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Performance of Caulking & Joint Compound Following a Catastrophic Event

by Benjamin Goss, MBA

Caulking and joint compound are two essential materials used in the construction industry to seal gaps and seams in various building materials, including drywall, concrete, and masonry. However, these materials can be vulnerable to environmental factors, including temperature and moisture fluctuations, that can compromise their performance and durability.

In the aftermath of a catastrophic event like a hurricane, where buildings may experience extended periods of power loss and uncontrolled climatization, the effects of these factors can be especially pronounced. This article examines the performance of caulking and joint compound in such scenarios and offers recommendations for remediation and restoration.

crop man preparing wall for painting
Photo by Ksenia Chernaya on Pexels.com

Performance of Caulking

Caulking is a sealant material used to seal gaps and joints in buildings, such as around windows, doors, and other openings. It can be made of various materials, including silicone, acrylic, and polyurethane, and can be applied using a caulk gun or other applicator. However, the performance of caulking can be compromised by various environmental factors, including temperature and humidity fluctuations. In the aftermath of a catastrophic event like a hurricane, buildings may experience prolonged power loss and climatization issues that can impact the performance of caulking.

For example, if the building is not properly ventilated, humidity levels can rise, causing the caulking to swell and crack. Additionally, if the building experiences extreme temperatures, such as excessive heat or cold, the caulking can become brittle or hard, making it more likely to crack and lose its sealing properties.

To mitigate these issues, it is important to properly remediate and restore the building’s environment as soon as possible following a catastrophic event. This can include ensuring proper ventilation and dehumidification, as well as applying new caulking to any areas that may have been compromised. In some cases, it may be necessary to remove and replace damaged caulking entirely.

Performance of Joint Compound

Joint compound is a material used to seal seams and joints in drywall surfaces, typically in preparation for painting or other finishing work. It is made of various materials, including gypsum, clay, and vinyl, and can be applied using a trowel or other tool. However, like caulking, joint compound can be vulnerable to environmental factors that can compromise its performance. In the aftermath of a catastrophic event like a hurricane, buildings may experience extended periods of power loss and uncontrolled climatization that can impact the performance of joint compound.

For example, if the building is exposed to excessive humidity or moisture, the joint compound can become soft, swell, and crack. If the winds are high, more than Category 1 wind speeds, the building depending upon its construction may also be subject to shaking. The resultant vibrations that are pushed through the structure may have a negative effect on the performance of both caulking and joint compound.

Additionally, if the building experiences extreme temperatures, such as excessive heat or cold, the joint compound can become brittle or crumbly, making it difficult to sand and finish. To remediate these issues, it is important to properly assess and repair any damage to the drywall surfaces, including any cracks or separations that may have occurred due to the compromised joint compound. In some cases, it may be necessary to remove and replace damaged joint compound entirely.

Hazardous Material Removal

It is important to note that the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies materials that have been exposed to rain from hurricanes and floodwaters as Category 3 hazardous waste. Materials such as drywall, insulation, and carpeting that have been impacted by Category 3 water must be removed and disposed to prevent the spread of harmful contaminants and microbial growth.

The US EPA has regulations in place for the safe removal of hazardous materials, including materials impacted by water damage. According to the EPA’s Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule (RRP Rule), materials impacted by Category 3 water must be removed and disposed of in accordance with local and federal regulations to prevent the spread of harmful contaminants and microbial growth. This is especially important in the aftermath of a catastrophic event like a hurricane, where water damage can be widespread and prolonged.

flooded small village with houses
Photo by Pok Rie on Pexels.com

Remediation and Restoration

In the aftermath of a catastrophic event like a hurricane, remediation and restoration are critical steps in minimizing the impact of a catastrophic event on caulking and joint compound, as well as other building materials. The following steps can be taken to ensure proper remediation and restoration:

  1. Ensuring proper ventilation: To prevent excessive humidity and moisture buildup, it is important to ensure proper ventilation and dehumidification in the building. This can involve using fans, dehumidifiers, and other equipment to circulate air and remove excess moisture from the air.
  2. Applying new sealants: In areas where caulking and joint compound may have been compromised, it is important to apply new sealants to restore the building’s sealing properties. This can involve removing any damaged sealants and applying new ones in a manner that is consistent with the manufacturer’s instructions.
  3. Removing and replacing damaged sealants: In cases where caulking or joint compound has become severely damaged, it may be necessary to remove and replace it entirely to prevent further damage to the building and ensure that all sources are properly cited.
  4. Repairing drywall surfaces: In cases where joint compound has become compromised, it may be necessary to repair any damage to the drywall surfaces, including any cracks or separations that may have occurred.
  5. Hazardous material removal: Materials that have been impacted by Category 3 water must be removed and disposed of in accordance with local and federal regulations to prevent the spread of harmful contaminants and microbial growth.
  6. Temperature and humidity monitoring: To ensure that the building’s environment remains stable, it may be necessary to monitor temperature for an extended period and humidity levels to prevent any further damage to building materials. 

