Looking in the current literature on
"Natural Stone" for information on joints
is usually a thankless task, even though
correct joint work is the final step in ensuring
that the hard work that goes into in tiling or paving yields high quality results.
Incorrectly formed joints or joints made with the wrong materials not only render the work worthless, but can also result in costs that are impossible to estimate arising from complaints, cleaning or even damage.

Other possible consequences are legal
disputes and the damage they do to the
corporate image, and the loss of future
orders.

A company that saves on sealant is not only endangering its good reputation but is also running the risk of serious economic consequences.

As a leading manufacturer of sealants and
adhesives, OTTO has created this jointing
guide for builders and designers.

It is intended as a guide to possible "stumbling
blocks" in jointing natural stone and to help avoid making expensive mistakes in the choice of joint sealants. It also serves to make buyers of building services more aware of the problems and to highlight the importance of expecting high standards.

Extreme exposure on facades

With temperatures possibly ranging from
-40 to +100 °C, exhaust fumes, precipitation and constant exposure to UV light, sealants for façades need to be of a very high quality indeed.

To stop water or emissions penetrating
behind the stone, the sealant must offer
permanent resistance to these extreme
conditions and absorb any movement in
the façade caused by fluctuations in the
temperature.

With its outstanding chemical and physical
properties, OTTOSEAL® S 70 meets these
challenges superbly. Its high resistance to
UV and ageing make it a natural stone
sealant which will maintain the value of a
façade over many decades and help avoid
costly maintenance and renovation work.
The OTTO guarantee against edge staining
gives additional assurance.

The sealant is exposed to UV radiation, precipitation, chemical emissions and fluctuations in temperature and
subjected to stress in all directions; it must withstand all of these without loosing the
ability to function.

Using natural stone in wet areas or under
water such as bathrooms or swimming
pools requires a sealant with special
properties.
OTTOSEAL® S 70 is also the
optimum solution for this range of
applications. As well being suitable for
use with natural stone, OTTOSEAL® S70
also includes a fungicide which prevents
the growth of mould.

Using OTTOSEAL® S 70 to seal joints in
natural stone in permanently wet areas
ensures outstanding performance; it is
neutral in reaction and withstands attack
from cleaning agents and disinfectants
(e.g. chlorine) and mechanical damage
from cleaning.

Joints in bathrooms and other wet areas should be provided with a fungicidal agent and also withstand damage from cleaning and bathers.