Under repair Special attention should be given correct selection materials. One of the most versatile and frequently used is sealant. We will tell you in our article what they are, what types they are, where and how they are used, as well as how to choose the right sealant.
What is a sealant in the broad sense of the word? Construction material, based on polymers, vulcanizing at room temperature, used for gluing, sealing, filling small cracks and gaps, and retaining elastic properties after complete drying. Sealants are sold in tubes and tubes. In the first case, the sealant is squeezed into the sealing area by hand, in the second - using a special gun.
Types of sealants
Acrylic
The main component is acrylate resins. After drying they become less elastic. They have good adhesion to most porous building materials (concrete, brick, wood, etc.). Because they can't stand it low temperatures(below -20 °C), they are most often used indoors to seal the seams of doorways and windows, and fill cracks. After complete drying, you can paint with acrylic paints to match the color of the surface. They can be non-moisture resistant - more environmentally friendly, odorless, but destroyed by water, and moisture resistant - can withstand the ingress of small amounts of water. Anyway, Chemical properties acrylic sealants are not allowed to be used in places that are constantly in contact with water.
Silicone
The main component is silicone (at least 45%). Highly elastic even after complete drying. Good adhesion to almost all materials, including non-porous ones: ceramics, glass, aluminum and the like. Water resistant. Used to seal any seams and joints. Since silicone cannot be painted on its own, it is available in both transparent and already colored various colors form. Divided into:
- general purpose silicone sealants - contain at least 45% silicone rubber and at least 45% hydrophobic filler;
- sanitary silicone sealant - contains antifungal additives that prevent the formation of mold, which often occurs in bathrooms;
- sealant for aquariums - on the one hand, it is not subject to the negative effects of the aquarium’s biological environment, on the other hand, it does not emit any harmful substances;
- window sealant - contains additives that prevent the formation of mold and increase resistance to ultraviolet exposure to sunlight.
Polyurethane
Manufactured on the basis of polyurethane. The high-strength and at the same time elastic properties of such sealants allow them to be used for any work. The only negative is the high toxicity before complete drying. Therefore, it is better to use polyurethane sealants for outdoor work and be sure to use personal protective equipment when working.
Bituminous
Bitumen-based sealants. They are mainly used for roof repairs. They have very good adhesion to any roofing materials. Weather and moisture resistant. Apply only at above-zero temperatures, but after drying they are maintained negative values up to -50 °C.
Sealants for threaded connections
A separate type of highly specialized sealants. As the name suggests, they are used for sealing threads along with plumbing flax, fum tape and similar materials. It should be emphasized that unlike other types of sealants, which have several areas of application, this one is the most specific. It is used only for threads and, just as important, no other sealant is suitable for these purposes!
You can also distinguish hybrid versions of sealants: acrylic-latex, silicone-polymer (MS-polymer), but today, due to the high price, they have not gained much popularity.
How to choose the right sealant
The first thing you need to decide is the amount of work. As already mentioned, sealants come in tubes and tubes. The volume of tubes ranges from 40 to 150 ml, price up to 150 rubles. The volume of the tube is about 250 ml, the price is from 150 rubles. In addition, sealant of this packaging is used only in conjunction with a special gun, the minimum price of which is 100 rubles. Thus, if the amount of work is small, then it makes sense to buy sealant in tubes. The total price of the tube and gun is at least 250 rubles, which is significantly higher than the price of the tube, but if you plan to use more than 250 ml of sealant, then it makes sense to spend money on a gun for the tubes. In addition, such a purchase will be justified by the fact that it is used not only for sealants, but also for any other materials in similar packaging (liquid nails, adhesives, etc.), that is, it can also be useful in the household.
The second is the manufacturer. Generally speaking, you can find sealants from various manufacturers in stores. The most famous: “Moment” (Henkel), Titan, Cerezit, “Bison”. except them great amount little-known, which makes no sense to list. The cost per unit of production may vary significantly. What to choose: brand or noname? In the price of branded sealants, a large percentage is the name, so when buying such a product, you get guaranteed quality, but at the same time, by definition, you overpay. By buying sealant from an unknown company, you save money, but you risk stumbling upon a low-quality product. In principle, most often there is practically no difference in the quality of branded and non-branded sealants. Therefore, if you have already bought products from a little-known company, and you were satisfied with them, then you can safely use them in the future. If only sealants from manufacturers completely unfamiliar to you are on sale, then in order to minimize the risk, you should pay attention to two points.
