Types of sealants and their application. How to use silicone sealant correctly

Replacement of kitchen sink, installation of faucet, bathtub, door and window boxes cannot do without the use of sealants. These are special compositions based on polymers that are able to reliably fill cracks, cracks and voids, isolating them from the outside negative impact. Since there are many areas of use for such substances, compositions have been developed that optimally correspond to certain conditions. Before going to the store and purchasing, it doesn’t hurt to decide which sealant to choose, and what types of sealants exist. This way you will protect yourself from advice from consultants that is not always correct and beneficial to you.

No. 1. Types of sealants

Sealants are a whole group of materials that are polymer-based compositions, have a paste-like, viscous or tape consistency and are intended for protection and joints. Other properties strongly depend on the composition. Sealants are used for sealing seams between plumbing fixtures and the wall, during installation, for sealing cracks between logs, and - and this is not all areas of application.

Sealants can be divided into:

  • one-component;
  • with two or more components.

One-component compositions more convenient, since they are immediately ready for use, and sealants with several components will first require mixing all components in the required proportions.

Based on the type of hardening, sealants are divided into:

The most important thing is classification by chemical composition:

No. 2. Acrylic sealants: properties and scope of use

Acrylic sealants are a mixture of acrylate polymers used mainly for interior work. Can be painted or varnished in any color.

Acrylic sealants are:

All types of acrylic sealants are characterized by such advantages:

  • good adhesion to brick, concrete, wood, tiles and other surfaces;
  • the ability to maintain original properties over a wide temperature range (from -20 to +60 0 C);
  • environmental friendliness and the absence of harmful fumes, so you can work with such sealants without personal protective equipment;
  • resistance to ultraviolet rays;
  • ease of operation;
  • price. Costs 1.5-2 times lower than silicone sealants. Transparent acrylic sealants are considered the most expensive.

Flaws:

  • with prolonged exposure to low temperatures, elasticity is lost;
  • In terms of moisture resistance, acrylic sealants are inferior to their analogues, so for rooms with a consistently high level of humidity it is better to choose other compositions.

Acrylic sealants are usually sold in 300-500 ml tubes, applied directly from the tube or using a special gun. Already 15 minutes after application they form a film, and finally harden after 24 hours.

Scope of application: filling seams and cracks in stone and concrete surfaces, boards, window and door frames, filling voids around communication pipes, sealing joints in and, less often, in bathrooms.

No. 3. Siliconized sealants

No. 4. Silicone sealants: types and properties

Silicone sealants are universal formulations, which can be used in conducting external and internal works, have excellent adhesion to almost all materials. In terms of performance, silicone sealant can be called a leader among its analogues. The basis of such compositions is organosilicon polymer (silicon rubber, up to 45%). May also include dyes, giving the sealant a certain shade, fungicides hampering development, and mechanical fillers, which promote better adhesion to different types surfaces. Extenders of organic origin are often included in the composition, which reduce the viscosity of silicone.

Silicone sealants are divided into:

One-component silicone sealants, depending on the chemical composition, are divided into the following groups:

  • acidic. Contains acetic acid, as evidenced by the characteristic odor that is released during hardening. Acid silicone sealants can be used to work with wood, plastic, ceramic products, but not suitable for processing metal, glass, marble, granite and cement-containing compositions. For most non-ferrous metals, such a sealant causes accelerated rates of corrosion. The main advantage is lower price;
  • neutral sealants Instead of acetic acid, they contain alcohol or ketoxime, which ensures the versatility of their use. Can be used both for working with metal surfaces and with sanitary ceramics;
  • alkaline sealants, produced on the basis of amines, are used infrequently in everyday life and are classified as special-purpose materials.

All types of silicone sealants are characterized by the following: advantages:

Flaws:

  • seams created using silicone sealant cannot be painted, but manufacturers offer compositions with ready-made shades; there is a sufficient range;
  • acidic compounds cause corrosion of metals, but there is only one way out - to use neutral compounds for working with metal surfaces;
  • poor adhesion to the old layer of silicone sealant, so it will have to be dismantled, which can cause some difficulties.

Silicone sealants are used for interior and exterior work. Can be used when installing doors, window frames, metal structures. Plumbing Silicone Sealant indispensable for sealing and sealing threaded connections water supply Special adhesive sealant can be used to work with glass products. Silicone compounds provide a high level of sealing against odors, water and noise.

Using such a sealant is no more difficult than acrylic. The surface must be clean, dry and free of grease. The composition is applied using special guns, it sets in 30 minutes, hardens in 24 hours. Wipe off excess from the surface with a damp cloth, and wash it off your hands with soapy water.

Removing old silicone sealant is not easy: you will either have to gradually cut it off with a sharp knife, or use special chemicals that dissolve the sealant.

No. 5. Polyurethane sealants: advantages and use

Polyurethane sealants are very elastic and resistant to deformation, therefore they are often used to seal foundations and. Can be one-component and two-component. The latter are used primarily in industry.

Basic advantages:

Minuses:

  • when applied, it releases caustic toxic substances, therefore, when working with such a sealant, safety precautions must be observed;
  • insufficient resistance to high temperatures (above +120 0 C).

