The Various Types Of Sealant In Construction And Renovation

By Author: Chad Lakin
Total Articles: 8
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When doing a resource listing for a construction or repair job, sealants constitute one of the major elements in it because of their limitless scopes of uses and benefits. Traditionally speaking, construction jobs usually make use of drainage channels or mass walls to restrict water from seeping into the inner surface. However, cut to technological advancements in the scope of construction and building, the use of industrial sealants is extensive that helps in restricting air, water, and moisture along with providing solutions for other sustainable advantages like thermal expansion, deflections, sway, and more.

Building products are used in various walks of construction and building but it is also important to choose the right quality so that the finished product does not disintegrate easily. Sealants that are available in the market currently are usually composed of elastomeric compounds to ensure flexibility with filler products. The chemical composition of sealants is polymers and ensures a strong foundation and structural built. Each different type of sealants are produced and manufactured to address different ...
... requirements and application processes like bonding or glazing.
In construction work, sealants is available in seven different types in the market.

Water-based Latex

Water-based latex is commonly used in residential scopes and renovation because they are easy to use and apply and can be done by anyone through simple DIY projects. This type of sealants easily conjoins with most substrates giving strong bonds. They are applied with extremely easy approaches to cover up small voids or gaps or in places where movement is stationary. However, latex often has the feedback of shrinkage over time that sometimes allows the penetration of water in some cases.

Acrylic

Acrylic sealants are UV protected and hence find maximum use in an exterior application. They do not shrink easily but the process of the application might need professional help since movement accommodation is very less with acrylic.

Butyl

Butyl sealants are stringy in terms of consistency and as a result, require professional help during application. Their resistance to abrasion is poor and also finds difficulty in movement accommodation leading to the induction of shearing forces. They find wide use in the industry but not ideally recommended for application in large construction projects.

Polysulfide

One of the best types of sealants available in the market, UV protected polysulfide are flexible in low temperatures, induce very little shrinkage. They are excellent resources in underwater projects with a lifespan ranging between 10 and 20 years. They are expensive and contain substantial levels of organic volatile compounds.

Silicone

With goof movement flexibility, adhesion, and resistance, silicone sealants used across industries and construction and renovation projects. However, the drawback lies in the fact that they can be vandalized easily along with a tendency to collect dirt and grime and also causes staining in contact with certain substrates like stones. With the advancement of technology, silicones are used for structural bonding of metal frames and glass. Although they have a high market value, they are long-lasting and durable.

Polyisobutylene

The properties of polyisobutylene are similar to that of natural rubber. However, they are more durable, less permeable, and resistant to chemical exposure. They find the most use as primary seals for the insulation of glazing units as they have good resistance against the passage of gases and moisture. The application of polyisobutylene is done in the product manufacturing unit.

Polyurethane

One of the best and most commonly used types of sealants, polyurethane adheres well to most surfaces and hence, substrate preparation also constitutes very little work with this type. Contractors and engineers choose this type of sealant mostly over other types for several reasons apart from the easy application. They are resistant to external shear forces and abrasion. They also have very flexible movement capacity and strong bonding features. As a result, the spectrum of construction and renovation often make use of polyurethane sealants.

If you are looking for supply stores to expand your collection of building products like sealants, adhesives, and more, Sealants & Tools offer the best products in the UK. Their inventory is a limitless place for all your construction and renovation needs and that too within the affordability of your budget.