How to Caulk Concrete Control Joints with Perfect Results Every Time

ATTN: Viewers in Canada now have access to tools used in this video through Amazon.ca to get the low online prices you expect WITHOUT extra import duties, etc! Go to: www.amazon.ca/shop/nextlevelc... to find tools and supplies seen used in this video if you can't find them locally. Purchases made through these links are the same low online prices you expect but Amazon.ca pays small ad fees to Next Level Carpentry which I really appreciate... thank you!!
Caulking concrete control joints is no fun but satisfaction from getting perfect results makes it less miserable IMHO. You too can get excellent results by using the right tools, the right materials and the right technique as shown in this video.
Need tools or supplies shown in this video and want low online prices? GREAT! You'll find both in the Amazon Influencers links below... plus your purchases help support Next Level Carpentry with small ad fees that Jeff Bezos pays me instead of adding to his already astronomical net worth which I really appreciate!
Cox 20oz 'sausage gun' with extra thrust handle:
www.amazon.com/dp/B001SN7R8Q/...
Cox extra nozzle 8-pack for varying crack widths:
www.amazon.com/dp/B01N4BSRTQ/...
Cox 10oz caulking gun with extra thrust handle:
www.amazon.com/dp/B000DZF3TA/...
Metabo 5" grinder... a great tool IMHO!
www.amazon.com/dp/B00WJOXBJM/...
4 1/2" OR 5" x 1/8" diamond blade for grinder:
www.amazon.com/dp/B07FG8GWV2/...
Tremco FC urethane sealant in Limestone color 20oz sausage tube:
www.amazon.com/dp/B003XSP6OQ/...
Tremco FC urethane sealant in Limestone color 10 oz tubes (1 case/12 tubes):
www.amazon.com/dp/B00M5AUSFU/...
Tremco FC urethane sealant in Limestone color (one 10 oz tube)
www.amazon.com/dp/B001G0X9CE/...
Channel Locks brand side cutters for sausage tube ends:
www.amazon.com/dp/B00004SBDD/...
Gel Knee Pads:
www.amazon.com/dp/B07L7Y98FN/...
3M 1 1/2" Masking tape:
www.amazon.com/dp/B009M1IGLI/...
3M 1" Masking tape:
www.amazon.com/dp/B009M1IGPO/...
409 Spray Cleaner:
www.amazon.com/dp/B007ZDH5K8/...
Clic-Readers glasses
www.amazon.com/dp/B00U0BEI2U/...
3M Band Style Hearing Protector ear plugs
www.amazon.com/dp/B000LNKDEE/...
Venom Steel Nitrile gloves like the ones I DON'T use in this video... but should?:
www.amazon.com/dp/B01CO9RKGQ/...
1 1/2" disposable paintbrush for silica sand:
www.amazon.com/dp/B00CXCFHH4/...
More Bounty Paper Towels than you'll use in a lifetime of caulking control joints:
www.amazon.com/dp/B079VP6DH6/...
Silica sand in either 5lb or 10lb quantity:
www.amazon.com/dp/B07NXVL3ZD/...
All tool links from this video in one place:
www.amazon.com/shop/nextlevel...
Here's a long list of many tools and supplies used in the Next Level Carpentry shop and on jobsites I work on in my 'day job' which is a custom design/build remodeling business:
www.amazon.com/shop/nextlevel...

[@ronrosati8896]

What about gaps over 2 inches ?

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

I've used this exact method/process on ridiculous gaps in the range of 3" wide with the same excellent results in appearance. Keep in mind that gaps over about 3/4"~1" usually mean there's structural issues with the concrete where the only permanent fix is to replace the concrete... after correcting whatever problem caused settlement/movement in the first place. That said, it takes a bit more finesse to 'tool' the surface of the sealant to a nice, smooth acceptable finish but it's still the best fix for a bad situation IMHO.

[@pravoslavn]

I have watched hundreds and hundreds of videos for the DIY homeowner, and this tutorial is in the top 1% of them all ! THANK YOU for taking your time to make this video, Very well presented... well filmed and well narrated. Thank You again, Sir !

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

I really appreciate that you'd take the time to post such a grateful comment on this video... thank you!

[@mattjackson3996]

​@@toecutter1015oh shush! 🤨

[@EricMoss-ju1km]

I second the original comment!!

