Choosing The Right Sealant

What are sealants?

Sealants are materials that are used to seal or protect a surface from various elements such as water, air, dust, and chemicals. They are commonly used in construction, automotive, and industrial applications to prevent leaks, improve energy efficiency, and extend the life of a surface. There are several types of sealants available, each with their own unique properties and applications. Therefore, if you want to choose the right one for the job, you will need to know exactly what you are looking for. We have put up a guide to help you decide on the best sealant for your needs.

Polyurethane (PU) Sealants

Polyurethane sealants are known for their strong adhesion and flexibility, making them an ideal choice for sealing joints and gaps in a variety of surfaces. They are often used in industrial applications such as sealing pipes and tanks, as well as in construction for sealing roofs and foundations. Surface preparation for PU requires care, and primers may occasionally be required to provide sufficient adhesion.

Acrylic Sealants

Acrylic sealants are a versatile type of sealant made from acrylic polymer that can be used for a variety of applications. They are known for their ability to dry quickly and provide a smooth finish. Acrylic sealants are often used in construction as it is flexible, durable, paintable and easy to apply on a wide range of surfaces.

Butyl Tape/Sheets

Butyl are made from butyl rubber. They are known for their strong adhesion properties and excellent resistance to weathering, water, and chemicals. Butyl are often used in construction and industrial applications to seal and protect surfaces from various elements. They can be used for a variety of applications such as sealing roofs, pipes, water tanks and foundations as well as sealing automotive components such as door trims.

Modified-Silane (MS) Sealants

Modified-Silane sealants uses modified-silane polymer as a key ingredient. MS sealants are designed to close gap between surfaces and prevent things like dust, water or dirt from entering it. MS sealants are generally used in construction and other industries to provide strong sealing application, waterproofing, insulation, and good adhesion with high elongation and flexibility. It is commonly used for sealing joints, cracks, and gaps in building structures, as well as for sealing seams in metal roofs.

Silane-Terminated Polymer (STP) Sealants

Silane-Terminated Polymer (STP) sealant is a type of sealant that uses silane-terminated as a key ingredient. It is formed by reacting silane with a polymer to create a hybrid molecule with both silane and polymer properties. STP sealants have good adhesion on wide range of substrate materials, flexibility, and resistance to weathering and UV light. They are commonly used in construction, and other industries for waterproofing, insulation, and adhesion. The exact composition and properties of STP sealants can vary depending on the specific product and the intended application.

Silicone Sealants

Silicone sealants are often used to seal windows, doors, and other openings to prevent air and water leaks. Silicone sealant is applied to surfaces in the form of a paste or liquid, and it cures over time to form a tough, rubbery seal. The curing process is initiated by exposure to moisture in the air, and the sealant can take anywhere from a few hours to several days to fully cure, depending on the temperature and humidity. Over the years, their popularity has been taken over by other types of sealants due to the many disadvantages including silicone oil migration that caused staining, dirt streaking, hydrophobic staining, shrinkage, as well as being non-paintable compared to other types of sealants.

In conclusion, sealants are a crucial tool for preventing leaks, increasing energy efficiency, and extending the lifespan of surfaces in the construction, automotive, and industrial sectors. With so many kinds of sealants available, it's critical to pick the best one for your particular purpose. Reach out to our experts at Rovski today to learn which sealants will work best for your needs.