Many types of construction work are completed with a sealing stage. All joints and connections are processed on it to make the structure completely impervious, as well as to give it a more neat look. For this, as the name suggests, a sealant is used. Currently, there are a large number of its varieties, made from different materials and performing different functions. Therefore, the choice is made depending on the tasks.
What it is?
A sealant is a special substance that looks like some kind of viscous paste, which is applied to joints, seams and joints for high-quality insulation. Sealants are made from polymeric and oligomeric substances. They are able to protect the structure from the ingress of vapors, water, gases and various contaminants. The process can take place as follows: the applied sealant will either harden or remain unchanged, or the solvent will evaporate. Although sealants are mainly used in construction, it does not hurt to have such a substance in the household in case of any breakdowns and damage. For example, it will be possible to seal up the cracks that appear behind the radiator with a solution.
A good sealant has a good composition. This means that it resists many chemicals, does not corrode, adheres firmly to the surface and does not lose its elasticity. In addition, the substance must successfully withstand weather conditions, because very often the sealant is applied from the side of the street. Finally, if the substance is applied to the seams, it should not crack and form "holes". A high-quality sealant should treat the seams and joints in such a way that the created layer is strong, reliable and does not deteriorate for a long time. Typically, sealants are used on glass, plastic, stone, wood, and other materials. Most of them do not pose a danger to human health. The products are sold conveniently packed in tubes or tubes, the former are used with special pistols.
Appointment
Sealants have a wide range of applications. They are chosen for sealing joints between plumbing and a wall, for sealing gaps during the installation of window structures, for eliminating crevices between logs and in many other cases. Acrylic varieties are used when there is a need for sealing joints in the kitchen and bathroom and for other work carried out indoors. Bituminous sealant is always the choice for roofing applications. The suture option helps when repairing a car. Silicone sealant is used almost everywhere: it is suitable for both floor treatment, door installation, and when working with glass products. Finally, this versatile tool is able to prevent water from entering the building foundation, complete the balcony glazing process and secure the skirting boards.
It can be concluded that the sealant is able to complete the installation of almost any structure, both indoors and outdoors.
Views
There is a sufficient number of sealants that differ in composition, purpose, and degree of elasticity. Depending on the available features, they are used to solve certain problems. Depending on the composition, 4 varieties of this substance are distinguished.
Silicone
Silicone sealants cope well with moisture and elevated temperatures, so they are most often used for waterproofing joints. The elastic seam resulting from the application can be colored or transparent, it is worth remembering that after the work is completed, it will be impossible to paint it.
Among the silicone funds, the following are distinguished:
- universal, used for car repair;
- sanitary acid resistant, designed to stop the effects of acetic acid on concrete;
- silicate - heat-resistant sealant capable of operating at temperatures reaching +1200 degrees.
Products made from silicone can be used on surfaces made of any material, including plastic and metal. They are not afraid of changes in temperature, atmospheric phenomena, which means they are also used for external structures. Finally, these sealants are extremely durable and resilient. Separately, mention should be made of the vapor-permeable silicone sealant, which demonstrates additional resistance. It adheres very tightly to the material being processed, does not lose its properties under various weather transformations and is quite resistant to transformations. Finally, it is quite cheap and can be removed quickly if you make a mistake.
There are special silicone models with so-called sanitary elements, which are fungicidal additives. They fight the growth of fungi, bacteria and mold.
Such a sealant cannot be used with metal, but plastic structures will be reliably protected with it. In addition, like all silicone sealants, they are fire retardant. They are capable of functioning at temperatures up to +1500 degrees.
Acrylic
Acrylic sealant is usually not strong enough to withstand moisture, but it is chemically neutral. The elasticity of the seam of this type is less than that of the silicone version. White and colored models are distinguished by color, which are most often used with wooden structures. And also such a sealant after the procedure can be painted with acrylic paints or varnish that echoes the shade of the treated surface. Acrylic is most often used for sealing inside a house or apartment. It is also worth noting that it does not tolerate deformation well, so it should not be used on a surface that can expand or contract due to temperature changes.
