Joint sealing plays a critical role in minimising water ingress and forming a secure waterproofing barrier within concrete structures. Sika offers proven joint sealing solutions for construction, movement and connection joints, supported by decades of experience and continuous innovation in waterproofing technology. Depending on the structure, exposure conditions and construction method, joint sealing can be achieved using waterbars/waterstops to create a durable waterproof seal that accommodates structural movement, or SikaSwell® hydrophilic systems that expand on contact with water to seal joints and penetrations. Sika’s joint waterproofing products help ensure long-term protection and reliable performance across a wide range of applications.
Sika Provides All Kinds of Joint Sealing Solutions
Hydrophilic gaskets
The range of hydrophilic (swellable) SikaSwell® profiles and gun-applied sealants are an efficient solution for construction joints and complementary sealing of penetrations to provide an additional line of protection against water ingress.
Advantages:
- Highly economical
- No influence on formwork or reinforcement
- Can be used as a back-up system
- Tested and approved system
- Alternative profiles available for different requirements
Thermoplastic waterbars
Waterbars are the most common waterproof joint sealing solution for construction joints and are mandatory for expansion joints. The appropriate profile can be chosen from the range of Sika Waterbar® products based on various materials, depending on project requirements.
Advantages:
- Easy design of closed systems for construction and expansion joints
- Easy connections by welding
- Different products, shapes and sizes for diverse requirements (load and exposure)
- Permanent flexibility
Adhesive tapes
Sikadur-Combiflex® SG System is a joint sealing tape system adhered with epoxy adhesive, it provides a high-performance solution for sealing construction joints, expansion (movement) joints, connection joints and cracks.
Advantages:
- Approved for use in contact with potable/drinking water
- Easily adaptable and versatile for various applications
- Excellent adhesion to different substrates
- Highly flexible
- Easily maintained
Our Range of Joint Sealing Products
Typical Types of Joints in Structures
Construction joints are designed to split areas of the structure into separate concrete sections for work scheduling reasons, or as a structural measure to transfer load, for example. The reinforcement in construction joints is therefore continuous through the joint.
Connection joints are flat or indented joints which split the concrete section through its full thickness without a defined joint gap. The reinforcement in connection joints is discontinuous. When the concrete section contracts, joint movement (joint opening) is possible. When it expands, pressure transmission is possible.
Movement or expansion joints split components through their full thickness with a joint gap of defined width. The reinforcement in movement joints is discontinuous. Movement joints allow differential movement due to temperature variations and/ or load or settlement in one or more directions of the areas, sections or structures separated by the joint.
Control joints in walls, for example, are intended for defined crack control by engineered concrete cross-section weakening and formation of a controlled point of cracking through the concrete. This relieves stresses due to temperature and shrinkage, which thereby prevents uncontrolled cracking in the wall. Cracking takes place in the designed and crack-induced position instead.