Polyurethane sealants harden under the influence of water, set quickly, but complete hardening can only be said after 7-10 hours. The composition is applied from a tube or using a gun; it does not flow off vertical surfaces and gives zero shrinkage.

No. 6. Bitumen and rubber sealants

Bitumen sealant is a paste-like material made on the basis of a modified bitumen binder with the addition of special fillers that ensure resistance to negative factors external environment. Rubber compounds are produced on the basis of synthetic rubber

Bitumen and rubber sealants are indispensable when carrying out roofing works , are used for fastening and other bitumen coatings, for fixing, and other insulating materials, and are also used for sealing cracks in the foundation and drainage system. In addition, both compositions can be used for sealing joints in rooms with high humidity and even for repairing rubber products.

In most properties, these two types of sealants are similar, which gives us the right to talk about common benefits:

Minuses:

  • It is impossible to carry out work on applying sealant when sub-zero temperatures;
  • bitumen sealant cannot be painted, but rubber sealant can be painted.

No. 7. Butyl rubber sealants

Butyl rubber sealants are produced by copolymerizing isoprene and isobutylene. The result is a non-curing material, supplied in the form of mounting tapes and seals of various thicknesses and widths. Such tapes are used when installing roofing materials for sealing interpanel seams, as well as when installing roof windows.

Advantages:

  • elasticity that does not lose over time;
  • adhesion to concrete, metal, wood, glass, plastics;
  • wide range of operating temperatures, from -45 to +150 0 C;
  • the ability to repeat deformation distortions of roofing materials.

Flaws:

No. 8. Thiokol sealants

Thiokol (polysulfide) sealants are considered one of the most durable, durable and expensive compounds. As a rule, such sealants consist of 2-3 components(base, curing paste and vulcanization accelerator), which are mixed in specified proportions before use. The resulting composition must be used within two hours, complete hardening occurs from several hours to a couple of days.

Advantages:

  • high elasticity;
  • the highest resistance to aggressive substances, gasoline, kerosene, oils, which allows the sealant to be used at gas stations, laboratories, etc.;
  • resistance to precipitation, UV rays, as well as a wide range of temperatures (from -50 to +130 0 C);
  • high adhesion to concrete, reinforced concrete and metal, which makes it possible to use sealant when repairing metal roofs;
  • durability.

Flaws:

No. 9. What must be taken into account when choosing a sealant?

Naturally, before going to the store, you need to clearly understand where and under what conditions the sealant will be used. If it is a bathtub, then a moisture-resistant composition is required; if it is a wooden floor, then the sealant must be elastic and not contain solvents. Besides, pay attention to what is indicated on the packaging:

No. 10. Sealant manufacturers

– guarantee of sealant quality. To be 100% confident in the high quality of the purchased composition, trust the products of large companies. Very well proven sealants from such manufacturers:

Carefully study the manufacturer’s descriptions on the packaging - it’s worth spending a little time studying all the characteristics in order to avoid unnecessary expenses and unnecessary purchases or, even worse, poor results.

Sealants are substances used to seal joints in building or any other structures. They protect surfaces from moisture, steam, gas, and contamination. Sealants are used for construction and repair, as well as in everyday life for various needs. They are the easiest way to seal any holes and cracks. To choose the required type of sealant, you need to understand their varieties and the scope of each.

What are they?

All sealants are divided into classes according to distinctive features, among which are the chemical component, purpose and degree of elasticity. They allow you to indicate the need to use a particular type of sealant in different situations. Construction sealants are divided into:

Thiokol;

Polyurethane;

Acrylic;

Silicone;

Butyl.

Thiokol sealants

These are polysulfide sealants containing thiokol as a base. This type considered the most durable, elastic and durable. Their validity period is approximately 30 years. Widely used in mechanical engineering, light industry, shipbuilding, and radio engineering. Due to its strength and reliability, this material is considered an ideal sealant for log houses. Therefore, they are increasingly used in the construction of houses. Thiokol sealants are divided into two- and three-component ones based on their composition. The composition is mixed immediately before use and completely vulcanized within 10 days.

Sealants of this type are excellent for sealing a variety of different forms, almost do not shrink and do not emit solvent. Construction sealants , containing thiokol can be used freely in all weather conditions. They have an increased level of elasticity, are oil-resistant, can withstand aggressive substances and ultraviolet radiation. Available mainly in black and grey.

Polyurethane sealants

They are used in the construction of large-panel buildings, as well as as facade sealants during the construction large structures. The most popular sealant is TechnoNIKOL. It is used for gluing and sealing various surfaces from:

Metal;

Varnished tin;

Ceramics;

Technonikol polyurethane sealant is a sealing, adhesive and elastic substance that retains its original consistency for a long time. The main area of ​​application of polyurethane sealants is the sealing of interpanel seams under conditions of increased deformation load. The sealant is suitable for log houses, as well as for all joints subject to vibration or deformation. Thanks to its strong adhesion ability, it can even withstand an earthquake of up to magnitude 5.

