curing, and its durability is low.

Since it is mainly used indoors, it is said that it can crack after about 10 years when exposed to sunlight.

This sealing material is not commonly used in exterior renovations.

③ Silicone

A sealing material that excels in weather resistance, water resistance, and heat resistance, and has relatively good cost performance.

It can be used both indoors and outdoors, but since silicone oil is released after filling, it can easily dirty the surrounding area, and if painted over, it may peel off.

This sealing material is difficult to use in conjunction with exterior wall painting.

④Deformable Silicone

Deformable silicone differs from regular silicone in that it can be painted over. It comes in a variety of colors and is a sealing material with sufficient durability even without painting.

One drawback is that it tends to be slightly more expensive compared to other sealing materials.

What is High-Durability Sealing Material?

High-durability sealing material has greater durability compared to standard sealing materials.
While the durability of standard sealing materials is about 10 years, high-durability sealing materials have a lifespan of approximately 30 years.
Although the material costs are higher compared to standard sealing materials, they offer a better cost-performance ratio.

It is recommended for those who want to “make it last long with a single installation!”
Recently, more people are choosing high-durability sealing materials for renovations such as resealing.

The following are representative high-durability sealing materials.

〇 Auto Chemical / Auton Exceed

〇 Sunrise Co., Ltd. / SR Seal H100

Both of the above high-durability sealing materials have a durability of 30 years!
Auton Exceed takes longer to cure compared to standard sealing materials, so if you plan to paint the exterior after sealing, it is necessary to let it cure for about a week before painting, so please be cautious.
SR Seal H100 has better compatibility with paints compared to Auton Exceed, making SR Seal H100 recommended for exterior painting after sealing work!
Auton Exceed is recommended for sealing work only or when using sealing for clear coating on the exterior!

Symptoms of Sealing Deterioration

The symptoms of sealing deterioration mainly include the following three:

・Cracking

・Stains such as blackening

・Peeling from joints

If you are concerned about the deterioration of sealing, please refer to this!

Cracks in sealing material

Four key points when repairing exterior caulking - Staff Blog | Eli Life, specializing in renovations and extensions in Ikoma City, Nara region, Kashiba City, and Katsuragi region

As sealing deteriorates, it eventually loses its flexibility and begins to crack.

Cracks in sealing can range from large to small, but just because they are small does not mean they are fine. It is best to perform maintenance as soon as possible once deterioration appears.

If cracks are left unattended, it can lead to the breaking of the sealing, making it impossible to address with relatively simple repairs such as reapplication.

Even if it is a small crack (like a hairline crack), do not leave it unattended; we recommend having it checked by a knowledgeable contractor!

Blackening and stains (bleed phenomenon)

About the bleed phenomenon in exterior walls - Sumitai, a specialist in roof painting, exterior wall painting, and sheet metal in Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture | Site Blog | For exterior wall painting and roof painting in Utsunomiya, Sumitai

As sealing deteriorates, blackening and stains may rise to the surface. This is known as the bleed phenomenon.

To explain in detail, it is a phenomenon that occurs when additives called plasticizers contained in the sealing separate from the sealing and come to the surface.

When the bleed phenomenon occurs, the amount of plasticizer decreases, leading to symptoms such as the sealing becoming thinner and more prone to cracking.

Peeling from joints

What kind of work is needed for joints that are concerning in exterior wall painting? - Ivy Reform in Atsugi City

Peeling is a phenomenon that can be caused by uneven application or omission of primer or when the adhesive surface cannot keep up with the movement of the exterior wall.

It is best to confirm with the contractor beforehand whether the primer process is included during construction.

Sealing Repair Methods

There are two types of construction methods for sealing. We will introduce them in detail below.

Reapplication

Replacement

Replacement refers to the method of removing the existing sealing material with a cutter and filling it with new sealing material.

Compared to reapplication, the costs are relatively higher, but it effectively fills the gaps in the exterior wall joints, ensuring waterproofing and flexibility, so in the long run, replacement tends to last longer.

The lifespan of the replacement depends on the materials used, but for urethane or modified silicone, it is about 10 years, and even in environments less prone to deterioration due to climatic conditions, it can last up to 12 to 15 years.