There is a division of acrylic substances into two types
- Non-waterproof type not very convenient for work. It is water-based, which is certainly a plus in terms of environmental friendliness of the material. The product also does not smell and, if necessary, dissolves by using ordinary water. However, it cannot be used in rooms where the humidity is high and the temperature is low. After a few days, the stitches may begin to "disintegrate" or at least become cracked. Therefore, such a substance should be used exclusively when repairing furniture, baseboards, plasterboard structures or dry walls.
- Waterproof acrylic sealant used for various objects: surfaces can be varnished, painted and have a slight relief. Work in cold rooms is also permitted. If water gets on such a product, then it will not dissolve, however, it will still not work to use it on constantly moisturized surfaces. He is not able to cope with deformation loads. This subspecies is used to process joints in the bathroom, toilet (in this case, it is better to buy a model with additives that prevent the appearance of fungus) or in other indoor areas. It should be added that he is not afraid of temperature changes. Acrylic waterproof sealant dries within 24 hours.
Separately, it is worth dwelling on such a sub-variety of acrylic pastes, such as acrylic-latex. They create very elastic and tight seams that adapt to deformations and do not lose their function if the surface expands or contracts.
Typically used to seal ventilation joints, façade surfaces, doors and windows. This variety can be combined with completely different materials.
Polyurethane
The most common polyurethane sealant is polyurethane foam. This variety has high elasticity and the ability to resist deformation. Available and adhesive characteristics. Another advantage of polyurethane is its service life - the product can function up to 25 years. It does not suffer from temperature extremes (it can withstand from -60 to +80 degrees), or from weather manifestations.
Finally, the urethane sealant is capable of handling complex objects: and aluminum, and ceramic, and stone, and even reinforced concrete. It exhibits high adhesion and adheres very well to surfaces.
The only drawback of this type is the relative danger to human health. Since the composition is quite complex and toxic, it is necessary to observe safety rules during work and it is better to use it not inside buildings, but outside. Moreover, such a sealant is useless at high temperatures.
Bituminous
Bituminous sealants are distinguished by their application. Such a solution is a roofing solution - it is customary to use it on drainpipes, chimneys, roofs and other objects exposed to atmospheric precipitation. This product is made up of rubber and bitumen and is considered one of the oldest examples. Such a sealant is not afraid of moisture, but it does not combine with subzero temperatures. Finally, it cannot be painted after completion of the work. Close in characteristics and scope of application to bitumen sealant rubber, created from synthetic rubber. Both compositions are used for roofing work, as well as for sealing joints in rooms where humidity is high.
Butyl rubber sealants are also created, which are produced in the form of tapes and seals, differing in thickness and width. These tapes are flexible and highly adhesive. They are capable of operating at temperatures from -45 to +150 degrees.
Butyl rubber sealants are used for the arrangement of roof windows, as well as for roofing work. However, they do not show themselves well when stretched and have a short shelf life - up to 5 years.
There is also a type of sealant such as thiokol. They are extremely durable and elastic, capable of being used for up to 30 years. The scope of their application is mechanical engineering, shipbuilding, light industry and construction. Basically, this type is chosen for log cabins. The composition is kneaded right before starting work, and reaches its final stage within 10 days. The tool is used in all weather conditions and for processing structures of non-standard shapes. It comes in gray and black shades.
Thiokol sealants are multi-component because they consist of 2 or 3 components, one of which is the base. This variety is considered one of the most expensive. The finished paste is used within two hours, and can harden up to two days. It has high adhesion to many materials, is characterized by durability and strength. In terms of consistency, the sealant can be sold as a paste, mortar, or putty. In turn, the substance is packed either in a tube or in a special cartridge for a pistol with which a syringe is combined.
