Gilsonite in Joint Sealants

Bituminous joint sealants fill expansion and contraction joints in concrete and asphalt.

Benefits of gilsonite

• Increased hardness and softening point
• Reduced flow in hot weather
• Good adhesion to joint faces

Typical uses

Concrete pavements, bridge joints, canals and reservoirs.

Where joints need sealing

• Concrete road and airfield pavements
• Bridge expansion joints (small movements)
• Canal and reservoir linings
• Industrial floors

Requirements

A joint sealant must stick to both joint faces, stretch when the joint opens in cold weather and resist flowing out when the joint closes in summer.

Gilsonite in hot-applied sealants

Gilsonite is blended with bitumen and rubber or polymers. It raises the softening point and hardness, reducing flow and tracking, while the polymer provides elasticity.

Installation steps

1. Saw or rout the joint to the correct width and depth.
2. Clean with compressed air and dry.
3. Insert backer rod to control depth.
4. Prime if required.
5. Pour sealant to the specified level.

See sealer and filler grade gilsonite.