Designation: C 717 – 02

Standard Terminology of
Building Seals and Sealants1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C 717; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope D 883 Terminology Relating to Plastics3

1.1 This standard covers terms, related standard definitions, D 1079 Terminology Relating to Roofing, Waterproofing,
and descriptions of terms used or likely to be used in standard and Bituminous Material4
test methods, specifications, guides, and practices (related to D 1565 Specification for Flexible Cellular Materials—
building seals and sealants) consistent with the scope and areas Vinyl Chloride Polymers and Copolymers (Open-Cell
of interest of ASTM Committee C24. Foam)3
1.2 Definitions and descriptions of terms are written to D 1566 Terminology Relating to Rubber5
ensure that building seals and sealants standards are properly D 2102 Test Method for Shrinkage of Textile Fibers
understood and interpreted. (Bundle Test)6
E 631 Terminology of Building Constructions7
2. Referenced Documents 2.2 ACI (American Concrete Institute) Standard:
2.1 ASTM Standards: 301-72 (1975) Specifications to Structural Concrete for
C 509 Specification for Elastomeric Cellular Preformed Buildings8
Gasket and Sealing Material2
3. Significance and Use
C 542 Specification for Lock-Strip Gaskets2
C 716 Specification for Installing Lock-Strip Gaskets and 3.1 Definitions:
Infill Glazing Materials2 3.1.1 Terms and their related standard definitions in Section
C 790 Guide for Use of Latex Sealants2 4 are intended for use uniformly and consistently in all building
C 797 Practices and Terminology for Use of Oil- and seals and sealants test methods, specifications, guides, and
Resin-Based Putty and Glazing Compounds2 practices. The purpose of such use is to promote a clear
C 898 Guide for Use of High Solids Content, Cold Liquid- understanding and interpretation of the standards in which they
Applied Elastomeric Waterproofing Membrane with Sepa- are used.
rate Wearing Course2 3.1.2 Definitions of terms are written in the broadest sense
C 957 Specification for High-Solids Content, Cold Liquid- possible, consistent with the intended meaning. Definitions
Applied Elastomeric Waterproofing Membrane with Inte- have not been limited to a specific technical field when they
gral Wearing Surface2 can have a multi-field application.
C 961 Test Method for Lap Shear Strength for Hot-Applied 3.1.3 The definition of a term that can have different
Sealants2 meanings in different technical fields is preceded by a phrase
C 964 Guide for Lock-Strip Gasket Glazing2 limiting it to the specific field intended, that is, “in building
C 981 Guide for Design of Built-Up Bituminous Membrane construction.”
Waterproofing Systems for Building Decks2 3.2 Description of Terms:
C 1021 Practice for Laboratories Engaged in the Testing of 3.2.1 Descriptions of Terms are special purpose definitions
Building Sealants2 intended to provide a precise understanding and interpretation
C 1127 Guide for Use of High Solids Content, Cold Liquid- of the seals and sealants standards in which they are used.
Applied Elastomeric Waterproofing Membrane with an 3.2.2 A specific description of a term is applicable to the
Integral Wearing Surface2 standard or standards in which the term is described and used.
C 1193 Guide for Use of Joint Sealants2 3.2.3 Each standard in which a term is used, in a specially
defined manner, should list the term and its description under
1
This terminology is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C24 on
3
Building Seals and Sealants and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C24.01 Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 08.01.
4
on Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.04.
5
The boldface designations refer to the original source of the definition and the Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 09.01.
6
ASTM Technical Committee having jurisdiction. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 07.01.
7
Current edition approved Feb. 10, 2002. Published June 2002. Originally Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.11.
8
published as C 717 – 72. Last previous edition C 717 – 01a. Available from American Concrete Institute, P.O. Box 19150 Redford Station,
2
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.07. Detroit, MI 48219.

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.

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 C 717
the subheading, descriptions of terms. bedding, n—in building construction in glazing, a bead of
sealant applied between a lite of glass or a panel and the
4. Terminology stationary stop or sight bar of the sash or frame. It is usually
4.1 Terms and Definitions: the first bead to be applied when setting glass or panels.
adhesive failure, n—in building construction, failure of the bicellular sealant backing, n—a flexible and very compress-
bond between the sealant, adhesive, or coating and the ible extruded shape (usually cylindrical), with a surface skin,
substrate surface. that is composed of both open and closed cell material.
back bedding, n—See bedding. bite, n—in building construction in glazing, the effective
back putty, n—See bedding. structural contact dimension of a structural sealant. (See Fig.
back-up material—See sealant backing. 1 and Fig. 2.)
band aid sealant joint, n—Use bridge sealant joint (pre- bloom, n—in building construction, a substance formed by
ferred term). blooming.
bead, n—in building construction, in sealants and glazing, a blooming, v—in building construction, movement or diffusion
strip of applied sealant, glazing compound, or putty. of a component such as a plasticizer, monomer, unreacted
bed, v—in building construction in glazing, to apply a bead of polymer or other formulation ingredient to a sealant, coating,
sealant between a lite of glass or a panel and the stationary or membrane surface.
stops or sight bars of the sash or frame. bond breaker—in building construction, a material to prevent
bed, n—See bedding. adhesion at a designated interface.