[@user-gl2eq2ly4g]

My kind of guy..... Neat and tidy and knows what he's doing

[@karensteinhaus7705]

One of the best DIY videos I have ever seen!! Thank you Next Level Carpentry!!

[@tracker335]

This guy is a true professional !! Neat and clean !!

[@chadmarkley]

I've watched 10 of these videos trying to find the best way to go about doing the job. This is by far the best, most detailed and well done. Thank you for taking the time to do this. Keep up the EXCELLENT work

[@michaellee891]

One of the best DIY videos you will see on KZbin. Well done Matt.

[@geoff3656]

Simple , professional and intelligent ..!

[@thomasdubicki3536]

Thank You! For explaining the proper way to use the caulking compound. You are an excellent instructor.

[@Ipadmariquita]

I did exactly as you said and let me tell you,my husband was so proud of my job,thanks to you !!God bless you.

[@charlesbronson11]

Q❤

[@jenniecastillo1935]

As a widow I try to do as many home projects myself so I rely on these videos. Yours are excellent for someone like myself especially showing what products to use and why. Loved it and the results are perfect. Thank you thank you.

[@the1Donmafioso]

This is probably the most thorough, well explained, and recorded video I have ever seen. Excellent!

[@ETSUBrown8939]

Thank you! I have no use for this right now in my life but enjoyed your professionalism on the job. I’ll keep this in mind for when a caulk the joints at my home.

[@galvanizedgnome]

His advice for managing wet caulk is incredible. I liked his advice on slipping in the tip and knee protection. Need to save the knees.

[@bud5909]

This could an episode of This Old house. Well done!

[@jimtiede5649]

This is an amazing process!! Thank you!!

[@Haloisgood]

Still helping folks 4 years on. Appreciate the video, going to put this knowledge to work in a month or so!

[@kaikaimeha2027]

Finally a proper and complete video about how to do this using a sausage type gun. Great technique! That’s true professionalism... Amazing and thanks a bunch. 🤙🏽

[@gregquirk4161]

What a true statement, a system that takes away the pain and misery. Your explanation of why you should not use self leveling caulk cleared up the questions I had. Job well done Matt.

[@policani]

I've watched maybe twelve KZbin videos on this topic, and this is by far the best quality patch I've seen.

[@rudycramer225]

Now that's a how-to video. Well explained and did not miss a thing. I came here to see how to tool a sealant in an expansion joint, and got exactly what I was after. Champion presenting as well.

[@slhemp3556]

Glad I found your channel. Trying to maintain my 100 year old house is more than a notion. It’s too expensive and frustrating to find professionals to do small tasks, so I plan to learn from you. I’m a retired professor so I say this from experience, you’re a good teacher and your advance preparation is appreciated. Thanks.

[@thawk1965]

That's the nicest calk job I have ever seen. Glad to see someone take pride in their work.

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

Thanks for sayin', Tim... much appreciated! Best, Matt

[@jhartman2447]

he is a real teacher, I appreciate that

[@supergoober1021]

I saw a completed caulking job like this about 15 to 20 years ago and haven’t seen another since then. It was stunning! I didn’t know about adding the sand after so I thought it was a special caulk. I have found caulking for stucco and I’ve used it, but it never looked this good. What I saw was perfectly uniform and placed nicely between the two sides with clean edges . I couldn’t imagine what magic the installer used to do this, but kept it in the back of my mind. NOW, I know how it was done. It’s positively beautiful! Thank you!!

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

Maybe you saw a sealing project I did? 😉😁😎 Best, Matt

[@resultcarpentry5869]

Matt, by far the best caulking video I’ve seen. Many many thanks - love your channel 🤗

[@drsaab]

I love the detail and the explanation so that people like myself can handle a task like this and get quality professional results. I can’t see why anybody in the world would give a thumbs down to this video., If a person has the ability to explain some thing on a fifth grade level, then they are a master at it.

[@garretthaines9485]

Great video. You're a natural teacher.

[@jonathanpruitt7393]

Top notch instructional video. Thank you.

[@danielmiller2977]

I'm really disappointed that you haven't done a video on those great out feed stands that you built, but I have returned to this video because it's sooo good! You're are one of the most conscientious carpenters that I've ever seen. This is how every tradesman should should treat all of his or her work. It's what makes our livelihood so satisfying and rewarding. This kind of quality work is what builds permanent relationships between the artisan and their client! By following the example that you have lead in every video that you have done, people like us will have no choice but to display the true value of the the trades. In a world of automation, we will never be replaced. You are one of the best! Do a video on those stands!!

