424 Pages 243 B/W Illustrations
    by CRC Press

    Revised Bestseller Offers Broad-Based Knowledge to a Wide Range of Technical Professionals

    The definitive guide to sealing operations in construction, this latest edition of Sealants in Construction focuses on the most current technology, methods, applications, and standards relevant to sealant performance. Providing guided direction on how to choose and apply sealants, determine the properties of those sealants, and test and establish the cause of sealant failures, it addresses the design and engineering of structurally glazed systems and the chemistry and properties of various generic types including silicones, hybrids, and urethanes.

    Divided into two parts, the book first covers basic topics relevant to the practical side of construction sealants, and is geared toward those interested in choosing the proper sealant. The second half introduces advanced topics that are more technical, includes historical context along with practical examples, and is directed toward anyone requiring more depth in these areas.

    An indispensable resource essential to your collection, this book:

    • Explains the proper way to test sealants
    • Evaluates standard test methods that are used with construction sealants
    • Provides examples of emerging test methods appropriate for use with construction and highway sealants
    • Outlines methods for calculating the required joint sizes in conventional sealing, glazing, and structural glazing
    • Details the composition of the most popular types of sealants and hybrids

    Sealants in Construction covers the use of sealants in the construction industry and aims for the increased use of nondestructive test methods for all sealant applications and a more integrated quality management approach to sealing operations. This book is of interest to architects, contractors, engineers, sealant manufacturers, and students, and is relevant to a variety of technical disciplines.

    Introduction to Sealants and a Short History of Sealant Development
    Introduction
    Early Sealants Based on Natural Materials
    Modern Sealants Based on Synthetic Polymers
    Outlook on Future Developments
    References

    BASIC TOPICS
    Jerome Klosowski

    Selecting Joint Sealants
    Introduction
    Calculating Joint Movement
    Joint Sizing in New Construction
    Remedial Sealing
    Strength
    Chemical Environment
    Service Temperature
    Intensity of Sun and Weather
    Application Conditions
    Other Considerations
    References

    Sealant Properties
    Adhesion and Cohesion
    Hardness
    Modulus
    Stress Relaxation
    Compression Set
    Resistance to Weathering
    References

    Sealant Specifications and Testing
    Introduction
    Expansion and Construction Joints
    Idealized Construction Sealant Specification
    Conclusions on Testing Building Sealants
    Highway Sealants
    Conclusions on Tests for Traffic and Pedestrian Sealants
    Color and Stain Tests
    Tensile-Adhesion Test
    Compatibility Tests: Corrosion and Stress Corrosion
    Compatibility-to-Gasket Test
    Field Test for Adhesion
    Adhesion Test for Job
    References

    Application of Joint Sealants
    Introduction
    Examining the Joint
    Joints Larger Than Planned
    Joints Smaller Than Planned
    Cohesive Failure
    Measuring Joint Width
    Joint Movement Indicator (Scratch Test)
    Adhesive Failure
    Field Adhesion Test
    Cleaning Common Substrates
    Priming
    Backer Rods and Bond Breakers
    Backing Materials
    Correcting for Improperly Sized Rods
    Backing as a Flame or Fire Retardant
    Masking
    Sealant Installation
    Tools and Skills of the Mechanic
    Joint Movement during Cure
    Staining
    Dirt Pickup
    References

    Forensics
    Introduction
    Inspection and Investigation
    Further Analysis
    Bleed

    ADVANCED TOPICS
    Andreas Wolf

    Classification of Construction Sealants
    Introduction
    Product Form
    Setting Mechanism and Its Effect on Mechanical Properties
    Chemical Nature of Binders and Cure Types
    Performance
    Applications
    References

    Overview on Sealant Types and Families
    Introduction
    Rigid Sealants (Putties)
    Cold-Applied Plastic Sealants (Caulks)
    Hot-Applied Plastic or Elastic Sealants
    Elastic High-Performance Sealants
    References

