Caulking & Joint Sealant
Expansion joints, windows, and transitions need flexible sealant — not mortar. We seal them right.
Quick Answer
Paul Lally's Masonry replaces failed caulk and joint sealant across Chicago and the Chicagoland suburbs — expansion joints, window and door perimeters, and material transitions — sealing the water-entry points mortar can't. Family-owned since 1988. Free on-site estimates — call (708) 448-8866.
About This Service
Caulking & Joint Sealant in Chicagoland
Not every joint on a building should be filled with mortar. Expansion joints, control joints, and the transitions around windows, doors, and where different materials meet need a flexible sealant that can move as the building expands and contracts. When that sealant dries out, cracks, or pulls away, it becomes one of the most common — and most overlooked — water entry points on the wall.
We replace failed caulk and joint sealant with the right professional-grade products for masonry: cutting out the old material, prepping the joint with backer rod where needed, and tooling fresh sealant for a durable, weather-tight seal. It's a small job that prevents big water problems.
What's Included
- Expansion and control joint sealant
- Window and door perimeter caulking
- Masonry-to-dissimilar-material joints
- Removal of failed or old sealant
- Backer rod and proper joint prep
- Residential and commercial buildings
Our Work
Project Photos
Sealed joints — weather-tight
Commercial expansion joint sealant
Window perimeter caulking
Joint sealant detail
Warning Signs
Signs You Need Caulking & Joint Sealant
Cracked or Hardened Caulk
Sealant that has dried hard and cracked can no longer move with the building or keep water out. It needs to be cut out and replaced.
Sealant Pulling Away from the Joint
When caulk separates from one side of the joint, it opens a direct channel for water — often invisible until a leak shows up inside.
Gaps Around Windows and Doors
Open perimeter joints around windows and doors are a leading source of water and air intrusion in masonry walls.
Water Intrusion at Transitions
Leaks where masonry meets a different material usually trace to failed sealant at that transition, not the masonry itself.
FAQ
Common Questions
Why use caulk instead of mortar on some joints?
Expansion joints and transitions are designed to move as the building expands and contracts. Rigid mortar would crack; a flexible sealant moves with the joint and keeps water out.
How long does exterior caulking last?
Quality professional-grade sealant on a properly prepped joint typically lasts many years, but sun, weather, and movement break it down over time. It's worth checking periodically since failures are easy to miss.
Can bad caulking really cause water damage?
Yes — failed perimeter and joint sealant is one of the most common water-entry points on a wall, and the resulting damage often shows up far from the actual leak.
Do you remove the old sealant first?
Always. New sealant won't bond over old, failed material. We cut out the old caulk, prep the joint, and tool fresh sealant for a lasting seal.
More Services
Other Masonry Services We Offer
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Tell us about your caulking & joint sealantproject. We'll respond same business day.