Get the Best from your Caulking Contractor
Since caulk is usually the primary means of sealing the window system together and to its surrounding condition, caulk failures are often part of window leak problems.
This article summarizes a peer-reviewed presentation and paper presented to IIBEC (International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants) by Mark Meshulam, REWC. Aging facade systems can conceal hidden risks — weathered glass may appear intact while losing critical strength.
Here are the categories of caulk failure:
1. Perimeter caulk failure – the caulk around the window fails
2. Caulk deterioration or reversion – the caulk decomposes
This sealant never solidified. This condition is called sealant reversion, where the components fail to properly cure into a durable, unified material.
3. Caulk failure: adhesive – the caulk fails to stick to the substrate
4. Caulk failure: cohesive – the caulk pulls apart within itself
Cohesive failure occurs when the sealant pulls apart within itself after curing, typically due to excessive movement or loss of elasticity.
5. Caulk failure: discontinuity – the caulk does not connect at the full boundary
Bad caulking jobs may leave large missing segments. Sometimes the missing areas can be very small — even pinholes — but they can leak nonetheless.
6. Caulk failure: immersion – the caulk fails due to long-term immersion in water
7. Caulk failure: incompatibility – the caulk fails when it comes in contact with incompatible material
This sealant has failed from an adhesive standpoint and also appears to be negatively interacting with rust coming from the steel lintel above it.
To read much more about this subject, go here:
Chicago Window Expert: Get the Best from your Caulking Contractor