FIG. 1 Typical Structural Sealant Joint Configurations

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 C 717

FIG. 2 Applied Load Transfer at a Vertical Corner Structural Sealant Joint (see Fig. 1 for Legend)

bridge sealant joint, n—in building construction, a joint building seal—See seal.
where sealant is applied over the joint to the face of butt glazing, n—in building construction, a glazing system
substrates that are in approximately the same plane (see Fig. wherein butt joints are formed between lites and filled with
3). a glazing sealant.
DISCUSSION—Not to be confused with joints in bridges.
butt joint, n—See butt sealant joint. (See Fig. 4.)
butt sealant joint, n—in building construction, a joint where
sealant is applied within the joint between approximately
parallel substrate surfaces that are face-to-edge or edge-to-
edge. (See Fig. 4.)
caulk, v—in building construction, to install or apply a sealant
across or into a joint, crack, or crevice.
caulk, n—See sealant.
caulking, n—See sealant.
caulking compound, n—See sealant.
cell, n—a single small cavity surrounded partially or com-
pletely by walls. D 1566; D-11
cellular material, n—a generic term for materials containing
many cells (either open, closed, or both) dispersed through
the mass. D 1565; D1566; D-11
chalk, n—in building construction, a powder formed by
chalking
DISCUSSION—The powder is not necessarily white.

chalking, v—in building construction, formation of a powder

on the surface of a sealant, coating, or membrane that is
caused by the disintegration of the polymer or binding
medium due to weathering.
DISCUSSION—Chalk on a light color sealant is often white, however a
darker color can also exhibit chalking.

closed cell, n—a cell totally enclosed by its walls and hence
not interconnecting with other cells. D 883; D-20
closed cell material, n—a cellular material in which substan-
tially all cells in the mass are closed cells.
closed cell sealant backing, n—in building construction, a
FIG. 3 Bridge Sealant Joint flexible and somewhat compressible extruded shape (usually

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compression glazing, v—in building construction, the act of
installing components into a compression glazing system.
compression glazing system, n—in building construction,
gasket(s) or a combination of sealant(s) and gasket(s) used to
provide weather-tightness by way of continuous pressure on
the components in the joint.
compression seal, n—a seal which is attained by a compres-
sive force on the sealing material.
construction joint, n—in building construction, a formed or
assembled joint at a predetermined location where two
successive placements (“lifts”) of concrete meet.
DISCUSSION—Frequently a keyway or reinforcement is placed across
the joint. With proper design, this joint may also function as a control
or an isolation joint.
control joint, n—in building construction, a formed, sawed,
tooled, or assembled joint acting to regulate the location and
degree of cracking and separation resulting from the dimen-
sional change of different elements of a structure.
DISCUSSION—The joint is usually installed in concrete and concrete
masonry construction to induce controlled cracking at preselected
locations or where a concentration of stresses is expected.
crazed, adj—in building construction, having a random net-
work of cracks in a sealant, coating, or membrane surface
which do not penetrate through the body of the material.
crazing, v—in building construction, the formation of a
network of random surface cracks in a sealant, coating, or
membrane.
creep, n—the time dependent part of a strain resulting from
stress. D 1079; D-8
cure, v—in building construction, to attain the intended
performance properties of a compound by means of evapo-
A—Sealant ration, chemical reaction, heat, radiation, or combinations
B—Sealant backing thereof.
C—Bond breaker cure, n—in building construction, the process by which a
D—Joint
E—Substrate face compound attains its intended performance properties by
F—Substrate edge means of evaporation, chemical reaction, heat, radiation, or
FIG. 4 Butt Sealant Joint combinations thereof.
cured, adj—in building construction, pertaining to the state of
cylindrical), with a surface skin, that is composed of closed a compound that has attained its intended performance
cell material. properties by means of evaporation, chemical reaction, heat,
cohesive failure, n—in building construction, failure charac- radiation, or combinations thereof.
terized by rupture within the sealant, adhesive, or coating. dense rubber, n—in building construction, a solid rubber
cold joint, n—a plane of weakness in concrete caused by an material substantially free of cells or porosity.
interruption or delay in the placing operation, which permits dirt pick-up, n—in building construction, soiling caused by a
the first batch to start setting before the next batch is placed, foreign material other than micro-organism growth that is
resulting in little or no bond between the two batches. deposited on, adhered to, or embedded into a sealant,
compatibility, n—in building construction, the capability of coating, or membrane.
two or more materials to be placed in contact or close
DISCUSSION—Micro-organism growth can produce a similar appear-
proximity with one another and each material maintaining its
ance.
usual physical or chemical properties, or both.
compatible materials, n—in building construction, com- dry-film thickness, n—the thickness of a cured film, coating,
pounds or substances that can exist in close proximity to one or membrane.
another without detrimental effects on either. durability—in building construction, a general term for resis-
compound, n—an intimate mixture of all the ingredients tance to deleterious change of an installed sealant, coating or
necessary for a finished material or product. membrane.
compression gasket, n—a gasket designed to be used under DISCUSSION—Durability describes the ability of a sealant, coating or
compression. membrane to maintain the required properties for its intended service.
compression glazing, n—see compression glazing system. Durability is based on the length of time that a sealant, coating, or

