A Sealant is a viscous material that changes state to become solid, once applied, and is used to prevent the penetration of air, gas, noise, dust, fire, smoke or liquid from one location through a barrier into another. Typically, sealants are used in construction to close small openings and the area around penetrations, which are difficult to make “tight” with other materials. When sealants are used between materials having different thermal coefficients of expansion or differing elongation under stress, they need to have adequate flexibility and elongation. The difference between a Sealant and Caulk is found in its use or application. Caulking is made from materials where little or no building movement is expected; a Sealant is made of elastomeric materials which allow for movement of 25% to 50% of the width of the joint. Backer-Rod is a soft foam “rope” of varying widths that is often times used in conjunction with a sealant to help fill the void space between two materials. It is placed at a uniform depth behind (in back of) the sealant, hence the descriptive product name. Salmon Bay has Construction Sealants, Caulking and Backer-Rod in stock.

The primary cause of moisture damage, in a commercial or residential building, is water intrusion through windows, doors and other exterior penetrations. In construction; flashings are installed to prevent the passage of water into a structure as well as direct water out of a structure. Flashings may be classified as either exposed or concealed. Concealed Wall Flashings are incorporated into a wall assembly to either direct water back towards the outside of the wall or prevent the entry of water further into the wall cavity behind the weather barrier. Wall flashings are typically found at interruptions in the wall, such as windows or other penetrations and points of structural support.

Flashings, when properly installed and integrated with a weather-resistive barrier, are one of the most important factors in the successful performance of exterior walls. …..Salmon Bay carries a very complete line of Concealed Wall Flashings.