What Is Sealant? Types of Sealants Used in Construction

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What is a Sealant?

A sealant is any product used as protection or a barrier. It can effectively protect materials against chemicals, dust, dirt, moisture, and other liquid, solid, or gaseous products.

Besides that, they can be used to seal joints, especially in areas with space irregularities. Sealants can work with various materials, including glass, concrete, fiberglass, metal, glass, and others.

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Types of Sealants Used in Construction

There are six main types of sealants commonly used in construction. They have different profiles, including durability, resistance, and performance properties.

1. Polyurethane Sealant

This is an elastomeric sealant with a single component. Polyurethane sealant dries quickly at room temperature or when exposed to humidity.

Sealant specialists in construction use it with rigid and flexible materials thanks to its organic profile. It should be noted that polyurethane has a high level of UV resistance and provides a premium cover.

Generally, it’s used to join strong and lightweight materials, especially in areas that will be painted. This includes gutters, foundation structures, roofing, and gaskets.

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2. Acrylic Sealant

It’s a water-based synthetic type of sealant made of acrylic resins. Acrylic sealants are normally used on construction sites, especially for jointing, caulking, and filling gaps or cracks.

This sealant can be used in both low and high-temperature places. Besides that, it’s ideal for use with materials such as glass, metal, concrete, brick, and plastic.

Generally, an acrylic sealant prevents insects, bugs, dust, and dirt from entering. This highly flexible sealant works on different surfaces and offers great value for money.

3. Silicone Sealant

It’s an adhesive that exists in liquid form. A silicone sealant normally acts like a gel due to its chemical composition. It’s mostly used to seal windows. And frames since it’s highly resistant to water and moisture. So, it provides a durable hold against environmental factors.

Due to its gel profile, this sealant can be used with metallic and non-metallic materials. In some construction settings, silicone sealant can be used with coatings. Providing lasting resistance against salts, oils, and heat.

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4. Butyl sealant

This is an elastomer-based type of plastic sealant used for joints in construction applications like: Metal panels and curtainwall joints. It offers great adhesion with a high level of chemical and water resistance. Besides that, butyl sealant is UV resistant with great flexibility, even at lower temperatures.

5. Rubber Sealant

It’s an adhesive that’s highly flexible. Rubber sealant fills gaps and joins parts between seams and on different surfaces. It’s mainly used to protect rubber-based materials.

However, sealant specialists can use it to bond different materials with rubber-based components. This includes wood, iron, paper, fabric, plastic, iron, and steel.

6. Polysulfide Sealant

This type of sealant consists of resins that provide high flexibility. Besides that, Polysulfide is chemically adhesive and offers a high resistance level.

It’s a common type of construction sealant since it’s resistant to UV rays and saltwater. Polysulfide Sealants are expensive due to their long service life and great value for money. They have a life expectancy of 10-20 years with a long-lasting adhesion profile.

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