TechnoNIKOL polyurethane sealants are also known for their resistance to frost, acids, corrosion, ultraviolet radiation, weak alkaline and saline solutions. They can be applied to a damp surface and painted.

Acrylic sealants

They are very popular due to their low cost. Acrylic sealant is used exclusively for internal, household work, since it is more plastic than elastic. He is completely unable to recreate his shape after suffering mechanical stress.

Acrylic sealants are used to seal holes and openings that are not subject to vibration. For example, it could be small space between the sill and the window, the floor boards, the door frame and part of the wall. Acrylic is easily diluted with water, so it is convenient to apply it into narrow holes. Also, unlike other construction sealants, acrylic can be easily washed off, the main thing is to have time to do this before it hardens.

They contain no dangerous or toxic substances; they can be easily painted and plastered. The sealant is applied using a special gun or from a tube. Final hardening of the material occurs after 24 hours. Disadvantages include fragility, inability to withstand too high and low temperatures.

Silicone sealants

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 external work (sealing the seams of a house, chimneys, sewer and drainpipes), as well as internal (installation of mirrors, ceramics, double-glazed windows).

This group of substances has the following advantages:

  • resistance to ultraviolet rays;
  • ability to withstand temperature changes;
  • high level of adhesion;
  • resistance to aggressive environments;
  • durability.

Although silicone sealants are not painted, they have their own varied palette. According to their structure, they are divided into one- and two-component. The latter are used in the field industrial production. One-component sealants are divided into neutral and acidic sealants. Acid ones are much stronger, but during vulcanization they release acetic acid, which leaves an unpleasant odor and causes inconvenience during work. Due to the presence of acid, they should not be used on materials containing metal and cement. Otherwise, there is a huge risk of corrosion. But acid 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 construction sealants made from polyisobutylene are its absolute safety for human health, a high level of adhesion to glass, as well as aluminum and steel, galvanized structures. Important factors are the elasticity, plasticity, durability and low price of the sealant. Its main area of ​​use is the production of double-glazed windows.

In the domestic sphere, it is often used to seal cracks, gaps and joints between structures. It is used to glue heat-insulating panels, seal air ducts and air conditioning systems. The shelf life of these sealants is about 20 years. The only disadvantages that can be highlighted are the black color of the substance and a narrow scope of application.

Selection of materials for sealing

Repair of a panel house, and especially its Finishing work, will not pass properly without sealing bathrooms, windows, doors and various seams. Therefore, it is very important to select high-quality building materials with for a long time services, paying attention to the country of manufacture, company, type of polymerization (acidic or neutral), as well as area of ​​application. One should not lose sight of the time it takes for the film to form on the sealant, the period during which it must dry, and permissible temperature changes, not only when applying the substance, but throughout the entire service life.

Sealant is an elastic mixture based on polymer compounds, which is designed to seal joints, fill cracks, depressions, voids around window and door frames, heating pipes, various joints and bends, and some types of sealant are designed to isolate from water seepage.

The scope of use of sealant is very wide, but each type of sealant occupies its own niche in it, a typical area of ​​use. The group of sealants itself contains a number of different products that differ in their chemical composition and properties.

Types of sealants:

- Acrylic sealants- a mixture of acrylate polymers;

-Butyl sealants- polyisobutylene is used as a basis;

- Bitumen sealants- is a modified bitumen primer;

- Polysulfide sealants - thiokol;

- Polyurethane sealants- polyester resin is used as a basis;

- Hybrid sealants- mainly polyurethane - silicone;

- Siliconized sealants- a mixture of acrylic and silicone sealants;

- Silicone sealants- these are liquid silicone rubbers and organosilicon rubbers.

Let's consider the main areas where sealants are used, and also discuss the advantages and disadvantages of sealants.

Acrylic sealants- used mainly as an insulating sealant intended for filling seams and sealing joints. The main advantage of acrylic sealant is its very high adhesion (adhesive force coefficient) to most surfaces that have pores, such as wood, concrete, brick, plaster, drywall. The most successful and optimal application is low-moving seams in these materials.

The main advantage of acrylic sealant is that it can be painted in absolutely any color and has a low cost.

The disadvantages include the fact that this type of sealant is afraid of moisture and is inelastic.

Butyl sealants, produced on the basis of polyisobutylene.

Most often, butyl sealants are used for the primary sealing of double-glazed windows. Butyl sealants have simply excellent adhesion to glass, aluminum, galvanized steel and they do not contain solvents, which with their fumes can damage various window rubber seals and also cause some discomfort in the room.

The advantages of this sealant include vapor permeability, good elasticity and resistance to ultraviolet radiation, as well as low cost.

The disadvantages of this type of sealant include an extremely narrow scope of use, since butyl sealant has low strength when exposed to low temperatures, and the color is only black.

Bitumen sealants- modified bitumen polymer.

Bitumen sealant has good adhesion to a wide variety of building materials, such as bitumen surface, wood, insulation board, metal, plastic, etc. Also, this type of sealant tolerates low temperatures very well. Excellent for sealing, caulking or filling cracks in roofing, chimney or drainage systems. Bitumen sealant is also used for sealing in greenhouses and greenhouses, filling cracks in the base and foundation.