Date of manufacture and expiration date - the sealant should be as fresh as possible. In this case, the date of manufacture and expiration date must be marked on the body of the tube or tube with indelible paint or embossed. If they try to sell you a sealant on which the date and production date are indicated on an adhesive paper sticker, then most likely they want to deceive you and sell you an expired product.
The quality of the case. Even if the sealant is not expired, this does not mean that it is good. Unfortunately, it is not possible to look inside the tube before purchasing, but you can pay attention to the packaging itself, how well it is made. Also, don't be shy and smell the product. The tubes must be completely sealed and therefore should not smell of anything. The smell of ammonia is a sure sign of leaky packaging, and therefore of poor quality of the product as a whole. The tubes have a movable piston on the back - it is this that squeezes out the sealant, like in a syringe. Therefore, tubes cannot boast of absolute tightness. Because of this, a faint odor will always be present, but it will be a faint one, not a strong one.
Third is the scope of application. This has already been written above, the most important thing is that if you don’t know which sealant is best to use in your particular case, then consult a specialist. Moreover, it makes sense to describe to him exactly the problem that needs to be solved, and he will tell you how and with what help this can be done.
For example, your water pipe is leaking. Most people believe that to repair pipes it is enough to coat the outside of the leak with sealant and that’s it, completely forgetting that the water pressure from inside the pipe will simply tear off such a patch. The specialist will immediately point out this nuance and advise you to either use a pipe bandage together with the sealant, or suggest some other way to eliminate the leak, and thereby save you from unnecessary expenses.
In conclusion, a few words about tools and aids for working with sealant.
Pistols. There are manual, pneumatic and electric, depending on the method of driving the piston. Pneumatic and electric are used only by professionals. For domestic purposes, hand pistols are quite sufficient. They are skeletal (above) and semi-corpus (below) open type. In addition to open-type pistols, there are tubular or closed type. They are used to work with sealant that does not have individual packaging(tubes). This tool is used for professional purposes only.
Putty knife. Rubber or plastic spatulas are used to level the applied layer of sealant. However, most work can be done using only your hands. At the same time, however, we should not forget about personal protection. For this purpose, disposable rubber gloves are sufficient.
Sealant removers. Firstly, before work, it makes sense to stick strips of masking (paper) tape along the lines where the sealant is applied. This will make the finished work more neat and protect the surfaces from contamination by excess material. If after all workplace was dirty, then you can remove the sealant from the surfaces in two ways:
- Mechanical. Excess is removed with any scraper. In addition to the need to clean contaminated areas, it should be remembered that the sealant is always applied in excess, which is either removed with a finger or spatula before drying, or cut off with a knife after drying.
- Chemical. Where it is not possible to clean the sealant mechanically, special chemicals are used, for example Silicon-Entferner, Sili-Kill, Soudal Sealant Remover and the like. They are also great for softening thick layers of hardened sealant. Chemical products are only suitable for removing silicone. Acrylic and other sealants can only be removed mechanically.
It should be remembered that a fresh layer of silicone sealant practically does not stick to the already vulcanized old layer, so in such cases, special attention must be paid to removing traces of dried material.
Video on the topic
Any sealant is a complex composition of polymer materials used to seal and seal the joints of products. They are made mainly on the basis of rubber, which allows them to be elastic. Another quite significant property of sealants is their high adhesion to a wide range of materials: from wood to iron. Needed here right choice, and for this it is necessary to carefully study the types of sealants and their properties.
Classification of Sealants
On sale at the moment you can see a huge number of varieties of sealants, each of which is designed for a specific operating environment and has its own characteristics.
That is why it is worth considering the classification of the material, and then the individual types.
The compositions themselves are classified according to two criteria:
- Number of components.
- Depending on the basis.
By number of components
In turn, considering the first class, we can distinguish one-component and two-component ones.
It also has its own characteristics. If we talk about one-component compositions, then their use (application) is possible immediately after purchase. But with two-component ones it’s a little more complicated.
Such compositions include two components, the first is the material itself, the second is the activator. In this case, the second can be different substances, and even certain conditions. There are three types in total:
- Vulcanizing under the influence of moisture, heat or catalysts, they change viscous plasticity to an elastic rubber-like state.
- Non-drying when heated, they become fluid and viscous, softening. When cooled, they again change their state to their original solid state.
