University of Delaware Campus Caulking Restoration
The University of Delaware engaged Waterproof Caulking & Restoration to restore the exterior sealant system across multiple buildings on its Newark, DE campus — including the historically significant Mitchell Hall.
With aging joints allowing water infiltration on several high-use academic and auxiliary buildings, the project called for careful sealant selection, meticulous prep work, and a schedule tight enough to stay out of the way of campus life.
The Challenge
The University of Delaware’s Newark campus blends distinguished historic architecture most notably Mitchell Hall, a landmark performance and ceremonial venue with more modern academic and support facilities. That mix creates a specific restoration challenge: every building has its own substrate conditions, joint geometry, and aesthetic requirements, so a one-size-fits-all sealant approach won’t work.
Years of weather exposure had taken their toll on the existing caulking. Old sealant was visibly deteriorated cracked, separated from substrates, and no longer elastic enough to absorb normal building movement. Once a joint fails, water gets behind the façade, where it can quietly damage masonry, interior finishes, and insulation over time.
The project presented three core challenges:
- Active campus: Crews had to stage equipment, manage ladder and lift access, and maintain pedestrian safety while students and staff moved through the campus daily.
- Substrate variety: Brick walls, precast panels, stone, and metal trim across multiple buildings meant each joint condition had to be evaluated individually.
- Historic sensitivity: Work on and around Mitchell Hall had to respect the building’s architectural character and finishes.
Our Approach & Scope of Work
Rather than applying a single product across the job, we specified a combination of premium commercial-grade sealants chosen to match the substrates, joint sizes, and exposure conditions on each building. That approach takes more planning up front, but it’s what delivers the longest service life on a varied campus like UD’s.
Pre-Project Inspection
Every targeted building was walked and assessed. Failing joints were identified, substrate conditions documented, and a sequence mapped out to let crews move efficiently zone to zone.
Product Selection by Condition
Each area was matched to the right sealant chemistry — silicones, polyurethanes, and specialty products where the substrate and movement requirements called for them.
Complete Old Sealant Removal
All deteriorated caulk was cut out cleanly and joints taken back to sound substrate. You can’t bond new sealant reliably to a failing surface.
Joint Preparation
Joints were cleaned of dust and residue, backer rods reset to correct depth where required, and all priming was done to manufacturer spec for each product used.
Sealant Installation & Tooling
Crews installed the specified sealants on brick walls, precast joints, window perimeters, and transition details. Every bead was tooled to the proper profile for adhesion and appearance.
Access & Campus Safety
Work was completed using a mix of ladders, lifts, and ground-level access. Caution striping and pedestrian management were maintained whenever crews worked above or near walkways.
Planning a Restoration Project?
We specialize in large-scale exterior caulking, sealant restoration, and waterproofing for universities, commercial properties, and institutional clients across Eastern PA, DE, and NJ.
Schedule a Consultation Call 484.265.9646