What Are Joint Sealants?
Preventing leaks, damage, and premature failures
Joint sealants are flexible, elastomeric materials installed in gaps and movement joints to keep water, air, and contaminants out while accommodating building movement. Properly designed and installed, they protect masonry and concrete from moisture intrusion, thermal expansion and contraction, vibration, and differential movement that can lead to cracks, corrosion, and energy loss.
Typical locations include control and expansion joints in masonry and concrete, window and door perimeters, precast panel joints, curtain wall interfaces, plaza and deck joints, wet areas, and penetrations. RAM Masonry Contractors provides joint sealant services that integrate with the surrounding assemblies to maintain the continuity of the air, water, and thermal barriers.
Choosing the right chemistry for your substrate and movement
Common chemistries include silicones (excellent UV stability and broad temperature performance), polyurethanes (abrasion and tear resistance for horizontal and traffic conditions), silyl-terminated polyethers and hybrids (low-VOC and paintable), polysulfides (fuel and chemical resistance), and acrylic or latex (interior, low-movement). Preformed options such as precompressed foam sealants and impregnated tapes are effective for irregular substrates and wide movement ranges. Fire-resistive and acoustical sealants are specified where code-driven performance is required.
Selection depends on joint movement rating, substrate type and porosity, exposure to UV, immersion, or chemicals, expected service life, and aesthetic goals. Primers and stain-blocking treatments may be required on porous stone or architectural concrete to prevent edge staining. Movement classes (e.g., ±25, ±50) and color matching are reviewed to ensure long-term performance and a seamless appearance.
Proven methods aligned with industry best practices
Our process starts with a detailed assessment: surveying existing conditions, mapping joint types, measuring widths, and evaluating movement to determine the correct joint design. We size the backer rod and sealant depth to achieve the target width-to-depth ratio, and use backer rod or bond-breaker tape to prevent three-sided adhesion. Transitions, terminations, and dissimilar-material interfaces are detailed to maintain continuous weatherproofing.
Preparation is critical. We remove failed sealant, clean and abrade as needed, verify substrates are sound, dry, and above the dew point, and apply manufacturer-approved primers where required. Backer rods are installed to proper depth, and sealant is applied with consistent pressure, then tooled to a smooth, slightly concave profile for optimal adhesion and water shedding. Cure times, protection from rain and traffic, and environmental conditions are controlled per manufacturer guidance.
Quality control includes mock-ups, batch and lot tracking, and field adhesion checks in accordance with industry guidance such as ASTM C1193 and C1521. Documentation, photo records, and punch-list resolution are standard. We emphasize safety with trained crews, fall protection, lift operation protocols, and site-specific staging, and provide maintenance guidance and warranties aligned with product performance.


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Local Service, Conditions, and Applications
Tailored recommendations for your environment
Regional climate influences sealant selection and scheduling in Kansas City. Freeze-thaw cycles, temperature swings, summer humidity, and intense sun exposure demand UV-stable, flexible sealants and careful control of installation temperatures and dew point. Parking structures and plaza decks in Kansas City often benefit from traffic-grade systems and robust edge detailing to resist deicing chemicals and abrasion.
We serve a wide range of facilities in Kansas City, including commercial towers, healthcare and education campuses, industrial sites, multifamily properties, and civic buildings. Whether for new construction or sealant replacement, our team addresses expansion and control joints, window and curtain wall perimeters, masonry interfaces, and precast panel joints with solutions proven in Kansas City conditions.
If you need durable, watertight joints in Kansas City, RAM Masonry Contractors delivers responsive scheduling, clear communication, and workmanship that stands up to the local environment. Contact our team to discuss joint sealant options, product selection, and timelines tailored to your Kansas City project.
Joint Sealant Solutions for Long-Lasting Performance
Serving Kansas City & Surrounding Areas
Locally Owned
20+ Years Experience
Free Estimates Available

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