- Drying sealants during operation, as a rule, they are in an elastic, rubber-like state, but if they are exposed to a solvent, they turn into a liquid, viscous-flowing state.
For the most part, such compositions are not very popular, which is why single-component substances are most often used.
Types depending on the base
According to the polymer that is the basis of the composition, they distinguish
- Silicone
- Polyurethane
- Hybrid MS-polymers
- Siliconized
- Thiokols
- Acrylic
- Bituminous
- Butyl sealants.
Each type has its own specific properties, advantages and disadvantages, and can only be used under certain conditions that should be taken into account.
Silicone
Silicone sealants universal, which is due to their unique characteristics. Are the most popular view from sealants and are cheap in cost.
Among the advantages of this type:
- First of all, they have high performance over a wide temperature range. Thus, it can be used at temperatures from -30 to +60 degrees, without losing its properties.
- The polymer forms a monolithic coating that has good elasticity and durability.
- There is a large selection of composition colors.
But it is worth noting several significant disadvantages:
- Although such a sealant creates perfect surface, but are not painted, since the paint contains a substance that destroys the structure. Thus, in the case of painting, the paint flakes off as it dries.
- Such compositions do not have a high price.
- AND main problem It becomes impossible to apply an additional layer after drying. Since in this case both new and old layer will peel off and you will have to completely re-seal the surface.
In turn, this type of material is further divided into two types:
- Acidic.
- Neutral.
Each of the subspecies also has its own characteristics. 
Acidic cannot be used for sealing metal surfaces, since it is made on the basis of acetic acid, which in turn will corrode the metal over time. It is also not recommended for use on cement surfaces.
Neutral compositions, in turn, are unique and can be used for any type of surface. In addition, they come with a large number of different additives. For example, a fungicidal additive can create an airtight coating that prevents the appearance of mold, which is important when used in rooms with high humidity.
Heat-resistant sealants are also noted, which, thanks to special additives, can withstand temperatures up to 400 degrees.
Polyurethane
Sealants of this type are a unique adhesive composition that has many advantages, including:
- They have high adhesion to building materials of any type, therefore they can be used on any surface.
- Since the material is not exposed to temperature and can withstand significant changes, it can be used for both outdoor and interior work.
- The coating can be painted.
- The composition does not corrode and is also resistant to precipitation.
The only significant drawback of the material is destruction under the influence of ultraviolet rays. 
Most often, this type of sealant is used in roofing, ventilation, air conditioning and when working with PVC slabs.
Hybrid MS-polymer sealants
Today, polymers of this kind are found in most modern adhesives and sealing compounds. As the latest developments in elastomeric materials, hybrid adhesive-sealants combine best properties silicones and polyurethanes, while surpassing them in physical and technological characteristics.
Due to this connection, they acquire a large list of advantages:
Has a number of advantages:
- high resistance to weather conditions and UV;
- maintaining high elasticity and stability of properties over a wide temperature range (from -40°C to +120°C);
- excellent adhesion to many substrates without the use of a primer;
- accelerated time of formation of the primary film and rapid curing;
- absence of silicones, isocyanates and solvents;
- neutral type of curing.
Hybrid sealants are mainly used for sealing interpanel seams, which is due to the many advantages of the material. It must also be said that it is quite expensive, so its use in all areas of construction and repair is not always possible.
One-component hybrid MS polymers and two-component formulations are widely used in industry.
This sealant polymerizes under the influence of air humidity: the higher its value, the faster the curing process occurs. Ambient temperature also influences the rate of polymerization. Simultaneous increase in these parameters significantly reduces the curing time. The average polymerization rate is 3 mm per day. Two-component hybrid MS polymers
The diagram clearly demonstrates the advantages of hybrid formulations on based on MS polymer over polyurethanes and silicones. This allows MS-
compositions to meet the high requirements for
technological materials during production and operation
lighting devices.
Thiokol
The next type of sealant is thiokol. This is one of the highest quality and durable compounds. When used in the required environment, and for it this is an extreme environment with frequent exposure to chemical compounds, it has practically no disadvantages, but at the same time a number of characteristic advantages can be noted:
- High level of resistance to constant exposure to solvents, kerosene, gasoline, acids and oils.
- Weather resistant.
- Withstands temperature changes in the range from -50 to +130 degrees.
- There is a low level of steam and moisture throughput.