[@m.d.s.7118]

35 plus years and I'm still learning,,,,Thanks Brother !

[@ravinderkhakh3918]

A true master never stops learning

[@James-bv4nu]

A man who takes pride in his work, does it to his perfection. Generous to share his trade secret. Hats off to you, sir.

[@ml.2770]

Fantastic tutorial.

[@smileyhomeimprovementsjohn6165]

The best sealing method I have seen so far.

[@johnkenney7217]

Wow. I don't know why or how KZbin knew I would like this, but excellent job. Concise, and very useful. No wasted words, and excellent vocabulary.

[@Optimus798]

By far the best DIY video for caulking/sealing driveway/sidewalk joints 💯

[@awblenko]

Outstanding video - thank you!

[@curlyfits]

Great video, and you are a great teacher who, I can tell, takes pride in his work; we all should do the same. Thx for sharing your knowledge and great talent!

[@woozin24]

A bit lengthy but I did watch until the end I could listen to you for hours. The information is delivered incredibly well. I went from novice to pro results in 20:55. Thank you for all that you do. Ps. I love details. You nailed it.

[@dc-wp8oc]

Thanks for sharing your experience. This was helpful.

[@StanHere1]

Outstanding!!! Well paced, VERY good & complete presentation!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Many Thanks!

[@phototec]

Matt, I love your attention to detail, there are so many people these days doing tasks like this lazy and quick. As others have stated, one of the best caulking videos ever. Keep up the good work!

[@FJBsaidcornpop]

I 100% agree but on the other hand now, there are so many people (customers) that do not appreciate (quality) work and the only detail they are interested in is price. 👉 (Customer) Oh just slap some caulk over it, it will be ok, the other caulk stayed on for a long time, as long as it doesn't leak water around my windows I don't care. These customers I usually walk away from if they are just price driven.

[@mijodo2008]

Excellent Discourse on this subject. Lots of great advice, very good tradecraft. Top job. Cheers from Michael. Australia.

[@TanukiOfficial]

Perfection. People may have different approaches, but you can't argue with your results. 👍

[@michaelwalling8281]

Was all set to watch a dozen videos on filling control joints. I watched yours and took notes and ended the research phase. Thank you so much for a very helpful video. Well done.

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

There are many situations you will get into that this video does not cover but in the end I firmly believe it's the best way to finish a joint regardless of extra measures needed for proper joint Sealing. Glad to hear it was so helpful so thanks for watching and commenting! Best, Matt

[@hardnox6655]

Matt, that was a wonderful demonstration. Thank you for sharing.

[@bnperrault]

Wow this is a very concise, clear, demonstration of a relatively simple process of taking care of those old unsightly looking expansion joints and making them look like new. Appreciate your sharing your expertise with us. Nice job! Now it’s time for me to implement your processes on my own tired joints!

[@DanielLee-ci4oz]

What is the best 2 part epo sealer for stopping leaks that seem imopxy

[@prisconn01]

I bought the materials you recommended and followed the process and it turned out GREAT! And the use of 409 makes all the difference. Thank you!

[@sailordave1945]

Outstanding presentation! I have done many caulking jobs around my house, but never concrete joints. Now I have a great example of how to caulk my garage door joints before the snow flies. THANK YOU!

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

You're welcome David... just so happens I've got some driveway joint sealing to do before snow flies too😎 Best, Matt

[@paulcahill5976]

You deserve to be in great demand, a professional and correct attitude to all you do and share, many thanks for your continued generosity in sharing your skills and techniques.

[@Handyman247llc]

I have recently used your method and surprisingly I am pretty darn proud, it looks great! I have a larger project coming up and hope it will looks as good as this smaller one. Thank you for your time and sharing how to do things the right way!

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

Don't be too surprised Terry... I imagine you're the kind of person who's able to adapt previous experience to a new skillset in fairly short order when you're shown the way... now that you've had a bit of practice you'll CRUSH that bigger job! Feel free to post links to before/after photos here if you want... Best, Matt

[@bruceberger1569]

ONE WORD PROFESSIONAL ❤👍

[@mlmccurley78]

Brilliant! Thanks

[@ibbuggaah7380]

Something I’ve been putting off far too long. This has inspired me! Really appreciate the detail in the text, should be no doubts as to what is needed. Many thanks!