4
 C 717
membrane can maintain its innate characteristics in use. This time will
very depending on the environment and use of the sealant, coating, or
membrane (for example, outdoor vs. indoor use).
durability limit, n—see the preferred term, service life.
edge spacer, n—in building construction in glazing, a spacer
placed to prevent edge contact and to position laterally a
pane of glass or a panel within the supporting frame.
elastomer, n—a macromolecular material that returns rapidly
to approximately its original dimensions and shape after
substantial deformation by a weak force and release of the
force.
DISCUSSION—a) Elastomers are divided into two major polymer
systems-thermoset and theromplastic. b) In standards for rubber, the
word elastomer is not to be used interchangeably for the term “rubber”.
D 1566; D-11
elastomeric, adj—having the characteristics of an elastomer.
elongation, n—extension produced by a tensile stress.
D 1566; D-11
expanded rubber, n—in building construction, an elastomeric
closed-cell material made by incorporating a gas-producing
ingredient into a rubber compound that decomposes during
vulcanization, producing gas bubbles that expand the com-
pound; the bubbles are predominately non-interconnecting.
expansion joint, n—in building construction, a formed or
assembled joint at a predetermined location, which prevent
the transfer of forces across the joint as a result of movement
or dimensional change of different elements of a structure or
building.
expansion joint seal, n—in building construction, a seal or
sealant system that provides an elastic, compressible, or
flexible barrier to the passage of gases, liquids, or solids.
face glazing, n—the method of glazing in which a rabbeted
glazing recess, with no removable stop, is used and a
triangular bead of compound is applied to the face of the lite
and extended onto the recess.
fillet bead joint, n—Use fillet sealant joint (preferred term).
(See Fig. 5.) A—Sealant
fillet sealant joint, n—in building construction, a joint where B—Sealant backing
sealant is applied over the joint to the face of substrates that C—Bond breaker
D—Joint
are approximately perpendicular to each other (see Fig. 5). E—Substrate face
flow, v—in building construction, the deformation of a tape F—Substrate edge
sealant under stress.
fluid migration, n—in building construction, accumulation of FIG. 5 Fillet Sealant Joints
a fluid from a sealant, coating, or membrane on or in an
adjacent material. solvent evaporation, oxidation or both. Compounds other than oil- or
resin-based can be used for glazing, though they may not have a
DISCUSSION—Migration of a non-fluid component can also occur. putty-like consistency.
four-side structural sealant glazing, n—in building construc- glazing, construction site, n—in building construction, the
tion, a glazing system wherin all sides of a rectangular- installation of glass or panels into a metal framing system, at
shaped lite or panel are structural sealant glazed. a construction site, under generally uncontrolled environ-
gasket, n—any preformed, deformable device designed to be mental conditions.
placed between two adjoining parts to provide a seal. glazing, factory, n—See glazing, shop.
glazing, v—in building construction, the installation of glass or glazing, field, n—See glazing, construction site.
other materials in prepared openings. glazing, shop, n—in building construction, the installation of
glazing compound, n—in building construction in glazing, a glass or panels into a metal framing system under controlled
putty material composed primarily of oil- or resin-based environmental conditions.
ingredients used for sealing window glass in frames.
DISCUSSION—Shop glazing typically occurs at a location remote to a
DISCUSSION—Historically these compounds cure primarily through construction site. However, shop glazing can be performed at the