The advantages of bitumen sealant include good adhesion to moistened materials. The cost of this sealant is in the average price range.

The disadvantages include the fact that bitumen sealant cannot withstand high temperatures and is only black in color.

Polysulfide or thiokol sealants, also known as liquid polysulfide rubbers.

Thiokol sealants are used to seal various construction joints when it is necessary to provide high-quality sealing of a given area. Polysulfide sealant is used to seal joints of heavy and light prefabricated structures, joints in masonry, and also seal various water tanks, irrigation structures, water seals and submerged joints of concrete structures.

The advantages include high adhesion to glass, aluminum and galvanized steel, as well as a short time polymerization.

The disadvantages of thiokol sealant include the difficulty of applying a two-component mixture, as well as the color range of only gray and black.

Polyurethane sealants made on the basis of polyester resins.

Polyurethane sealants are used to seal building structures, mansard roofs, roofing seams, glazed roofs, ventilation systems, air conditioners, as well as joints between walls and the perimeter of windows and doors.

The advantages include high adhesion to almost all materials.

The disadvantages are that polyurethane sealants are not UV resistant, as well as the high price and limited variety of colors.

Hybrid sealants(mostly a mixture of polyurethane and silicone)

Use: For filling joints in high-rise buildings (joints according to DIN 18 540 F) in general construction work, for example, for sealing windows, doors, roofs, for sealing wooden and metal structures, contact with food is possible.

Advantages: High adhesion, characteristic of polyurethanes and elasticity, durability and versatility of silicones, the ability to be painted in any color.

The disadvantages of hybrid sealants are considered to be buyers' distrust of various types of innovations.

Siliconized sealants is a mixture of acrylic and silicone sealants.

First of all, siliconized sealants are suitable for laying parquet and assembling furniture. Also used to seal cracks and seams in wooden structures, used for external and internal work. Siliconized sealants have high adhesion to porous and non-porous substrates (PVC, concrete, polymer concrete, foam concrete, wood, plaster, brick).

The most important advantage siliconized sealants are low in price; do not forget that these sealants are resistant to UV radiation, precipitation, temperature deformation, and are also characterized by high vapor permeability.

Among the disadvantages, it is worth noting the low elasticity of siliconized sealants, due to the presence of inelastic acrylic sealant in the composition.

Silicone sealants- these are liquid silicone rubbers

Silicone sealants are the most versatile of all those listed above; they are used both in everyday life to seal seams in the bathroom and toilet - with sanitary sealant that contains biocidal additives to prevent the appearance of mold. Likewise in industry for the installation of polycarbonate structures, installation wall panels, installation of double-glazed windows, for secondary sealing of double-glazed windows, for sealing formwork seams, construction joints. Also used for sealing aquariums, fire joints, household appliance components, expansion joints, for sealing industrial and street lamps, seams of air ducts, gaskets in engines, radiators, for attaching mirrors and much, much more.

The main advantages of silicone sealants are high chemical inertness, high elasticity (up to 800%) even after 20 years of service. Another advantage is high ultraviolet resistance, excellent adhesion to all building materials, and a wide range of colors.

The disadvantages worth noting are the high price and the inability to paint the silicone sealant.

All sealants (vulcanized materials for sealing) are divided into:

When ready for use:

- one-component– ready to use immediately

- two or more components– require thorough mixing of the components before starting work.

By type of base:

- urethane;

- silicone;

- polysulfide;

Whatever types of construction work are carried out inside the house, sooner or later there comes a time when all kinds of joints between tiles, boards or other structures need to be sealed. Sealants help get rid of unsightly cracks, give the area a finished look, and prevent drops of liquid and/or air from entering the cracks. Today the building materials market offers a large number of a wide variety of sealants, varying depending on the composition, final appearance and scope of application.

Peculiarities

First, it’s worth understanding what sealants are. For the most part, it is a pasty or heterogeneous viscous mass created on the basis of polymers or oligomers.

Sealants are designed to protect various surfaces from excess moisture., gaseous substances and household and other pollution. They fill cracks and joints between structures: voids near heating or water pipes, cracks in window frames, the space between walls and door frames, ventilation systems - these are just a few possibilities for using these products at home.

Most modern compounds, the quality of which you can be sure of, are designed to create a very strong and durable sealing layer. They interact well with wood, stone, brick, concrete, plastic, glass and metal surfaces and are resistant to high humidity and temperature changes. The sealing layer itself is an elastic coating that is impenetrable to water vapor and other vapors.

Such compositions, if you use products from trusted manufacturers, are quite reliable. During operation, they are absolutely safe, as they do not emit any hazardous substances.

Purpose

The main task of sealants is to ensure the tightness of seams and joints between elements of various structures.

Sealants are used in many applications. They are capable of isolating individual sections of water supply or heating pipes to rid the space of voids or high humidity.

Some types of sealing compounds are necessary for insulating rooms. There are often cases when such compositions are used in facade construction work. They are able to efficiently and easily seal the roof and foundation.

