Project Details

Specialized Sealing for a Cornerstone of Campus Life: The JDUC Renovation

At Beverly Caulking, we had the privilege of contributing our commercial caulking expertise to the major renovation of the John Deutsch University Centre (JDUC) at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario. Located at the intersection of University Avenue and Union Street, the JDUC is one of the campus’s most significant landmarks, serving as a hub for students, staff, faculty, and alumni. Spanning more than 100,000 square feet, the building is a multi-functional space that serves academic, administrative, and social needs. Our role in this revitalization project was to apply high-performance caulking and joint sealing solutions to enhance the building’s durability, functionality, and long-term performance.

Our specialized services included:

Scope

  • Door Frame Caulking

  • Tile Floor Joint Sealing

  • Plumbing Penetration Sealing

  • Window Sill Caulking

  • Top-of-wall Sealing for Rated and Non-Rated Masonry

  • Interior and Exterior Masonry Control Joints

  • Metal Stair Stringer Joint Sealing

  • Soffit Transition Caulking

Complex Installations at the JDUC Bridge

In this project, we worked off a Spyder lift to install vertical expansion joints between the window and masonry wall at the bridge connecting the old and new sections of the building. It was a bit of a logistical challenge, as we had to maneuver the lift from the main entrance to the courtyard, squeezing through two doors along the way. We also installed horizontal fire-rated expansion joints, which required us to mitre cover plates around door frames and steel columns – something that’s more carpentry work than typical caulking. But that’s where our versatility came in; we were able to handle this task ourselves, helping the general contractor avoid bringing in another subcontractor. These expansion joints and plates are key to allowing the building to move as it settles over time, providing more flexibility than your standard caulking, and ensuring that the bridge connection remains strong and durable for years to come.

Caulking Meets Carpentry at JDUC

Beverly’s team expertly applies exterior caulking at the JDUC, ensuring a weather-tight seal that protects both heritage stonework and new construction.

Installing vertical expansion joints from a Spyder lift at the bridge, seamlessly connecting the new and old sections of the building.

Installing vertical expansion joints from a Spyder lift at the bridge, seamlessly connecting the new and old sections of the building.

Why High Quality Caulking Matters

Each element in this scope is critical for maintaining the building’s structural health and protecting it from air and water infiltration. For example, masonry control joint caulking prevents cracking caused by seasonal movement, while door frame and window sill sealing improves energy efficiency and prevents moisture damage. Tile joint and plumbing caulking safeguards against leaks in high-traffic, moisture-prone areas. These services work together to ensure the JDUC is protected against environmental stressors and daily wear, reinforcing both function and longevity.

Beverly Caulking - complex Installations at the JDUC Bridge at Queen's University

Built for the Future

The upgraded JDUC will now offer barrier-free accessibility, with at-grade entrances at all main points, additional elevators, and fully accessible routes throughout the building, including heritage areas. With over 6,000 square feet of new public study space, offices for student government, dedicated graduate student areas, and support for 100+ student clubs, the building has been transformed into a more inclusive and future-ready space. Our sealing work plays a quiet but essential role in supporting this transformation.

Our Role in Complex Commercial Projects

On commercial and institutional projects, our team focuses on the application of caulking and sealant systems designed to manage movement, prevent water infiltration, and protect building materials from deterioration. This includes sealing control joints in masonry, caulking around door and window frames, treating soffit and stair transitions, and addressing floor and wall penetrations around plumbing and mechanical systems. These tasks are often performed late in the construction schedule and require coordination with multiple trades to ensure compatibility with adjacent materials and finishes. Our work contributes to both the performance and lifespan of the building envelope and interior systems.

Beverly applies high-performance caulking at the John Deutsch University Centre, at Queen's University sealing the building envelope for durability and long-term protection.

Quality caulking plays a vital role in protecting buildings from moisture, improving energy efficiency, and extending their lifespan. As projects like the John Deutsch University Centre modernize for accessibility and sustainability, proper sealing remains key to long-term performance and durability.

Ready to Work With You … Contact Us Today!

Project: Queen’s University – John Deutsch University Centre

Address: 87 Union Street West, Kingston, ON

Categories:  Commercial  | School

Contractor: Graham Construction and Engineering LP

Partner with Beverly Caulking