a method of sealing a construction joint is provided which comprises applying a polymeric sizing to the edges forming the joint , applying a mesh to the joint and applying a further coating of the sizing to said deposited mesh . the sizing material can comprise a styrene - butadiene latex , a filler and at least one of a colorant , an acrylic thickener , dispersant , biocide , defoamer , antifoamer , surfactant and an acid .