Sealing compounds are applied to bolted, fastening joints, and seam structural elements to provide waterproofing. They are necessary to ensure sealing at the joints of flexible connections. Where other materials may create voids, the composition will simply fill them.

Types and characteristics

There are several main classifications of sealants. In addition to dividing into single-component and multicomponent compositions, they can be distinguished by the type of hardening.

  • Drying out. They harden after the water or solvent used in them evaporates, and also shrink significantly after drying.
  • Curing agents. These compositions become suitable for further work under the influence of water/solvent or air, less often - after mixing all the components together. Once cured, these compounds have a rubbery feel.
  • Non-hardening. Such compositions appearance resemble plasticine. This mastic hardens only after adding special substances to it.

The most common and important classification considers the properties various compositions depending on the substances and compounds they contain.

Silicone

Silicone sealants have the most universal composition. They are used with equal success in both internal and external repair work. They have outstanding adhesion to a wide variety of surfaces - stone, concrete, metal, glass, wood and ceramics, and also cure quickly. In addition, silicone mixtures are quite resistant to aggressive chemicals, tolerate high humidity, as well as active exposure to ultraviolet rays.

There are several more undoubted advantages of silicone sealants. Firstly, this is their high elasticity, due to which such a substance is often used to ensure the tightness of movable joints. Secondly, the service life of silicone sealants is on average 15 to 20 years. Thirdly, these substances are safe for health and environmentally friendly.

The composition of silicone mixtures can be one- or two-component. In any case, the main substance remains an organosilicon polymer, namely silicone rubber. In addition, dyes may be found in the composition (usually in decorative varieties), fungicides (their task is to prevent the development of mold), mechanical fillers (they should promote improved adhesion).

One-component rubber sealants are used in everyday life. They harden due to moisture in the air. Otherwise, two-component mixtures are used: they are used mainly in industry, since special compounds must be used to harden them.

In turn, one-component silicone sealants, depending on the base, are divided into three more subtypes.

  • Acidic, as the name implies, contains acid – acetic acid. Therefore, do not be alarmed if during the hardening process the substance emits a characteristic acidic odor. Despite this, such compositions, like all silicone mixtures, are safe and environmentally friendly. This type of silicone sealant is suitable only for working with acid-resistant materials, that is, wood, plastic and ceramic products, but they cannot be used with products made from other materials, especially metal.
  • One of the components of a neutral sealant can be alcohol or ketoxime, which provides it with versatility of use.
  • The third type is alkaline sealants. They are manufactured using amines and are used in household premises rarely.

There are some other types of silicone sealants available. Silicate is heat-resistant and can withstand temperatures up to 1200 degrees Celsius. Epoxy glue is also suitable for sealing all kinds of cracks, crevices and joints: it is more difficult to apply than analogues, the hardening time is about a day, but this glue itself is colorless and transparent.

There is also a self-expanding sealant, which begins to expand some time after application to the surface. This allows you to fill the gaps as much as possible and ensure complete sealing of the seam.

In addition, these sealants are thermally conductive and allow you to insulate a room if used to seal pipes related to heating systems.

Unfortunately, this type of sealing composition is not without some disadvantages. Firstly, silicone sealant (if it initially turned out to be the wrong color that the owner needed) cannot be subsequently painted. Secondly, silicone compounds adhere very poorly to old layers of other sealing compounds: in most cases, complete dismantling of the old layer will be necessary, which can cause certain difficulties.

Many types of sealing compounds become vapor permeable after hardening. Vapor-permeable sealant has increased strength, it is more resistant to deformation and adverse weather conditions.

Acrylic

Often, after application, acrylic sealants are coated with acrylic paints or varnish. In addition, the cost of this type of sealing compounds is much lower than, for example, silicone ones.

All sealing compounds created on the basis of acrylic polymers are usually divided into waterproof and non-waterproof. The former are odorless and absolutely safe for the health of those living in the apartment, but at the same time they tolerate deformation very poorly - using them on surfaces that expand under the influence of temperatures will be disastrous. This composition also does not survive moisture penetration well.

Waterproof compounds are famous for their high adhesion to most types of surfaces, including concrete, PVC, drywall and even plaster. In addition, some of the acrylic sealants have fire retardant properties.

Polyurethane

A very elastic, but at the same time resistant to various types of deformation, type of sealants, created on the basis of polyurethane and some polymer components. Due to its strength, this material is often used in roofing work or when strengthening foundations. Like silicone sealants, there are one-component and less commonly two-component polyurethane compounds.

This material has excellent adhesion to reinforced concrete, aluminum, plastic, ceramics, wood and stone. Among its advantages is resistance to conditions of high humidity, temperature changes (from -60 to +80 degrees Celsius), and active exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

Although urethane sealants set quickly, they will take about ten hours to completely cure. Since the composition is applied directly from the tube in which it was purchased, or using a special gun, it will not spread over surfaces.

Bitumen and rubber

This type of sealing composition is a paste-like composition, which is based on a bituminous binder and some additional fillers designed to strengthen the composition and ensure its resistance to hostile environmental factors.