Speaking about the use of the composition, as already mentioned, it is resistant to aggressive environments, and therefore is used in places where constant exposure is typical chemical elements. Most of them are parking lots, garages, gas stations, stations, etc. 
An additional place of application is repair and roofing, where it is used due to its good adhesion to metal, as well as its low level of moisture permeability.
It is also worth noting that thiokol- high quality, difficult to use.
Acrylic
Some of the cheapest and lowest quality. They are used only for interior work, mainly for painting. Although it is worth noting separately that there are certain special types of acrylic sealants with decent performance properties.
Among the advantages are noted: 
- They have high adhesion to porous substrates, for example, wood, concrete, plaster, etc.
- Easy to process.
- Coating with varnish or paint is allowed.
- The coated base can be primed.
But there is also a fairly extensive number of disadvantages:
- Not very elastic
- Afraid of moisture
- They do not tolerate exposure to atmospheric precipitation.
- Cannot withstand large temperature changes.
- Turns yellow.
- Easily damaged and does not tolerate mechanical loads.
Considering all the pros and cons, this composition is used when installing skirting boards, doors, floors, and also when working with drywall. Those. The main area of application is interior work. You can also use acrylic to fill small cracks in wooden furniture and brick walls. 
Bituminous
Bitumen compounds good for waterproofing rooms because it has good adhesion to different types materials, especially concrete, bricks, metal, wood, roofing and waterproofing materials.
The only drawback is that they are afraid of bitumen high temperatures, and when exposed to them takes a liquid form.
Bitumen is most popular in the construction of houses, basements, garages, etc. They are mainly used in the construction of foundations, installation roofing systems, waterproofing pillars and roof repairs. 
Butyl
This material is a thermoplastic mass, which is created on the basis of polyisobutylene rubber.
The material has quite a few advantages, including:
- No volatile components in the composition.
- High level of adhesion to aluminum, glass and steel.
- Not susceptible to ultraviolet rays.
- Retains its properties under significant temperature changes.
- It sets quickly and forms a thick, elastic layer.
- Have high vapor permeability
- Low cost.
- Long operational period (up to 20 years).
Among the disadvantages of the material.
Nowadays there are a huge number of sealants on sale, each of which is adapted for specific needs.
In this article we will try to make a certain classification of sealants, and also consider ways of using them for various materials.
Sealants are divided into two large groups - one-component and two-component.
The most common are one-component sealants. They can be used immediately after purchase.
Two-component sealants, as the name implies, consist of two parts: a base and an activating additive. These two parts are packaged separately. If necessary, they are mixed in the required proportions and the finished composition is obtained.
Such sealants are in less demand because it is easier to buy a ready-made one-component one and seal what is needed. Stores sell mostly one-component ready-made formulations.
Depending on the basis they are divided into:
- acrylic;
- polyurethane;
- thiokol;
- bituminous;
- silicone.
Each of these types of sealant is well suited for specific conditions. For example, asphalt sealants are most often used on roofs and foundations, while thiokol sealants, which are resistant to chemicals, are used in garages and gas stations.
Acrylic sealant
This is one of the cheapest types of sealants because it is intended only for interior work. It does not tolerate precipitation, temperature changes, and cannot withstand mechanical loads.
Has good adhesion to various porous surfaces, such as wood, brick, concrete, foam concrete, aerated concrete, drywall, plaster.
Acrylic sealant can be easily processed using conventional sandpaper. It can be painted and coated with various primers.
Application area.
Based on its properties, it is used during installation wooden skirting boards, doorways, when laying floors, when working with plasterboard, i.e. indoors where there are no high mechanical loads.
It dissolves well with water, so when sealing deep cracks, acrylic sealant diluted with water is simply poured there.
They can also repair small cracks in wood, furniture, brick and concrete walls.
Polyurethane sealant
It is an elastic adhesive composition that has high adhesion to metal, stone, plastic, ceramics, wood, concrete, and cellular concrete.
It can be used for external and internal work.
It is not afraid of temperature changes, tolerates precipitation well, is resistant to corrosion, and is easy to paint.
Application area.
Polyurethane sealant is usually used for roofs and attics, ventilation systems, air conditioning systems, with PVC sealing slabs
Thiokol sealant
One of the most durable sealants is thiokol. It is highly resistant to contact with solvents, acids, alkalis, gasoline, kerosene, and various oils.
