Sealants
- Basements, bathrooms, and kitchens must maintain waterproof conditions at all times in order to prevent a variety of problems. It is quite common for homeowners to suffer from mould growth, water damage, or both, but you can prevent these problems with the right materials or more specifically "sealants".Sealants are widely used by construction professionals as well as homeowners as a way to seal cracks on surfaces and prevent further damage. However, if water damage is the primary concern, it is usually best to use a waterproof sealant.Here is a list of the more common sealants and their applications.
Silicone Sealant
Silicone sealants continue to be one of the most popular sealants on the market. Its power, flexibility and durability make it ideal for a wide range of applications.It appears to be a flexible but tough rubber, commonly found on bathtubs, faucets, vents, roofs, and even windows.Your home's gaps and seams can be glued together using silicone sealants. Sealants are often used in automotive applications since they can withstand high temperatures. Local hardware stores usually sell them as caulk guns, which come in a variety of variations.While there are other sealants with greater strength, silicone sealants are known for their flexibility and durability, the two characteristics that make them such popular sealants.Waterproof Sealant
Waterproof sealants are a great way to protect materials and surfaces from water damage. They can also be used to prevent sun damage and temperature fluctuations caused by ultraviolet radiation.Gasket Sealant
Essentially, a gasket sealant consists of a solution (usually in the form of a spray, paste, or glue) that is applied to the gasket to hold it into place. Reducing friction between parts, prevents fluid leakage and mechanical breakdowns.In both vehicles and industrial machines, gaskets play a major role in engines. It is common to use sealants to reinforce and keep joints reliable, despite their reliability usually being fairly good on their own.Polyurethane Sealant
Polyurethane sealant is easy to paint over, which is beneficial for concealing waterproof sealants under decorative features.Due to its durability and non-shrink ability, both flooring and car interiors can use it. These sealants, however, have the disadvantage of lasting less when compared to silicone sealants, as well as being less resistant to extreme temperatures and ultraviolet light.**What's the difference between sealant types?**Silicone sealants - among the most widely available sealant types, and ideal for a wide array of household, DIY and construction tasks.**Why are sealant modulus and cure type important?**High modulus sealants are less elastic but more hardwearing, and better suited to indoor applications as a kitchen or bathroom sealant (around baths, showers, sinks and worktops).Low modulus sealants offer better flexibility and adhesion where slight movement of the joint may be a factor, but are less hardwearing overall. They're generally best for outdoor and weather-resistant applications (perimeter seals and exterior UPVC).Most sealants are available in one of two cure types - acetoxy and neutral.High modulus sealants tend to be acetoxy cures, meaning they'll cure faster and harder, and will emit a slight vinegar smell while doing so.Low modulus sealants are often sold in natural cure variants, meaning they adhere better to a greater range of surfaces, cure slowly to a more elastic consistency, and give off little odour.
