Decks, Patios, Porches and Docks - Pool Deck caulk

Hi

My pool deck is made of big concrete slabs with 1/2" or so spaces in between each big slab.

Now theres just some sand in the joints and it gets eroded away each year. In some spots there are caverns under the slab from where erosion has moved the sand and some of the dirt from under the slab.

Im looking to caulk all the joints and I have one friend recommending Vulkem 45 and another friend recommending ProFlex.

Any ideas or preferences...

Thanks Much

Sonneborn NP1 is an expansion joint sealant that can't be beat. However the joints must be prepped properly- clean and free of dirt and debris (scrub w/wire brush and blown out w/ air nozzle), and backer rod should be used for best results to limit the depth of the sealant.

If you have a lot of joints to caulk and have the bigger caulking gun, grab the big 825mL tubes, not the little 300mL ones.

If the joints to be sealed are level, you could use Sonneborn SL1, but if there is any slope on the joint, the self levelling sealant will flow all over and make a total mess.

Thanks XSleeper. I see Sonneborn on the same webpage where I can buy the Vulkem.

I'm a bit curious about why you like the Sonneborn over the others. I see its thicker and you need to trough it instead of the self leveling which could be a mess. Is that the only reason?

Thanks Very Much!

Just have had good results with the Sonneborn, no compaints- that's all.

Just have had good results with the Sonneborn, no compaints- that's all.

Well I like good results too. Can I ask if you have used it often, like for clients or in your back yard? Thanks very much.

Much of my work is installing windows and doors, and I've used the NP1 anytime we need to seal anything to cement / cement blocks. It works great. I also have used it on the control joints on flatwork I have done, and although I haven't done a ton of concrete, its had good adhesion. All the joints on the driveway at our warehouse are still in good shape after about 10 yrs. (30+ yards of cement). Blades from scraping snow haven't ripped any loose. Have used it to recaulk driveway-garage joints successfully, although where there is a lot of movement due to frost heaving, you probably won't find any caulk that will permanently glue a floating slab to a building that's on a footing. Nothing will hold up to that kind of movement if it is extreme.