Depending on the number of constituent elements, sealants are divided into types such as:
- one-component - when there is one component, then the substance can be applied immediately without performing any additional actions;
- two-component - if the base and the polemicizing component are sold;
- multicomponent - if, in addition to the base and the polemicizing component, there are some other additives to be added.
By the type of solidification, one can distinguish such compositions as:
- drying - ready for use after evaporation of water or solvent; during drying, the material shrinks;
- curing - begin to act after all the components are connected or the action of liquid or air begins;
- non-hardening - in general, they do not harden, but in their consistency resemble plasticine.
Neutral and acidic sealants are also available. The first ones are odorless and are most often combined with plastic. The latter have an unpleasant odor, but they easily tolerate temperature fluctuations and have high adhesion. Finally, it is worth adding a word about vapor permeable sealants.
Such types not only seal, but do not interfere with air exchange and evaporation of internal moisture. Most often they are used for processing doors and windows.
Colors
It is fairly easy to pick up both a colored and a clear sealant. If we talk about the silicone variety, then black is especially popular - it is this shade that is chosen for work in cars. For technical work, a red sealant is also used - it is preferred in the case of installing industrial furnaces, motors, pumps and other similar structures. White silicone sealant is considered standard. If you need to seal the seams between the panels for dark wood or from the wood itself, then it is better to turn to a transparent sealant.
In other cases, the shade must be chosen in the same way as the grout. The color should be as close to the processed material as possible. If the structure is dark in color, then an even darker sealant is acquired. This rule applies similarly to light details. It is better to seal the joints of individual parts of a multi-colored object with a colorless paste, and the floor seams with a darker one. When the choice is made in favor of acrylic sealants, it is easy to find a shade that fits perfectly with existing color schemes. For example, there are such colors as: "gray", "larch", "golden pine", "honey", "teak" and others. In addition, it is possible to order tinting in almost any shade.
Manufacturers
To ensure the quality and durability of sealing, it is recommended to buy formulations only from large manufacturers that have proven themselves in the world market.
These include the following:
- Ceresit has the highest quality and is a manufacturer of acrylic and silicone pastes;
- "Moment" is considered, perhaps, the most famous brand for the Russian consumer, which sells both acrylic and silicone and bituminous sealants;
- Ciki Fix Is a Turkish brand that produces decent products for an adequate price;
- Belinka belles - a brand from Slovenia, in the assortment of which you can find silicone sealants;
- Tytan offers professional pastes, including those suitable for roof sealing;
- European company Krass successfully sells products based on silicone and acrylic on the market.
- Swiss company Sika presents various sealants, including polyurethane, which are selected for both professional use and household service; pastes provide high-quality sealing and good stability;
- Company Remmers specializes in the production of acrylic, silicone and polyurethane sealants that dry quickly, are easy to apply and have an extensive palette of possible shades;
- Sealants Penosil can be used in high humidity conditions, including for sealing aquariums; they are capable of operating at temperatures from -40 to +100 degrees, and sometimes up to +180 degrees, and are also resistant to deformation and stretching.
How to choose?
If you have to choose a tool to seal this or that surface, then first of all you need to find out where the work will be carried out: outside or inside the room. Further it is better to look at the packaging - usually it indicates whether the composition is suitable for such a purpose. The next step is to determine the composition and characteristics of the treated surfaces. For example, different substances will be needed for metal and for wood. Then you should examine whether the selected sealant is suitable for the work being done. This information can be clarified with the seller or deducted on the packaging. The sealant can be universal, suitable for the treatment of roofs or balconies, facades or windows - all individually.
The next stage is to find out data on how the product will behave under the influence of temperatures., weather conditions and surface deformation, whether it can be painted over and how long it will take to dry. In addition, data on the color of the composition, its operating temperatures, the requirement for the presence of "professionalism" are studied. For example, if this is a bathtub, then you need exactly a moisture-resistant agent, if the wooden floor is elastic without solvents. To seal pipes, it is worth purchasing a silicone-based agent that provides high adhesion and does not require surface pretreatment. Silicone sealant is also suitable for the toilet, but it must be applied in a special way.
