Deck Caulking & Sealing Deck Joints

Common Defects

Penetration of decking joints by fluids causing corrosion in steel and rotting wooden planking. The degrading of silicone based caulking compounds 

Preparation

All work should be carried out in strict accordance with the relevant ThistleBond Technical Data Sheet. Product selection and application should be based upon the joint configuration, the operating environment and the maximum anticipated joint movement.

Surface Preparation

a). Wooden Decking

 Wooden decking should be laid in the conventional manner and sanded level. Each joint should then be cut using a milling machine to give a joint cross with a sectional profile width 3/8” and a depth of 3/16”. In all cases, the width of the joint must be twice the depth. Remove all cutting debris and vacuum joint clean.

 b). Metal Decking

 Grit blast to give a surface finish of Swedish Standard Sa 21/2 ensuring a minimum of 75 microns profile using an angular abrasive.

 Apply the UPS TAC 075 Elastomer Primer provided to the entire joint surface in a thin film using a stiff bristled brush. Allow the primer to fully cure (1 hour at 20C) before proceeding further.

Application Technique

Once the primer is dry, adhesive polyethylene bond breaker tape should be placed in the bottom of the joint. Mix the selected UPS 300 FG ‘60’ Durometer Fluid Elastomer (TR300) or UPS 315 FG ‘80’ Durometer Fluid Elastomer (TR315) product and using a stiff bristled brush, apply a thin film onto the sides of the joint in order to ensure proper contact with the substrate. Pour or pipe in the remaining material in a thin film to fill the joint, leaving the surface slightly concaved.