Not afraid of precipitation. Worker temperature Range from -50 0 C to +130 0 C. Has low gas and moisture permeability.
Application area.
Due to its special properties, it is used in places where it is necessary to prevent contact with various chemical liquids. Such places can be gas stations, garages, fuel stations, etc.
Thiokol sealant, due to its low moisture permeability and high adhesion to metal, is also used in the repair of metal roofs.
Bitumen sealant
One of the most used sealants in the construction of houses, garages, basements, cellars. Has good adhesion to aerated concrete, foam concrete, brick, metal, wood, various roofing and waterproofing materials.
Does not withstand high temperatures and becomes fluid.
Application area.
As a rule, they are used when constructing a foundation, drainage systems, when laying roofing materials based on bitumen, for sealing cracks in the roof, for waterproofing wooden and metal poles.
Silicone sealant
This is one of the most common and versatile sealants. It gained its popularity due to its high characteristics.
It is perfectly adapted to any weather conditions and aggressive environments, retains its properties at temperatures from -30 0 C to +60 0 C, has very high elasticity, moisture resistance and durability.
Silicone sealants cannot be painted after they have hardened because the paint will simply peel off. Therefore, a large number of sealants of various colors are produced.
You should also know that when it hardens, the silicone sealant turns into a single whole and if you want to re-apply another layer of sealant to the old one, it simply will not stick and will fall off. In such cases, you will have to remove all the old layers and re-seal.
Silicone sealants are divided into two types: acidic (acetic) and neutral.
Acidic ones are not used in contact with metals, because acetic acid, contained in the composition may cause corrosion. It is also not advisable to use them when sealing materials containing cement.
Neutral silicone sealants are considered more universal. Basically, they are sold with various additives that enhance the necessary properties.
There are heat-resistant silicone-based sealants that can withstand temperatures up to +400 0 C.
If you add fungicides to the composition, you get a sanitary silicone sealant that can resist the appearance of mold. It is used for various needs for high humidity. For example, when laying tiles in a swimming pool, in a bathroom, in a toilet, in a kitchen, etc.
Sealant is a paste-like, viscous-flowing or tape material based on polymers or oligomers. Designed to protect against leakage working environment through the gaps of the structure and waterproofing. In this case, the sealing layer is formed directly on the connecting seam as a result of hardening of the polymer base or evaporation of the solvent.
Acrylic sealants
Acrylic - represents polymer material, made on the basis of acrylic acid derivatives, as well as materials from them.
Acrylic sealant is nothing more than a mixture of acrylate polymers. This version of sealants is suitable for external and internal work. However, one should take into account the fact that the sealant under sun rays(in extreme heat) it becomes plastic and soft, and in the cold it hardens. This may cause it to peel off from the surface.
Next property acrylic sealant- this is moisture resistance. Yes, it is moisture resistant, but with constant contact with moisture, it loses its adhesive (adhesion to the surface of the material) properties, which again leads to its peeling.
Based on the above factors, we draw conclusions that acrylic sealant can be used for such work as
- sealing cracks and seams between logs or in wooden structures;
- sealing joints (in concrete and reinforced concrete buildings, at junctions of window blocks, etc.).
Before using the sealant, first prepare the surface: clean it from grease and oil stains, clean it from dust, remove moisture (condensation, effects of rain, etc.). Then, the sealant itself is applied to the already prepared, dry and clean surface. In this case, they either use a special gun or squeeze it out of the tube. 15-20 minutes after application, the sealant is covered with a film, but for another hour it can peel off from the surface. And although this material seems to have frozen after just a day, its total polymerization time is 15-20 days.
Advantages:
- Elasticity
- Has good adhesion to concrete, brick, plaster and wood
- Retains its properties over a wide temperature range - from -20 to +60°C
- The sealant does not contain organic solvents (there are no odors when working with it)
- The formed seam is not susceptible to UV rays, does not fade and is not afraid of water
- The seam can be plastered or painted over.
Flaws
Among the disadvantages, we can only highlight that work outdoors using acrylic sealant must be carried out in the absence of rain, and also that for use in rooms with high humidity it is better to choose other types of sealants.
Silicone sealants
Silicone sealants are compositions where the base is an organosilicon polymer - silicone rubber (about 45% of the composition), which harden at room temperature.
These sealants are:
- Single-component sealants are the most common sealants (they are called silicone), which harden due to air moisture.