5
 C 717
construction site if acceptable to the code authority and provided cell, elatomeric products, which sometimes are incorrectly called foam
appropriate management controls and environmental conditions are rubber.
maintained.
lift, n—the concrete placed between two consecutive horizon-
gun-grade, n—in building construction, a material of a suit- tal construction joints.
able viscosity to extrude through the nozzle of a hand- or light, n—Use lite (preferred term).
power-operated device. lite, n—one piece of glazing (also spelled light), synonym:
hardness, n—the resistance to indentation as measured under pane. E 631
specified conditions. D 1566; D-11 lock-strip gasket, n—in building construction, a gasket in
hydrostatic pressure, n—a state of stress in which all the which sealing pressure is attained by inserting a keyed
principal stresses are equal (and there is no shear stress), as locking strip into a mating keyed groove in one face of the
in a liquid at rest; the product of the unit weight of the liquid gasket.
and the difference in elevation between the given point and modulus, n—as related to sealants used in building construc-
the free liquid elevation. tion, the stress (force/unit area) at a corresponding strain
isolation joint, n—in building construction, a formed or (elongation) expressed as a percent of the original dimen-
assembled joint specifically intended to separate and prevent sion.
the bonding of one element of a structure to another and DISCUSSION—When the stress to strain values are expressed as a ratio,
having little or no transference of movement or vibration this describes the slope of a line tangent to the given point on the
across the joint. stress-strain curve. This is the tangent modulus.
joint, n—in building construction, the space or opening modulus, secant—slope of the line connecting the origin and
between two or more adjoining surfaces. a given point of the stress-strain curve.
joint backing—See sealant backing. modulus, tangent, n—the slope of the line touching (tangent
joint filler, n—a compressible material used in a partial or to) the stress-strain curve at a given point on the curve.
totally filled expansion, control, or isolation joint by its muntin, n—a secondary intermediate member subdividing a
permanent placement in or between building materials such glazed area.
as concrete or masonry during construction; sometimes used necking, n—in building construction, the localized reduction
as a sealant backing in a partially filled joint. in cross section that may occur in a material under stress.
knife-grade, n—in building construction, a compound of such D 883; D-20
consistency that it is generally applied with a knife or spatula needle glazing—in building construction, the application of a
hand tool. small bead of a sealant at the sight line adhering to the sash
laitance, n—in building construction, a weak layer of cement and glass or panel by means of a nozzle with an orifice not
and aggregate fines on a concrete surface that is usually exceeding 1⁄8 in. (3.18 mm) in diameter.
caused by an overwet mixture, overworking the mixture, non-compression glazing, n—see non-compression glazing
improper or excessive finishing, or combinations thereof. system.
lap sealant joint, n—in building construction, a joint where non-compression glazing, v—in building construction, the act
sealant is applied within the joint between approximately of installing components into a non-compression glazing
parallel substrates that are face-to-face (see Fig. 6). system.
latex foam rubber, n—in building construction, an elasto- non-compression glazing system, n—in building construc-
meric open-cell material made by whipping or stirring air or tion, a sealant or combination of sealant(s) used to provide
some other gas into rubber latex compound as it is gelled and weather-tightness by way of the adhesive/cohesive charac-
before it is subsequently cured. teristics of the components in the joint.
DISCUSSION—The word latex must be in front of foam rubber so this open cell, n—a cell not totally enclosed by its walls and hence
material will not be confused with a number of chemically blown, fine interconnecting with other cells. D 1566; D-11
open cell material, n—a cellular material in which substan-
tially all cells in the mass are open cells.
open cell sealant backing, n—in building construction, a
flexible and very compressible fabricated shape (usually
cylindrical), without a surface skin, that is composed of open
cell material.
outgassing, n—the emission of occluded gasses from a mate-
rial by vacuum, heat, or pressure.
DISCUSSION—As applied to sealant backing materials contained
within a filled joint, outgassing may occur when it is compressed or
A—Sealant
B—Sealant backing
punctured causing gas bubbles to form in the overlying sealant.
C—Bond breaker pane, n—See lite.
D—Joint
E—Substrate face
placement, n—the process of placing and consolidating con-
F—Substrate edge crete; a quantity of concrete placed and finished during a
continuous operation; also inappropriately called pouring.
FIG. 6 Lap Sealant Joints pot life—See working life.

