A Guide To Choosing The Right Type Of Sealant

By Author: Sealants and Tools
Total Articles: 8
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Different types of sealants are available in the market, each having its own unique property. With options galore, selecting the right sealant specific to your job and industry may seem overwhelming. To aid in your decision-making process, the common types of sealants, their properties and applications are given below.


# Latex Sealants


These are water-based and typically used in light building constructions under conditions that do not require a lot of movement. They are relatively inexpensive than other types of sealants. What makes them popular is their ability to take on paint effortlessly and be removed easily. Even though they are best suited to interior finish applications, they may also find exterior use.


# Acrylic Sealants


These are recognised by several other names, such as decorators acrylic, painters caulk and decorators caulk. They are water-based and are flexible that are generally used as an economical filler ...
... internally, as well as, externally. Widely used for grouting, caulking, embedding and jointing, they are extensively used in small-scale building construction. The good thing about acrylic sealants is that they are compatible with almost all construction materials including wood, concrete, brick, glass, natural and artificial stone, sanitary-ware and metal. Moreover, they can be painted with most paints. So, if you need to seal a leak and hide it, you can go for this. Although, remember that these do not particularly perform well in high movement areas or spaces immersed in water.


# Butyl Sealants


These are flexible and economical formed from a blend of polyisobutylene and butyl rubber. They are resistant to water, oil, harsh chemicals and solvents, and demonstrate strong adhesive properties, along with excellent weathering characteristics. This is why butyl sealant is utilised for sealing joints in applications like, metal panel joining, curtainwall joints, secondary glazing seals and bedding thresholds.


# Polysulfide Sealants


These are the first extensively used elastomeric sealants. Owing to their fantastic adhesive properties, resistance to water and chemicals, elasticity and gas tightness guaranteeing outstanding insulation against heat and cold, they find their application in varied industries. Thanks to their ability to withstand prolonged immersion in liquids, they are used in fountains, swimming pools, fuel and chemical storage tanks, cooling towers, waste-water treatment and petrochemical plants. They even perform exceptionally well at bridges, gas stations, runways and facades.


# Silicone Sealants


This is used where an expansion or connection joint requires sealing or a gap needs filling. It is one of the most common types due to its superior weather-proofing properties, adhesive quality and strong resistance to UV radiation and temperature. It is widely used in both household and industrial applications. The best part is that a silicone sealant gains flexibility as time goes by. Whether you are looking for this for your home that will prevent bacteria build-up and damage from moisture or a sealant to use in structural glazing project, silicone sealant is your answer.


# Polyurethane Sealants


When looking for a sealant to seal joints in floors and walls, check out polyurethane sealants. They are moisture cured sealants with quick drying properties that are used in various industries, such as construction, building and automobile. This works fantastically on both concrete and fiberglass panels. These are as high-performing as silicone sealants and are resistant to abrasion, harsh chemicals, UV radiations and high temperatures. They can be easily painted on. Also, they bond very well with a range of materials including wood, plastics and metal. Irrespective of the weather conditions, these sealants offer excellent elasticity.


# Hybrid Sealants or MS Polymers


These are the latest variant that are available in the market. They combine the strong adhesive properties of polyurethane sealant with the elasticity of a silicone sealant. Thanks to the sealants being resistant to water and UV radiation, they are quickly becoming popular amongst different industries. Moreover, they are able to seal myriad substrates like, wood, natural stone, glass, metals, PVC, concrete and plastics.


The aforementioned are widely used. Pay attention to their properties and applications before making your choice.


Sealants & Tools offers superior quality, branded sealants at budget-friendly rates. They offer sealants for both DIY and commercial uses. They provide glazing and “fit-out” application services from the M62 corridor to the south coast.