Sealing Installation Precautions

There are various points to be cautious about during sealing installation. If done unknowingly, it may reduce the lifespan of the sealing, so be sure to keep this in mind!

To begin with, the conclusion is that when applying sealing, it is not suitable during rainy weather or on cold days. Generally, it is considered good to work in temperatures between 15 and 25℃ and humidity below 80%, with cloudy and calm conditions being the best weather.

Due to the construction period, it can sometimes be difficult to find the best timing for installation, but to avoid regretting pushing through the work, it is recommended to discuss this with the contractor in advance!

Sealing Construction Procedure

Next, we will introduce the sealing installation procedure! These are examples of projects we have completed, so please take a look!

Replacement

First, we will introduce the construction procedure for replacement!

1. Removal of Existing Sealing Material

First, we will remove the existing sealing material using a cutter or similar tool. If any of the existing sealing material remains, it will affect adhesion, so we will thoroughly clean it with a wire brush!

2. Masking Tape Preparation

When filling the sealing, we carefully check the position of the tape to ensure that the sealing does not overflow onto the exterior wall. We apply the tape carefully to avoid it digging into the substrate.

3. Application of Primer

Next, we apply the primer with a brush or similar tool, ensuring there are no missed spots. Forgetting to apply primer, leaving spots unpainted, or having uneven application can cause the sealing to peel off, so we make sure to apply it thoroughly!

4. Filling with Sealing Material


We place the nozzle of the caulking gun against the bottom of the joint and fill it evenly.

5. Finishing with a Trowel


Once filling is complete, we select a trowel that matches the width of the joint and press it down firmly to finish smoothly. Using a trowel that does not match the joint width can lead to an uneven appearance of the sealing or gaps forming within the joint, which can result in poor workmanship later, so we use a trowel that fits the joint width!

6. Removal of Masking Tape


After finishing, we promptly remove the masking tape. We thoroughly check for any leaks in the sealing or gaps, and if there are no issues, the work is complete!

Reapplication

Next, the procedure for reapplication is almost the same as the replacement procedure.

  1. Cleaning the filling area of the joint
  2. Masking tape preparation
  3. Application of primer
  4. Filling with sealing material
  5. Finishing with a trowel
  6. Removal of masking tape
  7. Completion
This concludes the procedure for reapplication.

Cost Estimates for Sealing Work

Reapplication For urethane and modified silicone: 550 yen to 700 yen per meter
For high-durability sealing: 800 yen to 1200 yen per meter
Replacement For urethane and modified silicone: 800 yen to 1300 yen per meter
For high-durability sealing: 1100 yen to 1600 yen per meter

Note⚠︎ The table above shows average prices and is intended as a reference!

Generally, it is more cost-effective and convenient to carry out exterior wall painting and sealing replacement together, but depending on the deterioration of the sealing, it may be necessary to address it promptly. If you have any concerns, please feel free to consult with us!

Summary

We have introduced sealing; how did you find it?

While sealing can be done independently, it is recommended to request it at the same time as exterior wall painting to reduce costs!

If you are experiencing issues such as leaks, we will address them promptly, so please feel free to consult with us!

Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd. offers free estimates and inspections! If you have any concerns regarding roofs, rain gutters, exterior walls, or exteriors, please consult with Kakeru Koumuten Co., Ltd. in Aoba-ku, Yokohama!

We carry out everything from temporary scaffolding work to roofing and exterior painting completely in-house.

We are confident that our costs, quality, and efficiency in exterior work surpass those of other companies!
We welcome competitive estimates with confidence!

You’ll be glad you chose us!

We are committed to taking your requests seriously to ensure you feel this way.

We look forward to your inquiries. Thank you very much.

 

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For roofing, guttering, and exterior work and repairs in Kanagawa, contact Kakerukoumuten Co., Ltd..

AAA is a young company with an average age in the early 20s, but our technology is second to none.

One of our greatest strengths is that we can do all of our own scaffolding, roofing, and painting work. In this industry, where work is generally divided, we are able to provide a complete set of services, which saves time and effort in management and reduces costs. Above all, if there is any trouble, we will come to you right away!

We can confidently declare this. We are the youngest and most friendly renovator in Kanagawa!