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premature deterioration, n—in building construction, sig- sealant, non-sag, n—in building construction, a compound
nificant deleterious change (to a degree that jeopardizes that exhibits little or no flow when applied in vertical or
functionality) of an installed sealant, coating or membrane inverted joints.
earlier than the product’s claimed or reasonably expected sealant, precured, n—in building construction, a preformed,
service life. factory cured elastomeric material that when adhered to a
primer—in building construction, a compatible coating de- joint forms a seal.
signed to enhance adhesion. sealant, preshimmed, n—in building construction, a sealant
putty, n—in building construction, a knife-grade compound having encapsulated therein solids or discrete particles that
generally used as a glazing compound or to fill cracks or limit its deformation within a joint under compression.
holes. DISCUSSION—The sealant may be in tape or bulk form. Encapsulated
rabbet, n—a two-sided, L-shaped, recess in a sash or frame solids or particles may include such materials as continuous rods of
designed to receive glazing. resilient plastic or rubber, glass beads, or string, which act as shims or
space fillers.
DISCUSSION—Provides a fixed stop in the sash or frame.
reglet, n—a continuous groove, slot or recess within a building sealant, preshimmed tape, n—in building construction, a
component surface which receives other components such as preshimmed sealant in tape sealant form.
flashing, gaskets or anchors; a continuous prefabricated DISCUSSION—The shim is usually a continuous plastic or rubber rod
metal or plastic device containing a groove, slot or recess or discrete particles placed within the body of the tape sealant to
which can be cast into (as a form) or mounted onto a regulate the compressibility of the tape sealant. See also sealant, tape
building component surface. and sealant, preshimmed.
reinforced joint, n—a concrete joint bridged by reinforcing sealant, self-leveling , n—in building construction, a com-
steel embedded in both joining parts. pound that exhibits flow sufficient to seek gravitational
reversion, n—in building construction in joint sealing, a loss leveling.
of elastomeric properties and a decrease in durometer sealant, silicone, n—in building construction, a liquid-applied
hardness of a seal or cured sealant following environmental curing compound based on polymer(s) of polysiloxane
exposure. structures.
DISCUSSION—Softening and the ability to permanently reshape a seal sealant, solvent-release, n—in building construction, a com-
or sealant usually characterizes reversion. Depending on a specific seal pound that cures primarily through solvent evaporation.
or sealant formulation, high heat, ultraviolet radiation, or moisture (as sealant, structural, n—in building construction, a sealant
a liquid or vapor) may cause reversion acting either alone or in capable of transferring dynamic or static (“live” or “dead,”
combination. The seal and sealant industry is not in agreement on or both) loads, or both, across joint members exposed to
reversion causes.
service environments typical for the structure involved.
rundown, n—in building construction, bloom or fluid migra- sealant, tape, n—in building construction, a sealant having a
tion from a sealant, coating, or membrane that due to natural preformed shape, and intended to be used in a joint initially
forces is carried down and accumulates on vertical and under compression.
sloping surfaces. sealant backing—in building construction, a compressible
DISCUSSION—Similar patterns of discoloration can be caused by other
material placed in a joint before applying a sealant.
than blooming and fluid migration. DISCUSSION—The purpose of the sealant backing is to assist in
providing the proper sealant configuration, to limit the depth of the
sag, n—in building construction, the gravity-induced down-
sealant, and in some cases, to act as a bond breaker.
ward flow of a sealant or glazing compound, resulting in an
uneven thickness, when applied on a vertical surface. sealing material, n—See seal.
seal, n—in building construction, a barrier against the passage sealing tape—See sealant, tape.
of liquids, solids, or gases. secant modulus—See modulus, secant.
sealant—in building construction, a material that has the service life, n—in building construction, the period of time an
adhesive and cohesive properties to form a seal. installed sealant, coating, or membrane is reasonably ex-
sealant, chemically curing, n—in building construction, a pected to function successfully without replacement or
compound that cures primarily through chemical reaction. significant repair, assuming reasonable or expected periodic
sealant, emulsion —See sealant, latex. maintenance is performed.
sealant, hot-applied, n—in building construction, a com- setting block, n—in building construction in glazing, a piece
pound that is applied in a molten state and cures primarily by of resilient material placed to support, to distribute the load,
cooling to ambient temperatures. to prevent edge contact, and to align a pane of glass or a
DISCUSSION—A hot-applied sealant is sometimes called a hot-melt
panel within its supporting frame.
sealant. shelf-life—in building construction, the maximum time pack
aged materials can be stored under specified conditions and
sealant, latex, n—in building construction, a compound that still meet the performance requirements specified.
cures primarily through water evaporation. shim—See shim spacer; spacer.
DISCUSSION—The terms latex sealant and emulsion sealant are shim spacer, n—in building construction in glazing, a spacer
sometimes used interchangeably. designed and placed to position the face surfaces of a pane

