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.