Mastics and sealants businesses supply or apply materials used to close gaps and joints in buildings and other structures. These products help limit the passage of water, air, dust and noise, and can allow for movement between adjoining materials. They are used in areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, windows, doors, floors, roofs, cladding and expansion joints, with the type selected to suit the surface, exposure and purpose. Services may include preparing joints, removing old or failed sealant, applying new material and finishing it to form a neat, continuous seal. Contractors may work on new builds, refurbishments and repairs, using products such as silicone, acrylic, polyurethane and hybrid sealants. Some specialise in applications including external weatherproofing, glazing, flooring, fire stopping or acoustic sealing. Suppliers may also offer sealants, mastics, primers, backing materials and application tools for trade and domestic use.