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 C 717
of glass or a panel between the stops and to prevent glass or thermoplastic elastomer, n—a material having the general
panel contact with the stops. properties of an elastomer and capable of being repeatedly
shrinkage—a decrease in length, area, or volume. D 2102; softened by heat and hardened to shape by cooling without
D-13 significant degradation of the polymer system.
sight line—in building construction in glazing, the line of DISCUSSION—Thermoplastic elastomers have some of the properties
intersection of an opaque material with a transparent mate- of thermoset elastomers, but are typically more thermally and pressure
rial. sensitive and more sensitive to solvents.
skin, n—in building construction, a thin layer at the surface of
a sealant, cellular rubber gasket, sealant backing, or joint thermoset elastomer, n—an elastomeric material that attains
filler that differs in physical properties from the material its intended properties by an irrevisible cross-linking reac-
beneath it. tion caused by heat alone, heat with a cross-linking agent,
chemical interaction, or by radiation; whereby after cross-
DISCUSSION—The skin generally decreases the degree of permeability linking, any reprocessing with heat and pressure will se-
to water or air, or both, through or into a cellular rubber gasket, sealant
verely degrade the material.
backing, or joint filler. On sealants, the skin generally offers reduced
surface tack, resistance to dirt accumulation, a degree of resistance to DISCUSSION—Cross-linking renders the material substantially in-
mechanical surface deformation damage, and typically indicates the soluble in organic solvents (can swell), less plastic, and with improved
end of tooling time. elastic and mechanical properties (compared to its uncured state) over
an extended temperature range.
spacer, n—in building construction in glazing, a piece of
resilient material placed to maintain space between a pane of thickness, n—in building construction in glazing, the mini-
glass or a panel and its supporting frame. mum structural sealant dimension between structurally
spall, n—a fragment or chip as from concrete, brick, stone or bonded substrates (see Fig. 1 and Fig. 2).
other similar materials.
DISCUSSION—When adhesion surfaces are not parallel the minimum
spall, v—to break off fragments or chips, as from concrete, dimension between those surfaces shall be used (see Fig. 1d).
brick, stone or other similar materials, by water freezing
within the material, corrosion expansion of embedded metal, tooling—in building construction, the act of compacting and
movement pressures, or other physical or chemical pro- contouring a sealant in a joint.
cesses. tooling time, n—of a sealant, the time interval after applica-
spalling, adj—the development of spalls. tion of a one-component sealant or after mixing and appli-
sponge rubber, n—in building construction, an elatomeric cation of multi-component sealant during which tooling is
open-cell material made by incorporating a gas-producing possible.
ingredient into a rubber compound, which expands the two-side structural sealant glazing, n—in building construc-
rubber compound during vulcanization into a material con- tion, a glazing system wherein two sides of a rectangular-
taining cells that are predominately interconnecting. shaped lite or panel, usually opposing, are structural sealant
standard conditions, n—in building construction, laboratory glazed.
test conditions consisting of a relative humidity of 50 6 5 % unicellular rubber, n—See expanded rubber.
at an air temperature of 23 of 6 1°C (73.4 6 2°F) at ambient vulcanization, n—an irreversible chemical reaction during
atmospheric pressure. which a rubber compound’s chemcial structure is changed to
make it less plastic, more resistant to solvents, and have
DISCUSSION—The laboratory environment should be free from direct
sun rays and the effects of vapors, gases, and other contaminants.
improved physical and mechanical properties.
DISCUSSION—Generally, sulfur or other cross-linking agents, or both,
stop, n—in building construction, in sealants and glazing, a
are used. High energy radiation curing is a new and important
strip of metal, plastic, or wood used around the periphery of innovation.
a lite of glass or a panel to secure it in place (also referred to
improperly as a bead). waterproofing, n—in building construction, treatment of a
stopless glazing—See structural sealant glazing, the pre- surface or structure to prevent the passage of liquid water
ferred term. under hydrostatic, dynamic, or static pressure.
weathering, n—in building construction, any change of an
DISCUSSION—Inappropriately used to describe structural sealant glaz-
ing.
installed sealant, coating, or membrane due to the action of
atmospheric elements.
structural sealant glazing, n—in building construction, a
DISCUSSION—Atmospheric elements include, among others, solar
glazing system wherein a structural sealant is used to transfer radiation, temperature, temperature changes, moisture (solid, liquid, or
loads between a lite or panel and a supporting framework, vapor), wind, ozone, carbon dioxide, pollution, and freeze-thaw cy-
without mechanical fasteners or other methods of attach- cling.
ment.
substrate, n—in building construction, (1) a material upon weathering, v—in building construction, the exposure of an
which films, treatments, adhesives, sealants, membranes, installed sealant, coating, or membrane due to atmospheric
and coatings are applied; (2) materials that are bonded or elements.
sealed together by adhesives or sealants. DISCUSSION—Atmospheric elements include, among others, solar
tangent modulus—See modulus, tangent. radiation, temperature, temperature changes, moisture (solid, liquid, or

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 C 717
vapor), wind, ozone, carbon dioxide, pollution, and freeze-thaw cy- predominantly separate from each other. In open-cell mate-
cling. rials, the cells are predominantly interconnected. C 981
weathertight, adj—in building construction, impermeable to channel—a three-sided, U-shaped recess in a sash or frame to
the passage of air or water or both under certain conditions receive a light of glass or a panel; may be formed between
as determined by test. an integral and a removable stop or in “pocket” glazing, with
weathertightness, n—in building construction, the degree of no removable stop. C 797
permeability to the passage of water or air or both under channel glazing—the method of glazing in which lights or
certain conditions as determined by test. panels are set in a channel formed by two stops (see Fig. 7).
working life, n—of a sealant, the time interval after opening a C 797
container of a single component sealant, or after mixing the clamping pressure—the pressure exerted by the lip of the
components of a multi-component sealant, during which lock-strip gasket on material installed in the channel, when
application and tooling is possible. the lock-strip is in place. C 542; C716; C964
DISCUSSION—Working life and pot life are equivalent terms appli- clip—a wire spring device used to hold glass in a rabbeted
cable to multi-component sealants. metal sash for face-glazing. C 797
4.2 Description of Terms: cold-applied—capable of being applied without heating as
contrasted to hot-applied; cold-applied products are fur-
applicator—any device used to mechanically apply molten nished in a liquid state, whereas hot-applied products are
sealants that is capable of delivering the required volume at furnished as solids that must be heated to liquefy them.
the specified application temperature. C 961 C 898; C957; C1127
authority—the person (organization) authorizing the testing.
compatible—nonstaining to substrate and sealant and nondet-
C 1021
rimental to sealant performance. C 962
beveled bead—a bead of glazing compound having a sloped
surface to drain water away from the glass or panel. curing time—the period between application and the time
C 797 when the material attains its intended physical properties.
buttering—the application of a glazing compound to a flat C 898; C981; C1127
contact surface of a member before placing that member in deck—the horizontal structural substrate supporting the plaza
position, such as the buttering of a removable stop before deck system. See also structural slab. C 957; C981,
fastening it in place. C 797 C1127
cellular, adj—having a composition of plastic or rubber with deflection—the deviation of a structural element from its
relative density decreased by the presence of cells disposed original shape or plane due to physical loading, temperature
throughout its mass. In closed-cell materials, the cells are changes or rotation of its supports. C 898; C981; C1127

