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Sealant Properties: Knowing Sealants Better

Sealant Properties: Knowing Sealants Better

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We discussed the various types of sealants in one of our previous blogs. However, if you’re still not sure how to pick the right one then go through this sealant properties article to understand what factors impact sealant quality.

Evaluating these qualities can help you make the right decision.

Hardness
Not many people pay attention to this factor; however, hardness can be of huge importance as hard sealants are more resistant to damage. But, there’s a trade off as harder sealants tend to be less flexible.

Movement Capability
Joint movement capability is determined by the percentage of movement between elements that are to be sealed. You will typically find it printed on packages like this: ±15 percent in a 20-mm joint.

This means the product can stretch or contract to an extent without failing.

Consistency
Sealants can be thick or liquid-like. You need to pick one based on where you intend to apply it. Pourable sealants are said to be suitable for horizontal joints as they have a fluid-like consistency. On the other hand, non-sag sealants don’t run on any surface and are thicker.

Exposure Resistance
This factor helps determine how a product performs when exposed to moisture, temperature extremes, and the sun.

The more resistant a sealant, the better it will perform.

Adhesion
You need to get your hands on a product that adheres well to the construction material.

Most packages contain adhesion data to help you understand how a product works on different materials. It’s usually calculated using a variety of standards and tests such as ASTM C794.

Durability
This is an important factor because you can’t afford to use unreliable products. Life expectancy, however, depends on not just sealant quality but other factors as well including the environment.

Butyls and acrylics are said to be good for only around 5 years. Comparatively, silicones can last for more than two decades. You must, however, choose the right one based on the surface, weather conditions, etc.

 

Modulus
This factor determines elasticity. High-modulus sealants usually have low movement capability and low-modulus sealants typically have high movement capability.

Most experts suggest using low-modulus sealants with delicate surfaces. On the other hand, high-modulus sealants are suitable for non-moving and static joints.

There are also medium-modulus sealants that come with a balance and work in most situations.

Staining
It is common for sealants to leave marks, especially on certain surfaces such as stones. Go for non-staining sealants and look for products that have been tested on an unobtrusive area.

Ease of Application
You can go for tooling or curing sealants. This factor defines how easy it is to get a smooth surface of required or correct geometry. Also, some products cure right away and some can take a while to cure.

VOC Content
While most sealants are safe with little to no presence of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), solvent based sealants could result in health issues due to the presence of environmental toxins. Look at the label to be sure.

Knowing these factors can help you pitch the right product to your buyer. Check our show or go here to be a distributor.