Accurate joint inputs create dependable sealant budgets. Choose cartridge or bulk pricing with flexible labor. Export clean reports to support bids, audits, and approvals.
| Scenario | Length | Width | Depth | Waste | Pricing | Est. Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expansion joints | 250 m | 12 mm | 8 mm | 8% | 600 ml cartridges | ~$1,020 |
| Facade perimeter | 120 m | 10 mm | 6 mm | 10% | Bulk per liter | ~$520 |
| Fillet bead | 180 m | 15 mm | 10 mm | 12% | 300 ml cartridges | ~$1,450 |
Use drawings, schedules, and elevations to total joint runs by area. Separate movement joints, perimeter joints, penetrations, and control joints because widths and depths differ. Note substrate type, exposure, and required fire or acoustic rating. These items affect primer, backer rod, masking, and inspection time.
Sealant quantity is driven by cross‑section and length. Enter width and depth as installed dimensions, not saw‑cut size. Rectangular joints assume full depth fill over a backer rod, while triangular fillets reduce volume. If the specification targets a width-to-depth ratio, adjust the inputs accordingly. Apply waste for start‑stops, nozzle trimming, purge shots, and over‑tooling on textured faces.
Production rate should reflect access, masking, backer rod placement, and cleanup. High joints, lifts, wet surfaces, or congested edges lower meters per hour. For small scopes, fixed hours can be more reliable than a rate. Split long runs into zones to capture mobilization and cure windows. Pair the estimate with crew composition, shift length, and weather limits to predict calendar duration.
The calculator builds direct cost from material, labor, and equipment allowances such as tape, primer, mixing paddles, and solvents. Overhead covers supervision, safety, temporary protection, and small tools. Profit is applied after overhead to reflect business margin. Discounts are taken before tax, supporting negotiated bid adjustments without breaking tax logic. If tax applies only to labor in your region, set tax to zero and add a separate line item.
Before ordering, compare calculated liters to cartridge counts to confirm packaging strategy and storage space. Validate depth against backer rod sizing and joint design rules. Confirm shelf life, storage temperature, and lead times, especially for color‑matched products. Keep the CSV for audit trails and the PDF for submittals, variations, and progress claims. Recalculate when joint dimensions change on site, or when a different sealant grade is approved. For control, run a sensitivity check by adjusting waste and productivity. Small changes can shift totals, helping you set contingencies and negotiate unit rates confidently early.
Use rectangular for movement joints designed for full depth fill with backer rod. Use triangular for fillet beads at terminations where only a corner bead is applied.
Start with 5–10% for clean, continuous runs. Use 10–15% where masking, frequent stops, or rough surfaces increase tooling loss and rework.
Packaging must cover the full required volume. Rounding up prevents shortages caused by partial cartridges, site spillage, and unavoidable end‑of‑tube waste.
Rates vary widely. Open, ground‑level joints may exceed 25 m/hr. Tight corners, ladders, lifts, or heavy masking can drop below 10 m/hr.
Yes. Select bulk per liter pricing when material is bought in pails or sausages and you track cost by volume rather than per cartridge.
Many contractors apply overhead and profit to the full direct cost to cover handling and risk. If your policy differs, reduce percentages or adjust equipment and labor allowances.
Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.