Channel Glazing Face Glazing

A—Finish edge of glazing or sealing surface G—Fixed stop

B—Bite H—Removable stop
C—Bed thickness I—Lite (glass or panel)
D—Edge clearance J—Lite thickness
E—Channel or rabbet depth K—Face dimension
F—Channel or rabbet width
FIG. 7 Typical Glazing Profiles

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 C 717
drainage course—See percolation layer and Fig. 8. C 898; filler strip—See lock-strip, the preferred term. C 542;
C981 C716; C964
dry occupancy—an occupied space below the plaza deck finish—the exposed top surface of the plaza deck system, or
system in which the computed or anticipated relative humid- traffic, or wearing surface. C 981; C1127
ity is below 30 %. C 981 finish wearing surface—See traffıc surface. C 898
durometer—(1) an instrument for measuring the hardness of flange—that part of a lock-strip gasket which extends to form
rubber-like materials. (2) a term used to identify the relative one side of a channel (see Fig. 9). C 542; C716;
hardness of rubber-like materials, for example “low durom- C 964
eter” (relatively soft) or “high durometer” (relatively hard). flashing—a generic term describing the transitional area be-
C 542; C716; C964 tween the waterproofing membrane and surfaces above the
dynamic—exhibiting change or movement. C 981 wearing surface of the building deck; a terminal closure or
edge clearance—the distance between the bottom of a channel barrier to prevent ingress of water into the system. C 898;
of a lock-strip gasket and the edge of material installed in the C981; C1127
channel. (See Fig. 9.) C 542; C716; C964 flexible foam—a preformed, cured, flexible, cellular material
exterior glazed—glazed from the exterior of the building. made from foamed rubber or plastic. C 1193
C 797 floated finish—a concrete finish provided by consolidating and
exterior stop—a removable or integral stop on the outdoor leveling the concrete with only a power driver or hand float,
side of glass or a panel. C 797 or both. A floated finish is coarser than a troweled finish. For
extrudability—force required to produce sealant flow through specifications, See ACI 301-72 (1975). C 898; C981;
an orifice. C 790 C1127
freeze-thaw cycle—the freezing and subsequent thawing of a
material. C 898; C981; C1127
gasket glazing—a method of setting glass or panels in
prepared openings, using a preformed gasket to obtain a
weathertight seal. C 509
gasket, lock-strip, H-type—two channel recesses, of equal or
unequal sizes, one on either side of a central web (see Fig.
9). C 542
gasket, lock-strip, reglet-type—a channel recess on the inner
edge and a tongue, or spline, on the outer edge, the latter
being designed for insertion in a reglet (see Fig. 9). C 542
gasket, structural—See lock-strip gasket, the preferred term.
C 542; C716; C964
gasket, zipper—See lock-strip gasket, the preferred term.
C 542; C716; C964
grout—concrete containing no coarse aggregates; a thin mor-
tar. C 898; C981; C1127
heel bead—glazing compound applied at the base of a glazing
channel, on the removable stop side, after setting glass or
panel and before the removable stop is installed. C 797
H-gasket—See gasket, lock-strip, H-type and Fig. 7.
C 542; C716; C964
hinge—the minimum thickness of gasket material between the
channel recess and the lock-strip cavity; the plane at which
bonding occurs when the flange is bent open to receive or
release installed material. C 542; C716; C964
horizontal ladder gasket—a ladder gasket installed in a
vertical plane in such a way that the intermediate cross
members (muntins) are vertical members (see Fig. 10).
C 716; C964
insulating concrete—a lightweight concrete made with light-
weight coarse aggregate and having relatively low insulating
characteristics. C 981
A—Wearing surface E—Drainage course interior glazed—glazed from the interior of the building.
B—Wearing course F—Protection course
C—Protection or working slab G—Liquid-applied membrane
C 797
D—Insulation H—Structural slab over occupied space interior stop—a removable or integral stop on the indoor side
FIG. 8 Basic Components of a Cold Liquid-Applied Elastomeric of the glass or panel. C 797
Membrane Waterproofing System With Separate Wearing Course joint width—See Fig. 9. C 1193

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 C 717

Reglet-Type Gasket H-Type Gasket

A—Hinge I—Bite
B—Lock-strip J—Edge clearance
C—Lock-strip cavity K—Frame-to-glass dimension
D—Lip (sealing edge) L—Frame lug
E—Channel recess M—Frame
F—Flange N—Spline
G—Web P—Reglet
H—Glass or panel
FIG. 9 Basic Lock Strip Gasket Glazing Profiles, Functional Principles, and Nomenclature