[@steelshade]

I thought I knew how to caulk. You taught me something today, Thanks.

[@diadem03destiny29]

Extremely professional.

[@jpsspark]

Quality workmanship

[@fsorbello]

Thanks for the video. Just took care of my driveway's old rotted out expansion joints and they look phenomenal thanks to you!

[@floridagirl9064]

How the heck did you remove them? Mine are stuck completely

[@fsorbello]

@@floridagirl9064 just a lot of hard work. Had to use a small chisel, pliers and elbow grease. Mine were hard plastic that had splintered and broken.

[@greghackney8437]

Watched the pro do mine, he "tooled' it with a round tip cake icing knife. It was a work of art.

[@btulsa8983]

Fantastic video. Thank you!

[@garysmith694]

GREAT JOB LOOKS GREAT GARY SMITH

[@iancameron1662]

Your a true craftsman.do you know how hard it is to find someone like you.that delivers in what he says.also do the best job possible.i was always taught do the best job possible and you.ll never have to look for work.people will come to you.GREAT JOB

[@dontriskett8098]

Thank you for this! I learned so much and my joints look like they were done by a pro. The tape is a must! Also, the soapy spray made for a super smooth finish. You are the MAN!!!!

[@simysimon28]

So thorough

[@HoraceMash]

Wow! Not only an object lesson in caulking, but a masterpiece of effective instructional communication. Thank you for your wisdom and talent; you have helped me greatly!

[@Troy-Echo]

I'm not a professional carpenter, but my father was and my OCD makes me want to do the job better than what you get from most professionals. Videos like this are exactly what you need to do equal or better than a professional.

[@shimes424]

I had one "control joint" on a really old house that was just a bit wider than the biggest backer rod, so I used 3 smaller ones and braided them together. Worked great, other than using a ton of caulk. Was there the other day, still looks great after a couple years

[@timothyjohnson4285]

This fine craftsman does everything, I've watched, to outstanding qualities! Will certainly put this video to my own home project THANK YOU!

[@Dave-rk2nl]

Thank You

[@TheTomBevis]

That's the best-caulked joint I've ever seen.

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

Thanks Tom... cool thing is that with a bit of practice anyone, really, can get results just as good! Best, Matt

[@joseomarguerrero9077]

Bob Ross.. Caulking ,Sausage Caulk gun sorry I never went to school Here in the U.S but words misspelled Can be offensive..

[@bernicemontpetit]

Jose Omar Guerrero r

[@ramirovargas100]

TRUE !!!

[@garyheaton4791]

@@joseomarguerrero9077 well..if you going to watch his videos from THIS country..learn to either ignore his statements, or grow thicker skin!! This is about the LEAST offensive person I have ever seen on here!! So go sell your sasauge someplace else!

[@peterkohm9742]

I just finished a coffered ceiling in my basement,and I was about to caulk it . But I said to myself let me grab my 14 year old son and teach him how. As simple a task as it is I am going to guess by looking at a lot of peoples bathrooms and trim around their homes most people have no idea on how to do correctly. This was a great video to teach people and I even learned the sand on top of the wet caulk trick from it. I also learned from a mason years ago if your crack you are filling is deeper then normal to fill a potion of it with sand so as not to use a hole tube filling a 2 inch deep separation . Thanks for taking the time of making an excellent video.

[@tertys]

Thank you for sharing! I tried this exactly method on a patio slab and it worked perfectly! The soap do the magic!

[@StephenMattison66]

Great! TY!

[@quietwarf1019]

I like your beginning comment. A master carpenter can do everything in regards to building.

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

That' quite true Quietwarf but seems to escape people in an age where so many expect apps to do so much for them!🙄😎 Best, Matt

[@pmr413]

Thanks for this tutorial it is a very good lesson. I need to do this at my house and will follow your instructions to the letter! ~Pat

[@SergioMartinez-ip8yq]

Good work and good advice

[@VmaxIronman]

I am so grateful for your great video on how to caulk concrete. Some of the areas were deep so I that started by using a can of minimum expanding foam to fill all along the wider cracks (the non-sag polyurethane caulk will fill anything 5/16" or less without backing foam). The next day I used a serrated bread knife to cut the foam flush and then used a wire brush and gritty sandpaper to remove any foam off the edges and high spots. Sweep and pick up, then use a leaf blower to blow all areas clean before caulking. I also found that I could use a silicone rubber spatula sprayed with WD-40 to tool the caulk better than using my fingers (don't spray the caulk, only the spatula). Finally, instead of using plain sand to cover I used polymeric patio sand (Dominator brand). It came out beautiful! Thanks again.