Proper remediation and restoration can help ensure the long-term performance and durability of caulking and joint compound, as well as other building materials. However, it is important to note that the impact of a catastrophic event on these materials can vary depending on a range of factors, including the severity of the event, the length of time the building was exposed to environmental factors, and the type and quality of the materials used.

Conclusion

Following a catastrophic event such as a hurricane resulting in the loss of climatization in a building due to power loss, environmental factors such as temperature and moisture fluctuations can compromise the performance of caulking and joint compound.  Additionally, violent shaking caused by high winds can also damage the structure by creating vibrations throughout.

Proper remediation and restoration, including ventilation and dehumidification, new sealant application, removal and replacement of damaged sealants and drywall surfaces, and temperature and humidity monitoring can ensure their long-term performance and durability.

Lastly, hazardous material removal and disposal is necessary to prevent the spread of harmful contaminants and microbial growth. This involves removing and replacing damaged materials, ensuring proper ventilation and dehumidification, and monitoring temperature and humidity levels to prevent further damage to building materials.

Sources:

  1. Dale, Timothy. “Caulk: How to Choose the Right Type and Use it Properly.” The Spruce, Updated April 16, 2021, https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-choose-and-use-caulk-1398153.
  2. Gardner, Michael. “Resilience of Drywall and Joint Compound to Water Damage: An Overview.” Fine Homebuilding, November 6, 2018, https://www.finehomebuilding.com/project-guides/drywall/resilience-of-drywall-and-joint-compound-to-water-damage-an-overview.
  3. Hazelton, Ron. “Flood Damage and Joint Compound.” Ron Hazelton’s HouseCalls, https://www.ronhazelton.com/tips/flood_damage_and_joint_compound.
  4. “Temperature Effects on Sealant Performance” by Robyn M. Coulter, Building Science Insights, Building Science Corporation, October 15, 2013, https://www.buildingscience.com/documents/insights/bsi-071-temperature-effects-sealant-performance.
  5. “The Effects of Humidity on Adhesive Bonds” by Gregory O. Morrow, Journal of Adhesion Science and Technology, Volume 11, 1997 – Issue 1, https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1163/156856197X00188.
  6. “Vibration Resistance of Silicone Sealants” by Xiaomin Han, Xiaoliang Wang, and Hui Chen, Journal of Applied Polymer Science, Volume 131, Issue 22, November 30, 2014, https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/app.41221.
  7. “EPA’s Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule (RRP Rule)” by US EPA, updated February 22, 2021, https://www.epa.gov/lead/lead-renovation-repair-and-painting-rule-rrp-rule.
RdyBenGoss

I am intimately familiar with feeling like my hair is on fire while I try to slow things down and focus on the person (or people) I am with. Sometimes I fail miserably to be present. I have had deals stolen from me, customers refuse to pay, and employer/market partners renege on agreements and promises.

As an author, I have self-published several guides and two books. Prior to engaging in my current projects which include books on sales, management, storm restoration contracting and politics I read more than 150 books on sales & business topics, attended hundreds of hours of seminars, and watched thousands of hours of videos regarding the same.
I earned a master’s in business administration (MBA) from Regis University in Denver, Colorado.

I recruited and trained hundreds of salespeople, made thousands of cold calls, knocked on thousands of doors, and successfully completed thousands of sales presentations that resulted in revenue for the companies I have represented. Because I find it hard to sit still, I have worked in 15+ major metro markets across America, and I have moved my family and lived in seven of them (Philadelphia, Orlando, Phoenix, Denver, Kansas City, Omaha and Richmond).

With more than 25 years of experience in various phases and market verticals within the construction industry, this also includes nearly 15 years of experience in the storm restoration industry with an emphasis on roofing. I have personal experience with storm damage inspections (~10,000+), Xactimate estimating (~4,000+) and completing restoration projects including those for complex historic and/or commercial projects [i.e. Natural Slate and Ludowici Clay Tile].

My certifications include, but are not limited to FLIR Level 1, flat roof certifications (EPDM, TPO, and PVC), roof coatings systems, and tile roof certification in all 50 states, including Florida High Wind Tile Installation certification. Finally, I was licensed as the qualifying party as a Class A general contractor with no heigh restrictions in multiple states and jurisdictions.

I trust it’s abundantly clear that I love to talk and engage in conversation. Surprisingly, I also enjoy writing. Surprising, at least to me because I hated English as a subject in school - too many rules. Ha!

What I am most proud of is continuing to help my wife of more than 26 years raise 6 amazing children (3 boys and 3 girls). Our two Doberman Pinschers are pretty cool as well. (If anyone has tips on how to write a better bio - please email me! ;-).

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