Such compositions are very elastic and heat-resistant. They are not afraid of high humidity, exposure to ultraviolet radiation and moderate mechanical stress. They are easy to work with, and their high adhesive characteristics mean you don’t have to clean the surface before applying sealant to it.

Flange sealant can sometimes be distinguished by application: it is used to strengthen connections and seal surfaces with large gaps. Thanks to its structure, it does not drain from vertical surfaces, which gives it an advantage for use, for example, on the ceiling.

Colors

Different types of sealants, depending on the composition, have various colors and shades. The most diverse in this regard is silicone sealant. Since it cannot be painted after application and hardening, manufacturers try to create their products in different color ranges. The most common colors are white, beige, red, brown, and blue.

If color is not of decisive importance for the consumer or desired shade It is very difficult or even impossible to select, then you can use existing colorless compositions.

Consumption

To accurately calculate material consumption, it is necessary to know the exact dimensions of the gap or opening that will need to be filled with a sealing compound. The width and depth indicators, taken in millimeters, are multiplied, and the resulting result shows the consumption of the sealing compound per 1 m of seam in grams.

If it is planned (or known in advance) that the gap that will need to be sealed has a triangular shape, then the product of the width and depth is additionally divided by two, the mixture consumption in this case is significantly reduced. Typically, such seams occur when processing surfaces perpendicular to each other.

Sealants (in particular, silicone) are sold in containers of different shapes and sizes. To find and select a tube of the correct volume, you need to make another simple calculation. Based on the calculation of how many grams of composition are required to fill the gap, the most optimal option by weight is selected.

Some manufacturers produce compounds that are sold immediately in tubes created in such a way that repairmen only have to cut off the spout, after which they can conveniently begin filling cracks and seams. For some types, you will have to additionally buy a special construction syringe, which will allow you to dose the amount of composition supplied into the cracks.

There is also a spray sealant that is sprayed directly onto the surface that needs to be sealed, but it is used much less frequently than its silicone counterparts.

Manufacturers

On the market you can find a huge number of factories producing sealing compounds intended for different applications. Most manufacturers try to produce the same type of sealants depending on their composition and purpose. It is worth considering some of the most popular and trusted companies.

Acrylic sealant for wood is produced, for example, by the company Remmers. The product itself is called - Remmers Acryl. This product, like most acrylic sealants, is characterized by high elasticity, it is very plastic, can withstand low temperatures, and resists high humidity well. It is also important that the product produced by this company is an environmentally friendly composition that is completely safe for human health.

At the core Remmers Acryl Acrylic polymers are used, thanks to which this composition is characterized by high elasticity and resistance to adverse weather conditions. No solvents or antiseptics are added to the mixture, which means the product turns out to be more universal and its scope of application increases significantly.

This sealant can be used to seal cracks and seal seams in all kinds of wooden structures. This will ensure the preservation of heat in the room and prevent moisture and dirt from entering and accumulating in cracks and seams.

Swiss sealants Sikaflex are famous for their world-famous Swiss quality. It produces sealants of various types, they can be used in a wide variety of areas. All products of this company are very convenient to repair: convenient packaging, ease of use, high adhesive properties to a variety of materials. In addition, Sikaflex products are almost odorless and highly environmentally friendly.

The main types of adhesives and sealants produced by the company Sika, are extremely diverse. These are universal polyurethane sealants - they are used to connect parts in places with high loads; bitumen joint sealant (allows you to fill cracks and seams in surfaces made of concrete and stone, is actively used in roofing work and repair work of plumbing systems, in particular drains), the most neutral silicone sealant (the most common and versatile option in repair work).

Sealing compounds from Sika are distinguished by a relatively wide selection, favorable price and high quality products offered on the market.

Company Permatex is considered an unsurpassed leader in the production of all kinds of adhesives and sealants used for car repairs. Despite the rather narrow scope of application, the quality of these products is quite high level. Similar sealants are used in automotive factories and service centers around the world.

How to choose?

Depending on their composition, sealants differ in both their basic properties and scope of application.

Acrylic sealants are commonly used to seal seams, cracks and splits in a variety of stone and/or concrete surfaces. Also, this type of sealant is suitable for wood: floor boards, boxes interior doors And window openings. All kinds of communication pipes, joints that form in bathrooms, kitchens and bathrooms can also be sealed using acrylic compounds.

Silicone sealants have an even wider range of applications. Due to their properties, they are actively used both in indoor and outdoor work. external works outside the house. Such compositions are used during the installation of doors. They are used to insulate window frames and balconies. In addition, silicone sealants are used in bathrooms to seal bathtubs, sinks, showers, toilets - they are indispensable for working with water pipes, allow for complete sealing, preventing the penetration of odors, water and noise. Silicone sealants can be used when working with cable entries; Due to their high adhesion properties, they are also used when working with metal.

Due to their wide temperature tolerance range, silicone sealants are best used for sealing heating systems, chimneys and ventilation.

For roofing work and sealing the roof, sealing joints between sheets of corrugated sheets, less deformable and dense bitumen or rubber sealants are used: they allow you to fix roofing felt, fix polystyrene foam and other insulating materials. In addition, they are used to seal all kinds of cracks in the foundations of houses, the ends, as well as the seams between sandwich panels.