It is important to study the expiration date and integrity of the packaging, find out about the manufacturer and read reviews. All aspects should be taken into account, even if a pungent odor is to be expected or the selected product is completely environmentally friendly.
The surface is prepared for sealing by cleaning and degreasing. The paste is applied from a pistol in a continuous line, then an even seam is formed with a spatula or with gloves wearing protective gloves. At the end of the procedure, the excess is removed, the plumbing remains to solidify. For the ends of the wood, a tool is selected that has good adhesion, high elasticity, the ability to resist deformation and vapor permeability. Steering rack problems can be corrected with power steering sealant.
Of course, it would be good to study the price market. The cost of the sealant depends not only on its type, but also on the packaging. For example, a tube of silicone paste costs about 140 rubles, and a kilogram of the product costs 450 rubles. The cost of a tube of acrylic paste starts from 120 rubles, and the cost of a kilogram starts from 400 rubles. For 600 milliliters of polyurethane sealant, you will have to pay 500 rubles, and for 310 milliliters of bitumen - 225 rubles. The cost of rubber sealant starts from 345 rubles, and bitumen-rubber - from 230 rubles.
Consumption
In order to calculate the required consumption, for example, of silicone paste per 1 meter of the seam, you will have to find out the width and depth of the opening, which will need to be filled with the substance. These indicators will depend on the material of the treated surface and the size of the joint. The seam depth in millimeters is multiplied by the seam width in millimeters, and thus the consumption in grams per 1 meter of the seam is obtained. If the seam is triangular, then this indicator can be divided by 2. Consumption of the paste depends on the base material. If you have to process the seam between wooden logs, then you will need to measure the thickness of the log, and divide the result by 10.
In order not to overspend the product, it is necessary to correctly determine the dimensions and follow the application technologies.
Application Tips
Before you start the sealing process, you need to learn how to use the tools for applying the product. Most often, a special pistol is used for this, which is connected to the packaging. It allows you to remove the product and apply it evenly and accurately.
There are such varieties of this auxiliary construction:
- a skeleton pistol is most often bought for household chores, it is sold everywhere and costs an extremely small amount;
- The half-body pistol looks and works almost the same as the skeletal pistol, but allows you to squeeze out a more accurate amount of sealant and protects the package from damage; due to these bonus features, it costs a little higher;
- a tubular metal gun is used by professionals when they have to work with sealants contained in conventional film packaging instead of tubes;
- an air gun costs about 3,000 rubles and is also used by professionals; it can be connected to bulk sealants, it has the ability to regulate pressure and is used for a large amount of work;
- an electric gun, called a cordless one, is able to function with different types of sealants, alternate them and accurately apply to the joints; thanks to the automatic piston, drops and surpluses do not appear.
When the sealant is used at home, the question of how it can be scrubbed off is certainly important.
The following methods are worth considering:
- a scraper or spatula, with the help of which, using physical efforts, the excess product is simply scraped off;
- the stores sell various chemicals designed specifically for this purpose; they either remove traces of the old solution, or soften the existing ones.
When choosing a sealant for a metal roof, it is imperative to make sure that it is able to resist high and low temperatures, atmospheric precipitation, tolerate moisture, be elastic, and also harden quickly. For example, a silicone composition intended for roofing treatment would be a good solution. If a building is found in areas that are not characterized by high temperatures, you can also turn your attention to a paste based on polyurethane. It will not only cope with the task of insulating the seams, but will also increase the level of adhesion between individual parts of the roof.
Before using sealants, you should definitely clean the seams. It is necessary to remove the old paint and varnish, sand and degrease the processed material. In addition, dirt and dust are removed. If no preliminary cleaning has been carried out, then the paste may flake off, and the seam may be depressurized.
For information on how to properly work with silicone, see the next video.