Sealants are substances used to seal joints in building or any other structures. They protect the surface from moisture, steam, gas, pollution. Sealants are used for construction and repair, as well as in everyday life for various needs. They are easiest to close up any holes and crevices. To choose the right type of sealant, you need to understand their varieties and the scope of each.
What are
All sealants are divided into classes according to distinguishing features, among which are the chemical component, the purpose and the degree of elasticity. They allow us to indicate the need for the use of one or another type of sealant in various situations. Building sealants are divided into:
- thiocolov;
- polyurethane;
- acrylic;
- silicone;
- butyl.
Thiokol Sealants
These are polysulfide sealants containing thiocol in the base. This type is considered the most durable, elastic and durable. Their validity is approximately 30 years. Widely used in mechanical engineering, light industry, shipbuilding, radio engineering. Due to its strength and reliability, such a material is considered an ideal sealant for a log house. Therefore, they are increasingly used in the construction of houses. Thiokol sealants are divided into two-and three-component composition. The composition is kneaded immediately before use and fully vulcanized within 10 days.
Sealants of this type are excellent for sealing a variety of forms, almost do not shrink and do not emit solvent. Building sealants containing thiokol can be freely used in all weather conditions. They have a high level of elasticity, oil resistance, are able to withstand aggressive substances and ultraviolet radiation. They are produced mainly in black and gray.
Polyurethane Sealants
They are used in the field of construction of large-panel buildings, as well as in the role of facade sealants in the construction of large structures. The most popular sealant is the Technonikol company. It is used for gluing and sealing various surfaces from:
- metal;
- stone;
- varnished tin;
- ceramics;
- concrete;
- wood;
- PVC.
Technonikol polyurethane sealant is a sealing, adhesive and elastic substance that retains its original consistency for a long time. The main field of application of polyurethane sealants is sealing interpanel seams in conditions of increased deformation load. Suitable sealant for log cabins, as well as for all joints subject to vibration or deformation. Thanks to its strong traction ability, it can withstand even an earthquake up to 5 points.
TechnoNIKOL polyurethane sealants are known for their resistance to frost, acids, corrosion, ultraviolet, weak alkaline and saline solutions. They can be applied to a damp surface and painted.
Acrylic Sealants
They are very popular due to their cheapness. Acrylic sealant is used exclusively for domestic, domestic work, as it is more plastic than elastic. He is completely unable to recreate his form after suffering mechanical stress.
Acrylic sealants are used to seal holes and holes that are not subject to vibration. For example, it may be a small space between the window sill and the window, floorboards, door jamb and part of the wall. Acrylic is well diluted with water, so it is convenient to apply it in narrow holes. Also, unlike other building sealants, acrylic can be washed off with ease, the main thing is to have time to do this before it hardens.
They do not contain hazardous and toxic substances; they are easy to stain and plaster. Sealant is applied using a special gun or from a tube. The final hardening of the material occurs after 24 hours. Among the shortcomings can be distinguished fragility, inability to tolerate too high and low temperatures.
Silicone sealants
They are known for the leading percentage of distribution in the field of repair and construction. Suitable for industrial and domestic use. Silicone sealants are used for outdoor applications (sealing the seams of a house, chimneys, sewer and drainpipes), as well as internal ones (installing mirrors, ceramics, double-glazed windows).
For this group of substances the following advantages are characteristic:
- resistance to ultraviolet rays;
- ability to withstand temperature changes;
- high level of adhesion;
- resistance to aggressive environment;
- durability.
Although silicone sealants are not painted, they have their own diverse palette. By their structure, they are divided into single and two-component. The latter are used in the field of industrial production. One-component are divided into neutral and acidic sealants. Acidic acids are much stronger, but acetic acid is released from them during vulcanization, which leaves an unpleasant odor and inconvenience during work. Due to the presence of acid, they should not be used with materials containing metal and cement. Otherwise, there is a huge risk of corrosion. But acidic silicone sealants have a significant advantage - their reasonable price.
Butyl Sealants
They are a thermoplastic mass based on synthetic rubber (polyisobutylene). It is extremely resistant to bleach, alkalis, acids and many other chemicals. The structure of vulcanized sealant is very similar to rubber.
Among the advantages of building sealants made of polyisobutylene, one can single out its absolute safety for human health, a high level of adhesion to glass, as well as aluminum and steel, galvanized structures. Important factors are elasticity, ductility, durability and low price of sealant. Its main area of use is the manufacture of double-glazed windows.
In the household field, butyl sealant is often used to seal cracks, gaps and joints between structures. They glue heat-insulating panels with it, seal ducts, air conditioning systems. The shelf life of these sealants is about 20 years. Of the shortcomings, only the black color of the substance and a narrow scope can be distinguished.
Selection of materials for sealing
Repair of a panel house, and especially its finishing work, will not work properly without sealing bathrooms, windows, doors and various joints. Therefore, it is very important to choose high-quality building materials with a long service life, paying attention to the country of the manufacturer, the company, the type of polymerization (acid or neutral), as well as the scope. We must not lose sight of the time the film formed on the sealant, the period for which it must dry, the permissible temperature changes, not only during the application of the substance, but also throughout the entire operational period.