- Two-component sealants, the base of which is cured by reaction with a catalyst when mixed. Mainly used in industry.
In my own way chemical composition Silicone sealants are divided into:
- Acid curing - have good adhesion to smooth surfaces, increased resistance to moisture and high temperature.
- Neutral - used, in particular, for sealing plastic surfaces. There is no pungent odor.
At the same time, the first sealants (acidic) have a specific smell of vinegar, and when interacting with metal they can cause corrosion. However, acidic silicone sealants are more common than neutral ones, they are much cheaper, and are often the best option for solving problems in the household. Accordingly, neutral sealants are more expensive than acidic ones, but they do not have a specific odor.
According to the scope of application, silicone sealants can be divided into
- construction;
- automobile;
- special.
In order to determine the scope of application when purchasing, or to check whether the seller is “selling” the wrong product, it is enough to read the purpose on the packaging. We will consider only construction sealants.
Thus, construction silicone sealants (high-quality) can be used for both external and internal work. It can act as a sealing and waterproofing material, as a filler for gaps and cracks, and as a filler for gaps between various elements. In other words, silicone sealants act as insulation from external influences, i.e. where it is necessary to provide protection from external factors.
Before using these sealants, as in the case of acrylic ones, you should carefully prepare the surface to be treated, and then apply the sealant to this area in the same way. At the same time, work can be carried out both in frost and in heat. However, it is worth knowing that when negative temperatures vulcanization will take longer. The initial setting of the sealant occurs after 30 minutes, the time for complete polymerization will depend on the thickness of the seam (layer).
Advantages:
- Durable. The service life of silicone sealants is 15-20 years
- Resistant to UV radiation and most aggressive environmental influences
- Has and retains elastic-elastic properties in a wide temperature range - from -50 to +200°C
- They have increased adhesion to almost all types of building materials, without requiring the use of primers
- Easily deformed (displacement, rotation), repeating its new shape without breaking the tightness
Flaws:
- Not recommended for use on wet surfaces
- This type of sealant cannot be painted
- Freshly applied silicone sealant has low adhesion to the surface of old, already vulcanized (it is not recommended to lay new sealant on top of the old one), as well as to plastics
- Acid-curing sealants can cause corrosion to metal and concrete
Polyurethane sealants
Polyurethane is a synthetic material that is widely used in many fields and also acts as a substitute for rubber, rubber and plastic.
Polyurethane sealants are a material intended for sealing joints and seams in building structures. However, due to its properties, this material has acquired a wide range of applications.
There are two types of polyurethane sealants - one- and two-component.
The second type of sealant consists of two different components that must be mixed in certain proportions before use. They are recommended for use for sealing expansion joints with high deformation, because after vulcanization it is a rubber-like material with a relative elongation at break of at least 400% (5772-001-50002263-98). The resulting material has good water resistance, elasticity, strength and excellent adhesive properties to almost all types of surfaces.
One-component polyurethane sealants are more often used in private construction and households. It's one of a kind best material for sealing seams and joints, elements of roofing structures, for gluing any materials (metal, wood, stone, plastic, etc.). They can act as an “ambulance” when repairing seams of silicone sealants.
To start using a one-component polyurethane sealant, it is enough to clean the repaired surface from grease, dirt, dust and moisture, after which it can be applied to the repaired area. Within an hour, a surface film is formed, protecting the seam from contamination, and after 6-7 (the time also depends on the thickness of the seam) hours, complete polymerization of the sealant occurs. After this, its elasticity will be from 400% to 900%, and its hardness will be from 25 to 55 Shore A.
Advantages:
- Set quickly
- They have high elasticity - up to 1000%
- Withstand mechanical stress and are resistant to ultraviolet radiation, moisture, as well as weak acids and alkalis
- Frost resistance from -60°C to +80°C, as well as the ability to work at low temperatures (down to -10°C)
- Resistant to corrosive agents
- They have good adhesion and also provide durable bonding of surfaces made of various materials.
- Can be painted with any colors
- Solvent free
- Does not emit harmful substances after polymerization, as a result of which it can be used in residential areas
- Polymerizes under the influence of air humidity
Flaws:
- Contain harmful, caustic substances, which requires the use protective equipment when working with them
- After opening the package, the sealant quickly loses its properties.
