Sealants

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Construction sealants are employed to deter fluids and many other materials and substances from passing through junctions and outlets. More function that it does is prevent the passing of air, dust, sound, and insects and act as a fire stopper. The glues are a substitute for materials like cement and timber. In places like tiny openings where cement or timber cannot be used, adhesives are used. The properties they have are of a wide range, which provides strength and flexible sealant, and permanence. It also enhances the appearance and prevents eroding.

The glues have a kind of adhesive quality, but they are much different from the traditional ones. They have lower strength and bigger elongation power. This enables the usage of them in between substrates having various properties. Previously when science had not advanced much with chemicals, natural products were used for making adhesives. They included plant resins, reeds, grass, and mud. But the chemical manufacturing of bonds constitutes butyl, acrylic, and industrial sealant. 

Basic Functions

clear sealant have high consistency that helps them stay intact and not flow from the place of application. There are four main functions of these adhesives; they are:

• Filling gaps between two surfaces.
• Create an obstacle to prevent materials from passing through.
• Maintain the seal and provide longevity. 
• These adhesives are extensively reliable for waterproofing joints.

These advantages can be procured by approximating the desirable adhesive to the substrate substances, guaranteeing proper bonds, and flexibility.

Properties

While purchasing a sealant, specific properties should be kept in mind and checked before buying and using them. They are:

• Viscosity - Adhesives that have high consistency will not flow away when applied. But if the consistency is not high, it may flow down, especially in vertical joints. Low, consistent ones are used in horizontal joints as they can penetrate in a substrate. 
• Toughness - Toughness determines the proficiency that can deter distortion. But should be also let in mind that hardness is not directly proportional to flexibility. Instead, when hardness rises, the flexibility automatically goes down.  
• Climate Resistance - There are high performing ones available in the market, which can endure extreme temperature, moisture, and the sun but can remain as it is. 
• Stability - Sealants and concrete sealant have a life cycle under ideal conditions. But if it is not appropriately applied or is not compatible with the substrate, then the durability does not last long. 
• Activity - The movement of these bonds is determined by the percentage of the width of the joints. 
• Elasticity - The modulus of elasticity is seen in low modulus bonds as they have the most movement ability. These are used to treat delicate substrates. High modulus bonds are used to treat fixed joints that will not move. 
• Bonding - The standard testing method tests elastomeric mortars' bonds, which is the most critical factor that should be considered while buying. The manufacturing factories provide data by testing the pastes with numerous substrates. 
• Smudging - The components of the bond may smudge substrates, which are porous like natural stone. It is always recommended to test the adhesives before using them despite the companies' declaration that they do not stain. 
• Volatile organic compound check - The VOCs may contain certain elements that irritate respiration. Checking the VOC content is a must, though low levels do not harm much, and now many factories are generating products with low VOCs.
• Costing - The cost of these glues varies a lot, depending on the constituents and their performance. You should choose the correct one in the first place so that you do not have to replace them after some time. Replacing the glue is expensive.

Types of Sealants

You can find seven types of adhesives widely available in the market and are very common to construction. They differ a lot due to the cost, performance, and application with the substrate property. Following are the seven types of these adhesives with their properties:

• Latex

  • It is a water-based glue.
  • It is very easy to be cleaned.
  • It clings with all sorts of substrates.
  • It can be painted.
  • It is not that expensive as others
  • It suits the most in the interiors where there are small gaps, and movements are very less. 
  • It is likely to shrink.

• Acrylic

  • It is a solvent-based glue and sealant spray.
  • It can be painted. 
  • It is difficult to apply in comparison to the latex ones.
  • It is UV resistant.
  • It does not shrink at all.
  • It is mostly utilized for exteriors and commercial applications.
  • It has a limited movement capacity.
  • It is low in cost.

• Butyl

  • It is a solvent-based glue.
  • It can cling to most of the substrates.
  • It has a low friction resistance. 
  • It isn't easy to apply.
  • It has a stipulated movement capacity.
  • It is commonly used in the curtain wall systems, where a strong bond with rubber needs to be established.
  • It has moderate costing.

• Polysulfide

  • It is a water-resistant glue.
  • It is also chemical resistant.
  • It can withstand UV.
  • It is adaptable to low temperatures.
  • It has minimal shrinkage.
  • It requires a primer.
  • It is generally used in swimming pools and underwater appliances.
  • It consists of a high VOC.
  • It lasts up to 10-20 years.
  • The cost is much higher.

• Silicone

  • It is a UV resistant glue.
  • It can also withstand thermal rays.
  • It has the largest movement ability.
  • It has good bonding.
  • It gives a life long service.
  • It is very flexible.
  • It has a strong odor.
  • It cannot be painted. 
  • The cost is high.

• Polyurethane

  • It is resistant to abrasion.
  • It can be painted.
  • It clings to different substrates
  • It has a high movement capability.
  • It is durable.
  • It is difficult to apply and cannot be used in glass.
  • The cost is high.

• Polyisobutylene

  • It is durable.
  • It is resistant to chemicals.
  • It had low permeability. 
  • It is a factory applied glue.

All sealants may be sealant for water leakage, roof sealant, gutter sealant, clear sealant, and frame sealant, window sealant works properly when used correctly. None of them are superior or inferior. It is just the performance and properties that differ so that they can be used for different purposes.

Popular Brands of Sealants

Abro Sealants     |     AKEMI Sealants       |       Dowsil Sealants    |     Dr. Fixit Sealants       |       McCoy Soudal Sealants    |     Pidilite Sealants