[@BrianPhillipsRC]

This has gotta be the cleanest caulk join I've ever seen!

[@markuschelios6891]

And it only took 6hrs. ;)

[@rico1319]

Absolutely perfectly done and I agree with all your techniques. Keep up the good work master carpenter!! 👍👍👍😎🇨🇱

[@janetrivers7332]

Awesome video, presentation is super clear and organized well for supplies needed & prep work! Thank you so much. What a delight to find such amazingly clear help!! You are a gem on this planet

[@jimwilkey7294]

An actual PROFESSIONAL 👍

[@WmArthur]

In my younger years I did a lot of caulking as a tuck pointer/brick cleaner, part of the brick layers union, mostly commercial/industrial, windows, doors, expansion joints. We used 2 part caulk in buckets with colors and hardener, and a large metal gun we sucked the caulk out of the bucket and used the appropriate tip for the joint. We always used a primer we brushed on after cleaning with compressed air. We never use masking tape, we use pointing tools to smooth, sometimes soapy water to glaze the caulk. The sand is nice for driveways. We used backing rod if the opening needed filled first. On really large jobs we pumped right out of 50 gal drums. Nice video for these small jobs but I wouldn't use masking tape. One tip, we always had plenty of rags and solvent around to keep our tips and tools clean from that sticky crap, lol.

[@Mr67chev]

Nice work , I do a lot of caulking and I like to tool the joints with my fingers also. When I use a siliconized caulk I use a damp sponge and my fingers. When I use urethane caulk I use a rag and mineral spirits with my finger

[@donsanderson]

This was a really well-done tutorial. Thanks

[@janicejurgensen2122]

What a informative and clear tutorial! Thank you.

[@horatiobeaker]

Great video. Thanks for taking the time to edit and share. Incredibly instructive. Your work is definitely first class.

[@chipshot442]

Great job Matt, I never used sand at the end of my caulking joints but that is a neat trick. All the best. Al from Maryland.

[@tomc9020]

I'm glad to see that I'm not the only one who miters my tape corners! I can point to this video to show people I'm not crazy.

[@morokeiboethia6749]

Best looking concrete joint fill in I've ever seen. Really good tactics.

[@catwoman9123]

Thank you for this fantastic instructional video! This is the best one I have seen. You explain everything so thoroughly and now I know how to do it the right way. I wish all contractors were as meticulous as you. It’s nice to see someone who takes pride in what they do.

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

It's all about reputation and warranty: I try to avoid callbacks because I get paid to do it right the first time, if I have to go back I don't get paid and I don't like that! 😉😁😎

[@edwinters6462]

Thank you for sharing your technique, I love the addition of sand.

[@jeffkillmeyer1517]

Simply a wonderful tutorial on the subject. Thoroughly excellent! Thx!!

[@72151]

Great presentation Sir

[@lightningthunder1708]

Thanks Matt for a very informative and well-presented video. I use the same technique but adding the silica is an excellent. I am an old school carpenter with a good deal of experience and still learning better ways to execute my trade skills.

[@maryblaylock6545]

Most Excellent! May you find joy in your learning new things and pride in your workmanship!

[@davidbrightman6987]

We just use a spray bottle with water and a shot of dish soap like Dawn works great and cheaper than 409 great video Thx

[@phineusphineas]

Well done! I agree completely with your recommendations. The wet tooling with a finger and soapy water gives the best results.

[@auntmimirules3988]

Finally! Meticulous work! Thanks for teaching me how to do this!

[@jayb00ks]

Great content.

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

Thanks Bro... or should I say thanks Jay? Either way I appreciate the Super Thanks 'tip'! Best, Matt

[@Noold]

Great tip with the 409! I’ve always just used a little water!

[@shimayhajir2621]

@ hjg Ahmed

[@timng81]

This is super helpful! Thanks!!!