To care for car parts (for example, the steering rack, sealing cracks in the body and between the joints of fixed joints), spray sealants are used.

Also, when choosing a sealant, you should pay attention to its color. After all, if you plan to use a sealing compound in places hidden from the eyes of residents (in sealing water pipes and heating systems, for example), then you can use a colorless composition - color in any case does not play a special role here aesthetic role, because it will simply not be visible. It’s another matter if the work will be carried out on visible areas of the surface: in such cases, you should take care and find the most suitable shade of sealant in color.

This is especially true for silicone sealants, which, once applied to the surface and hardened, cannot be painted.

Application

Depending on the type of sealant, you need to consider individual characteristics and the requirements of each composition. For example, before applying any type of silicone sealant, it will be necessary to first degrease and thoroughly dry the surface. Bitumen, on the contrary, do not require thorough cleaning of the working surface: they are very elastic, resistant to precipitation and other adverse weather conditions, and have high adhesion properties, which makes them indispensable for external repair work.

Drying times can also vary significantly. Many sealants are drying compounds that cure and become necessary properties after the water or solvent in them has evaporated. Some compounds require a special component to help the sealant harden.

Silicone sealants are covered with a film within 10-15 minutes after they are applied to the surface, and their hardening speed averages from 2.5 to 4 mm per day. Acrylic sealants, depending on the polymers included in the composition, can be covered with a primary film from 5 to 20 minutes; their hardening speed is much higher and ranges from 2 to 3 mm per hour. Bitumen and rubber sealants harden a little more slowly: when the primary film forms in the first 12-16 minutes after application, their hardening rate averages 2 mm per hour.

Special construction syringes and guns will help you use the sealant. ready-made composition, or in some industries, manufacturers immediately produce sealing compounds in convenient tubes, in which it is enough to cut a hole and begin using them in repair work.

To correctly apply colored sealant, you need to remember which of them can be applied to a damp surface, and which require careful pre-drying.

Before repairs, it is necessary to carefully study all the main types of existing sealants in order to purchase exactly the composition that will be most suitable for the chosen type of work.

We must not forget that there is no completely universal sealant for repairs; each material has its own unique features and where one type proves ideally suited, another will not be able to withstand the loads intended for it and will collapse itself or damage the surface to which it is applied.

Professionals recommend using bitumen and, less commonly, silicone sealants to seal joints in concrete and stone (and in the foundation as a whole). Acrylic suitable for wooden houses or elements interior decoration(for example, door frames). Polyurethane or bitumen sealants are ideal for roofing work. Especially a good decision this will be the case for roofs made of metal.

In internal works However, it is more common to use silicone sealants– they easily seal seams between plumbing items and walls, and also help in waterproofing and sealing pipes.

To eliminate leaks in water supply systems and pipes of heating systems, special liquid sealants are often used. When sealing leaks in metal parts Different types of silicone sealants are used, but only the most neutral varieties, since those containing acetic acid will inevitably cause corrosion and destruction of the metal. In addition, such a sealant must not only withstand high water pressure: it must also be resistant to high temperatures.

Many sealants are not only able to withstand temperature changes, which allows them to be used in various fields. They also easily survive work at sub-zero temperatures - these are, for example, polyurethane sealants. They can be applied at temperatures down to -10 degrees Celsius.

It is important to pay attention to the temperature range indicated on the packaging by the sealant manufacturer. This will affect the final properties of the product and the place where it will be applied. In addition, it is important to consider climatic features region in which the sealant is used if it is used for external work.

For more information about the types and applications of sealants, see the following video.

Many people have to deal with such materials as construction sealants. We will look at what they are and what they are used for in more detail. Sealants are composite substances based on polymers or similar oligomers - high molecular weight compounds. These are mainly polysulfide or liquid silicone rubbers. The area in which sealants are applied is quite large.

Sealants are used in various installation and construction works, for sealing various holes and cracks, including for imparting tightness to various connections. Sealants provide elasticity, which is necessary to absorb shrinkage deformations of joints and joints, as well as temperatures. This sealing layer is formed by curing polymer base or solvent evaporation. There are also sealants that do not change after they are applied to the surface, such sealants are called “Non-drying sealants”. Sealants have the form of a viscous or paste-like mass.

Polyurethane foam is not a sealant, as it tends to increase in volume when squeezed onto the surface.

To the very important characteristics sealants include: resistance to deformation, elasticity, strength, shrinkage during curing, durability, adhesion to various materials.

All sealants are usually classified:

    • one-component (suitable for direct use);
    • two-component or more (before using this sealant, you must mix the components);
  2. according to their readiness for use:
    • acrylic;
    • polyurethane;
    • silicone;
    • bitumen;
    • butyl;
    • polysulfide (thiokol);
    • MS-polymer.

    3. Also, sealants are divided in their own way functional purpose, that is: sealants for external and internal work.
    The most common sealants are silicone and acrylic.

    Acrylic sealants

    These are acrylic based sealants. You can also find acrylate sealants - based on polyacrylate.

