Tremco Dymonic - High Performance Expansion Joint Sealant From Tremco

Using Dymonic – A High-Performance, Low-Modulus Expansion Joint Sealant From Tremco

Tremco created Dymonic specifically for sealing expansion and control joints in pre-cast, tilt-up concrete, curtain wall joints, windows and door installations. It’s also ideal for radon mitigation, mullion bedding and frame bedding. It allows for movement of up to 25% of the original joint width and comes in 16 popular colours. You can also have custom colours created. It’s the perfect option if you want to feel confident about each dynamically moving joint you create.

Getting Started With Tremco Dymonic Expansion Joint Sealant

Tremco’s Dymonic comes in a multitude of colours and is available in 300 ml cartridges and 600 ml tubes as well as 11.3 L pails. Tremco Dymonic also meets the requirements set out by several organizations throughout the US and Canada including the ULC and CFIA, so you can feel confident in its quality. Each gallon does 308 linear feet of 1/4″ by 1/4″ joints, and it will work for any vertical or horizontal joint that is four times the anticipated movement and more than 1/4″. Before applying the sealant, however, you’ll need to take a few additional steps.

Before applying Dymonic to any joint, use a closed cell or reticulated polyethylene backer rod in the joint to control the sealant depth and ensure you get a solid seal. If you’re unable to use a backer rod, use adhesive backed bond breaker tape to prevent three-sided adhesion. Then, use a wire brush, grinder, sand blaster or solvent to make sure everything is dry, solid and free from contaminants, debris and dust.

You can use Tremco Primer #171 for porous surfaces and TREMprime Non-Porous Primer for metals and plastic, but it isn’t always necessary. To ensure it has adequate adhesion and seals properly, you should always test the materials with the sealant. It also helps to check the surface temperature of the materials you’ll be working with. Tremco recommends that Dymonic is applied at temperatures above 5 degrees Celsius.

Applying Dymonic from Tremco

How you apply Dymonic will vary greatly depending on the type of project you’re working on. For a fillet or angle bead around a window or door perimeter, for example, make sure you have at least 1/4″ on each side of the joint to work with. Expansion joints, however, require a 1/4″ by 1/4″ bead of sealant. This can be up to 1/2″ wide to match the width of a joint. If the width of a joint is larger than 1/2″ (up to 1″) wide, use a sealant depth that is half the width.

Dymonic works with conventional caulking equipment. However, you will need to make sure the backer rod fits properly and the primer has been applied before attempting to seal the joint. You can then mask the sides of the joint with tape to get crisp, clean edges as you dry tool the sealant to ensure you get proper contact. (You can use a bit of xylene to slick the spatula if necessary.)

Any drips or mistakes you make as well as any tools used during the application process can be cleaned quickly and easily with xylene or mineral spirits before the sealant is allowed to cure. The product dries at a rate of 1/16″ per day in room temperature with 50% humidity. It forms a skin in only 24 hours and is tack free in only three days. (This varies depending on the humidity and temperature of the room.)

Dymonic makes quick work of all kinds of joints, but it isn’t without a few limitations. First, you’ll need to take special precautions if you would like to apply this expansion joint sealant in cold weather or use it on its own to create a bead larger than 1/2″. It should also never be applied over damp, dirty or contaminated surfaces. Lastly, be sure to use the product in a well-ventilated room, use protective clothing and follow the procedures and recommendations made in the product’s MSDS. And if you have any questions or need assistance, don’t forget that Reflect Window and Door is only a quick call or email away.

Ready to use? Stop by and order Tremco Dymonic today!