    Conventional High-Performance Sealants
    Water-Borne (Latex) Acrylics
    Polysulfides
    Polyurethanes
    Silicones
    References

    Hybrid (Silane-Modified) High-Performance Sealants
    Silane-Terminated Polyethers
    Silane-Terminated Polyurethanes
    Silane-Terminated Polyacrylates
    References

    Sealed Insulating Glass and Insulating Glass Sealants
    Historical Development of Sealed Insulating Glass
    Functions of the Edge Seal
    Environmental Degradation Factors Acting on the IGU and the Edge Seal
    Diffusion Mechanisms Affecting Sealed IG Performance
    Important Degradation Mechanisms Affecting the Functioning of the Edge Seal
    Durability Testing of Sealed IGU
    Properties of IG Sealants and Resulting Applications for IG
    Importance of IGU Workmanship in Successfully Passing EN1279 Performance Testing
    Design, Component, and Workmanship Considerations in the Manufacture of High-Quality, Long-Lasting IGUs
    Outlook
    References

    Structural Sealant Glazing
    History of Structural Silicone Glazing Curtain Walls
    Classification of Structural Silicone Glazing Systems
    Stresses Acting on Structural Silicone Glazing Sealants
    Standards and Specifications
    Structural Joint Detailing
    Structural Glazing Sealants
    Structural Silicone Point Fixing
    Roles of Major Participants in Value Chain
    Quality and Reliability Considerations
    Outlook
    References

    Structurally Bonded Windows
    Introduction
    Historical Development
    Benefits of Direct Window Glazing
    Glazing and Bonding Options
    Structural Sealants
    The Bonded Window as a System: Durability and Compatibility
    Considerations
    Integrated Sash Direct Glazing
    Summary and Outlook

    References

    Appendix

    Biography

    Jerome M. Klosowski received his master’s degree in mathematics from Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, in 1965; received a master’s degree in chemistry from Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, in 1966; and did postgraduate work in chemistry at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. He authored the book Sealants in Construction and edited two other books. He holds 34 U.S. patents (multiple foreign filings); has published more than 70 articles in scientific and trade journals and four chapters in various encyclopedias, and has lectured on the chemistry and engineering of sealants in construction around the world.

    Andreas T. Wolf received his Ph.D. degree in chemistry from Heine University in Düsseldorf, Germany, in 1978 and was associated with Dow Corning from 1979 to 2015, where he held various managerial and professional positions within the science and technology department. He is the editor of 10 published books and the author of numerous scientific and technical publications and presentations within the realms of sealant chemistry, formulation, application, durability and degradation mechanisms, adhesion theory and measurement, and standardization. He retired from Dow Corning in 2015 and is currently teaching and consulting worldwide in the areas of sealant chemistry and applications.

    "… the most comprehensive work on sealants that will be ever produced."
    —Chris White, Research Chemist

     "… the most comprehensive and current state of the art knowledge accumulated on performance sealants in the commercial building and façade industry."
    —Lawrence D. Carbary, Dow Corning Corporation, Midland, Michigan, USA

    "This book has been written by two of the most experienced and respected scientists in the business. It contains the lifetime knowledge not just of Jerome and Andreas, but of numerous other technologists that they have encountered during their professional careers. … The combination of historical background, changes in requirements for sealants and technical progress in development and manufacturing, are excellent… It should provide an up-to-date reference of tremendous value to construction professionals. Architects, engineers, specifiers, polymer technologists and academics will find this book of enormous value."
    —Professor Allan Hutchinson, Oxford Brookes University, UK

    "… the most current comprehensive book on sealant technology, practical application and performance of sealants in the building industry today."
    —Lawrence D. Carbary, Dow Corning Corporation, USA

    "Jerry Klosowski and Andreas Wolf have put together the most comprehensive volume on sealants. These two giants of the sealant industry have personally witnessed and participated in the vast majority of the topics covered in this book. The attention to detail and comprehensive nature of this book is based on shared memories of watching or participation in the developments."
    Chris White, Research Chemist