- Cannot withstand constant exposure to high temperatures (over 120°C)
Thiokol sealants (Polysulfide)
Thiokol is a substance that looks and structurally resembles rubber, which is why its second name is polysulfide rubber.
Thiokol sealants are sealants in which liquid thiokol and a thiol-containing polymer are used as a base.
This type of sealant has a two or three-component structure, consisting of a main (sealing) and hardening paste and a vulcanization accelerator. After mixing all the components in clearly defined proportions, a material with high elasticity and resistance to various acids is formed. However, the resulting composition must be developed within a maximum of two hours. In this case, complete curing occurs (depending on the composition) from several hours to a day.
The main purpose of thiokol sealants is to seal concrete and reinforced concrete structures with a maximum deformation of 25%. The procedure for cleaning the prepared surface is the same as for other sealants.
Advantages:
- They have the greatest strength, elasticity and durability of all types of sealants
- Moisture resistant
- High resistance to various acids and alkalis
- Resistant to UV radiation and most aggressive environmental influences
- High petrol and oil resistance
- They have a high operating temperature range - from -55°C to +130°C
- Have good adhesion
- Good indicators of permanent deformation
- Service life more than 20 years
Flaws
Among the disadvantages of these sealants is that they must be developed in a short time after preparing the composition. And also the fact that when working with them you need to use by individual means protection by avoiding contact with the skin.
Bitumen and rubber sealants
Bitumen sealant - is a paste based on bitumen binder, modified with modern methods and additives, as well as a filler inert to external influences.
Rubber sealant is a material based on synthetic rubber.
Both sealants are widely used for sealing and waterproofing, when carrying out repair work, for deformation or splitting, for roofing, for repairs in rooms with high humidity, and even for the repair of rubber products (boats, rubber boots, etc.). They can also be used for fastening and repairing roofing felt and other bitumen coatings, as well as fixing insulating materials(polyurethane, expanded polystyrene) to various substrates.
Carrying out repair work using these sealants is carried out at positive air temperatures. It is worth noting that these are the only sealants that do not require mandatory cleaning of the surface being repaired before use. This is due to the high adhesive properties of these sealants.
When applied to the area to be repaired, the sealant hardens, forming a protective membrane that is resistant to weather conditions, ultraviolet rays and mechanical damage, which, if necessary, can be painted to match the color of the surface being treated.
Advantages:
- High elasticity
- Has excellent adhesive properties with most building materials
- Resistant to various weather conditions
- Creates an anti-corrosion layer
- They have a high operating temperature range - from -50°C to +150°C
- Rubber sealant can be painted
- The service life of these sealants is about 20 years
Flaws:
- Prohibited for use with certain types of plastics (they may become deformed)
- When in contact with mineral oils, they soften.
- Bitumen sealant cannot be painted
Butyl rubber sealants
Butyl rubber is a product of low-temperature copolymerization of isobutylene and 1-5% isoprene.
Butyl rubber sealants are a material based on butyl rubber and which has high moisture and air resistance.
These sealants can be classified as high-quality non-curing materials, which can also be produced in the form of sealants, mounting tapes and/or tape material different widths and thicknesses, cords different diameters, briquettes and mastics of various viscosities.
For example, tape butyl rubber sealants, which have a two-layer structure and their width ranges from 10 to 180 mm, have become widespread. Such tapes can be used for sealing seams or cracks, and for connecting them when installing roofing materials.
Over time, tape sealants do not lose elasticity, do not crack or lag behind the surface, but, on the contrary, increase their adhesion. This especially happens with materials such as:
- glass;
- concrete;
- metal;
- tree;
- most polymer materials.
FYI. All butyl rubber sealants retain their properties in the temperature range from -45°C to +150°C.
Apply this type sealants for installing a new roof and when repairing an existing one, for sealing seams and joints various roofs And building structures, interpanel seams, as well as when installing vertical and roof windows.
The use of butyl rubber sealants is similar to the use of double-sided tape. That is, it is removed from the tape protective film and it is attached by its sides to one and another product. If it is necessary to extend the tape, then it should be done with an overlap.
The use of butyl rubber sealants in the form of mastics occurs using the same technology as the above sealants
Advantages:
- Paste-like sealants can replicate the deformation distortions of roofing materials under temperature changes
- They have good adhesion to concrete, wood, glass, metal and other materials, which allows them to easily and firmly stick to their surface
Flaws:
- Low tensile strength
- Shrinkage, short service life - maximum 5 years