    Sealants of this type are used to seal low-moving and fixed joints, for example: cracks and seams between stone and concrete surfaces, cracks between a wall and a window sill, between a wall and a door frame, cracks in wooden panels, dried out boards. Vulcanization of these sealants occurs due to the evaporation of water.

    The advantages of acrylic sealants are their fairly low cost, lack of toxicity, do not irritate the skin, are easy to use, fireproof, do not have strict requirements for room ventilation, are easy to paint, and have good adhesion to almost all materials.

    The disadvantages of acrylic sealants are: the impossibility of their use in the temperature range -0 degrees Celsius - +5 degrees Celsius at a relative humidity of 90%, low deformability (up to 15-20%).

    Acrylic sealants also come in waterproof and non-waterproof varieties. Distinctive feature Non-waterproof sealants are characterized by low frost resistance, and if used incorrectly, they can crack and fall off, and do not tolerate any exposure to moisture. As for waterproof sealants, they are more durable, they are endowed with high frost resistance, and they are more preferable in construction.

    Silicone sealants

    Sealants of this type are a complex composition of the following general composition:
  • the base is rubber (organosilicon polymer);
  • amplifier (necessary to increase strength indicators);
  • filler - performs secondary functions;
  • vulcanizing component (necessary for converting the pasty initial consistency of the sealant into rubber material under the influence of air moisture);
  • adhesion promoters (provides strong, constant contact of the sealant with the surface);
Silicone plasticizer (due to it, the elastic properties of the sealant are increased).

Additionally, silicone sealants are divided into two more types:

  • neutral (alcohol, oxime, amide), this type of sealant has good contact with metal surfaces, is convenient and flexible to use;
  • acidic (acetic - acetic acid is formed during vulcanization), such sealants have an unpleasant odor that disappears only when it dries completely. They are aggressive towards metals and quite easily turn metal into rust. At the same time, they have excellent contact with wood, ceramics and plastic.

    • Silicone sealants have a wide range of applications. Their advantages are that they have high elasticity, chemical inertness, resistance to ultraviolet radiation, a wide range of operating temperatures, increased resistance to water and other agents, good adhesion to building materials, and a large color palette.

    The disadvantages of silicone sealants include their high price and the fact that they cannot be painted.

    Polyurethane sealants

    These sealants are made from polyurethane, a synthetic elastomer with programmable properties.

    Polyurethane sealants are used mainly for exterior work. Their use is indispensable when sealing joints building structures, foundation, roofing, for facade work. They are endowed with excellent elasticity and tolerate deformation well.

    Polyurethane sealants are also used for gluing various materials, for example: lacquered tin, metal, stone, wood, plastic, brick, ceramics, concrete. This type sealants provide elastic and durable bonding that does not collapse even under strong vibrations. Polyurethane sealant is resistant to corrosion and hardens when reacting with moisture, and in a short period of time.

    The disadvantage of polyurethane sealants is the presence in their composition harmful substances. When working with them, do not allow them to come into contact with exposed skin, and good ventilation is also necessary. As for the price, it is quite high.

    Butyl sealants

    Butyl sealants are based on bitumen, which in turn is a mixture of hydrocarbons and their oxygen, sulfur, metal and nitrogen derivatives. As for dissolution, bitumen sealants do not dissolve in it. They dissolve completely or partially in benzene, chloroform and other organic solvents.

    Bitumen sealants are used mainly for sealing, sealing, filling cracks in roofs, chimneys, drainage systems, including during similar work on plinths and foundations. This type of sealant has good adhesion to various types of building materials, for example: wood, bitumen surfaces, plastic, metal, insulating boards, concrete, etc. It withstands low temperatures well.

    The advantage of bitumen sealants is the ability to apply them to a wet surface and the fact that their cost is not high. As for the disadvantages, they are that bitumen sealants have low resistance to high temperatures and are only available in one black color.

    Polysulfide (thiokol) sealants

    These sealants are made on the basis of liquid polysulfide rubbers.

    Such sealants have high elastic and deformable characteristics, which in turn allows them to be used for sealing thermal expansion joints and interpanel joints in construction. Polysulfide sealants are also used for sealing window block structures, as well as in the manufacture of double-glazed windows.

    The main advantage of polysulfide sealants is not big time polymerization. As for the disadvantages, these include: it is available in only two colors - black and gray, the difficulty of applying a two-component system.

    MS polymer sealants

    MS-polymer sealants are made on the basis of modified silicone. This type of sealant combines everything best quality polyurethane and silicone, such as high resistance to heat (silicone) and temperature changes, as well as excellent adhesion to almost all building materials (polyurethane).

    MS-polymer sealants are quite easy to paint immediately after application and do not leave stains on porous materials.

    When carrying out repair and construction work, we often come across various types of sealants, but we do not always know which one is better suited for a particular job. Therefore, when purchasing a sealant, it is better to know in advance what it is used for, in what temperature conditions how it reacts to precipitation or ultraviolet radiation, can it be used for interior and exterior work. This article will, in a sense, help you figure out which sealant is needed specifically for your scope of work.