ladder gasket—a lock-strip gasket in the form of a subdivided provide reinforcement to the membrane at these critical
frame having one or more integrally formed intermediate areas. C 1127
cross members (see Fig. 10). C 542; C716; C964 protection board—See protection course (see Fig. 6).
lip—the inner face of the tip of a flange on a lock-strip gasket C 898; C981
(see Fig. 9). C 542; C716; C964 protection course—semi-rigid sheet material placed on top of
lip pressure—the pressure exerted by the lip of a lock-strip the waterproofing membrane to protect it against damage
gasket on material installed in the channel, when the during subsequent construction and to provide a protective
lock-strip is in place. C 542; C716; C964 barrier against compressive and shearing forces induced by
lip seal pressure—the lip pressure required to effect a seal materials placed above it (see Fig. 8). C 898
against the passage of water and air. C 542 raggle—same as reglet. C 981
lock strip or locking strip—the strip that is designed to be reglet gasket—See gasket, lock-strip, reglet type. C 542
inserted in the lock-strip cavity to force the lips against scaling—same as spalling. C 981
material placed in the channel (see Fig. 9). C 542; C716; screw-on-bead or stop—stop, molding, or bead secured in
C964 place by screws or nails. C 797
lock-strip cavity—the groove in the face of a lock-strip gasket sealant backing depth—See Fig. 9. C 1193
designed to receive and retain the lock-strip (see Fig. 9). sealant contact depth—See Fig. 9. C 1193
C 542; C716; C964 sealant depth—See Fig. 9. C 1193
percolation layer (drainage course)—a layer of washed sealant recess depth—See Fig. 9. C 1193
gravel or of a manufactured drainage media that allows sealant width—See Fig. 9. C 1193
water to filter through to the drain (see Fig. 8). C 898; specified temperature—application temperature specified by
C981 the sealant manufacturer. C 961
ply—a single layer of membrane reinforcement in the bitumi- spline or tongue—that part of a reglet-type lock-strip gasket
nous membrane waterproofing system. C 981 which is designed to be installed in a reglet in supporting
point—a thin, flat, triangular or diamond-shaped piece of zinc material (see Fig. 9). C 542; C716; C964
used to hold glass in wood sash by driving it into the wood. static—exhibiting little or no change or movement. C 981
C 797 stop, removable—a removable molding or bead used around
preformed gasket—an elastomeric compound molded in the the periphery of a light of glass or a panel to secure it in
form of a continuous strip, channel, or other shape, for use in place. C 797
filling joints and providing weathertight seals in glazing or stop, stationary or integral—the face of a rabbet or fin
between building components. C 509 formed as an integral part of a frame or sash and against
preformed sealant backing—See Fig. 11. C 1193 which glass or a panel is set. C 797
preparatory coat—an initial coat of the liquid-applied mem- structural gasket—See lock-strip gasket, the preferred term.
brane which is applied at cracks, joints, or terminal points to C 964

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 C 717
tack—sticky or adhesive quality of the surface of applied
sealant. C 790
technician—an employee of the testing laboratory assigned to
perform the actual operations of testing. C 1021
testing laboratory—a qualified organization authorized to test
building sealants for compliance with specified standards.
C 1021
toe bead—a bead of glazing or sealing compound applied at
the base of a glazing channel, on the integral stop side of the
glass, before setting the glass or panel, to prevent leakage
past the stop (see also heel bead). C 797
tooling depth—See Fig. 9.
traffic surface—a surface exposed to traffic, either pedestrian
or vehicular, also described as finish wearing surface.
C 898; C1127
troweled finish—a concrete finish provided by smoothing the
surface with power driven or hand trowels or both, after the
float finishing operation. A troweled finish is smoother than
the floated finish. For specifications, see ACI 301-72 (1975).
C 898; C1127
united millimetres (or united inches)—the sum of the dimen-
sions in millimetres (or inches) of the length and width of a
light of glass or panel. C 797
unsupported gasket member—a gasket member joining infill
materials without being held in place by a supporting frame
member. C 716; C964
vertical ladder gasket—a ladder gasket installed in a vertical
plane in such a way that the intermediate cross members
(muntins) are horizontal members (see Fig. 10). C 716;
C964
wearing surface—See traffic surface. C 898; C1127
weathertight—preventing passage of liquid water and gas.
C 1193
web—that part of an H-type lock-strip gasket which extends
between the flanges, forming two channels and that part of a
reglet-type lock-strip gasket which extends between the
flanges and spline (see Fig. 9). C 542; C716; C964
FIG. 10 Gasket Systems wet-film gage—a gage for measuring the thickness of a wet
film. C 898; C1127
structural slab—a horizontal, supporting, cast-in-place, con- wet-film thickness—the thickness of a liquid coating as it is
crete building deck (see Fig. 8). C 898; C981; C1127 applied. C 898; C957; C1127
supported gasket member—a gasket member held in place zipper gasket—See lock-strip gasket, the preferred term.
by a supporting frame member. C 716; C964 C 964

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 C 717

Typical Horizontal—Vertical Architectural Sealant Applications, Profiles, Typical Use of Sealant Backing and Joint Fillers in Horizontal Applications
and Terminology in Cast-in-Place Concrete
A—Sealant F—Sealant backing depth L—Premolded joint-filler in cast concrete
B—Sealant width G—Sealant contact depth M—Bond breaker (use over sliding metal support in relatively wide joints)
C—Sealant depth H—Sealant recess depth N—Concrete shoulder provides vertical support
D—Sealant backing J—Substrate
E—Tooling depth K—Removable joint-filler
FIG. 11 Sealant, Backing, and Filler Profiles

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