Construction Joint Sealing Solutions in Sausages and Cartridges

An Overview of SealBoss Swell Caulk

In the realm of construction, effective sealing of joints is crucial to maintain structural integrity and prevent water infiltration. This is where SealBoss Swell Caulk, a uniquely engineered caulk mastic comes into play.

But what exactly is Swell Caulk, and how does it function?

SealBoss Swell Caulk is a single-component, water-activated polyurethane-based waterstop and leak-sealing caulk paste specifically designed to halt water ingress through concrete cold joints and other construction joints.

Its hydrophilic formulation reacts with water, causing a controlled and steady expansion of its volume. The product is inherently sticky by design to easily self adhere to the substrate.

Packaged in two formats, Swell Caulk Cartridges are compatible with a standard caulk gun, while Swell Caulk Sausages require an industry-standard sausage gun for application.

How Does a Caulk Grade Swelling Waterstop Work?

Swell Caulk’s unique formulation allows it to self-adhere to dry concrete surfaces during application, irrespective of whether the substrate is rough or smooth. It requires no mechanical fastening or additional adhesives, seamlessly accommodating any uneven substrate conditions.

SealBoss Swell Caulk is extremely effective in sealing leaks and stopping water migration based on its outstanding swelling capacity .

It can expand up to 350% of its original volume on contact with moisture, demonstrating excellent pliability, plasticity, and flexibility to mold itself to uneven and rough surfaces.

Swell Caulk as a Compression Seal

As it swells, SealBoss Swell Caulk forms a compression seal, establishing a pressure-positive seal against all surfaces of the concrete in cold joints and construction joints. This action effectively blocks water flow through the joint, creating a permanent seal.

Swell Caulk can withstand high hydrostatic pressures (120ft / 36 m) when installed to specification.

The Concept of a Cold Joint

A cold joint is an area of weakness in the concrete, similar to a hairline fracture, caused by a lack of bonding / cohesion in otherwise monolithic concrete caused by an interruption, delay or intentional design process in the concreting operation. A cold joint is created when the first batch of concrete has begun to set before the next fresh batch is added. The two batches do not cohere or bond together and create a fine channel for water to migrate.