Which technique is described for weather-tightening panel joints?

• A. Caulking
• B. Painting
• C. Bolting
• D. Screwing

Answer: (A)

Caulking fills the joint between panels with a flexible sealant to create a weather-tight barrier. The sealant remains flexible to absorb movement from temperature changes, wind, and settlement, keeping air and water out of the joints. Painting only coats surfaces and doesn’t seal the gaps, while bolting or screwing simply holds panels together and leaves potential gaps unless a sealant is applied. In tilt-up construction, using caulking (with the appropriate sealant type and backing material) is the standard way to weather-tighten panel joints.