Often our customers ask for our 1-inch square sealant. Usually, they want our standard 1-inch size sealant, which measures 0.95 inches high x 0.825 inches wide. So why isn’t the 1-inch sealant actually 1 inch x 1 inch? To answer this question, we need to have some pie. Actually, this type of pie is neither round nor edible. It is the mathematical expression used in the computation of the area of a circle.
Sealant sizes are based on the area of a rubber cord, which is round. To find the area of a circle, the equation is A=πr2 — where A=area, π=3.1415, and r = radius of the circle. The area of a 1-inch cord or circle is 0.786 in2. Recalling our standard dimensions for the 1-inch size sealant (0.95 x 0.825), we can calculate that area by multiplying the height times the width. This result is 0.784 in2. Therefore, our 1-inch sealant is the same volume (cross-sectional area) as the 1-inch rubber cord.
This same logic can be applied to Concrete Sealants’ material sizes any time only one dimension referring to the cross-section is described. For example, CS-102 1” x 14.5’ will have the dimensions of 0.95 x 0.825 with a volume equal to a 1-inch diameter circle. In contrast, CS-102 ½” x ¾” x 14.5’ is actually 0.50 x 0.75, just as the name implies.
We hope this clarifies the issue of sealant size a little bit. Concrete Sealants manufactures sealants in any shape or size. Make sure the size you choose has enough volume to fill the void in your joint, and that the sealant is compressed a minimum of 50% of its height.
Do you have questions about which sealant size would best serve your project?