When and Why to Replace Joint Sealants: A Proactive Approach to Building Maintenance 

Maintaining the integrity of your building’s envelope is crucial. One often overlooked aspect of building maintenance is the caulking that seals joints, windows, doors, and other openings. Over time, caulking can degrade, crack, or lose its effectiveness, leading to water infiltration, energy inefficiency, and potential structural damage. Understanding when and why to replace caulking is key to ensuring the longevity and performance of your building. 

With spring finally here, it’s the perfect time to inspect and address your building’s caulking needs. The change in season provides an ideal opportunity to catch any caulking issues before summer rains or temperature changes exacerbate the problem. Here’s why replacing caulking now is important, and how a proactive maintenance plan, like our LifeCycle360 tool, can save you from costly repairs down the road. 

What are Joint Sealants and Why Does it Matter?  

Joint sealants are a term sometimes used for caulking, which are flexible sealants applied to gaps and joints in a building’s exterior to prevent water, air, and pests from entering the structure. They are also used to accommodate the movement exhibited in all building materials.  As different materials expand and contract, the joint sealants move with them and, when properly installed, prevent openings at these areas from forming.  It’s typically used around windows, doors, vents, expansion joints, and other areas where different building materials meet. Joint sealants, like most building materials, do not last forever. Environmental factors such as UV exposure, extreme temperature changes, excessive materials movement, and high moisture levels can cause joint sealants to break down over time. 

When joint sealants deteriorate, it can lead to several issues: 

• Water Infiltration: Gaps in caulking can allow rainwater to penetrate the building, leading to moisture problems, mold, and rot. 

• Energy Loss: Air leaks around windows and doors can significantly impact a building’s energy efficiency, leading to higher heating and cooling costs. 

• Structural Damage: Water infiltration through compromised caulking can lead to the deterioration of building materials, potentially causing extensive and costly damage to the structure over time. 

When Should You Replace Joint Sealants? 

Joint sealants are designed to be durable, but they do wear out. The following are common signs that it may be time to replace them around your building: 

1. Cracking or Peeling: If you notice cracks, gaps, or peeling caulking around windows, doors, or other areas, it’s a clear sign that the sealant is no longer performing its job. 

2. Water Leaks: After heavy rain, check for any signs of water leaking around areas that should be sealed. Leaks can indicate that the joint sealants are no longer effective. 

3. Drafts or Temperature Changes: If you feel drafts around windows or doors, or notice inconsistent temperatures in certain areas of the building, it may be a sign that the caulking is no longer sealing properly. 

4. Visible Mold or Mildew: Damp spots, mold, or mildew around window frames or doors can be a sign of water infiltration due to faulty sealants. 

5. Aging Sealant: If your building is older, it’s important to regularly inspect the joint sealants as they may have reached the end of their lifespan (typically 5 to 15 years, depending on the material and other factors). 

Why Choose PIERCE for Joint Sealant Replacement? 

Joint sealants are the first barrier of entry for water to a structure. It is a simple function, but it requires the expertise of professionals to ensure that they are installed correctly. At PIERCE, we specialize in comprehensive building envelope services, including joint sealant replacement and maintenance. Here’s why choosing us makes sense: 

• Proactive Approach with LifeCycle360: Rather than waiting for leaks or visible damage to occur, we recommend conducting regular inspections as part of our LifeCycle360 maintenance program. This tool allows us to track your building’s health over time and identify potential issues with caulking and other components before they become major problems. By using LifeCycle360, we provide you with a data-driven, long-term strategy to preserve your building’s envelope. 

• High-Quality Materials: We use top-of-the-line caulking materials that are designed to withstand the harsh New England climate. Whether you need silicone, polyurethane, or another type of sealant, we ensure that the right product is applied for maximum durability. 

• Expert Installation: Proper sealants application is an art that requires precision and attention to detail. Our technicians are trained in the industry and manufacturers’ approved installation procedures, ensuring airtight and watertight seals every time. 

• Long-Term Protection: By replacing sealants proactively, we help you avoid costly repairs caused by water infiltration, mold, or structural damage. We will also help increase your building’s energy efficiency, saving you money on heating and cooling costs. 

Protect Your Building Investment with PIERCE 

The purpose of joint sealant is to proactively protect the building’s structure. It’s a relatively small investment compared to the potential cost of damage if left unsealed. Delaying this maintenance can lead to significantly compounded issues, sometimes increasing deferred maintenance costs by up to 25 times. 

Contact us today to learn more about our caulking replacement services and how we can help you maintain the integrity of your building using LifeCycle360. Let us help you safeguard your investment and extend the life of your property starting this spring!