Joint sealant is one of the most important components for making the built environment waterproof. Materials called sealants to stop liquids and other substances from leaking through surfaces and mechanical joints. Additionally, sealants stop the leakage of air, insects, dust, sound, and heat. It is crucial to safeguard buildings against the entry of foreign objects like dirt, dust, water, construction chemicals, and creatures.
Different sorts of sealing solutions are offered on the market depending on the needs of each joint. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the very commonly used Joint Sealants in Construction.
What are Joint Sealants?
This polymer-based gasket is used to fill and shield joints between two substrates in architectural and construction design applications. It is used to seal joints, apertures, and gaps between two or more substrates in order to keep against environmental factors that may lead to corrosion. It is intended to prevent corrosion at joint edges in clay and concrete tiles.
Types of Sealants Used in Construction
The most popular types of joint sealants used in buildings are six. Some sealants are best suited for a particular use, meaning they might not be effective in other situations. Others might have a wider range of objectives. As a result, it is critical to select the best sealant for the work at hand.
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Water-based sealants
For sealing gaps between moldings, doors, and windows, the construction industry frequently uses water-based sealants, also referred to as latex. These sealants dry quite rapidly, are simple to use, and to clean up. Sealants made of water can also be painted. Water-based sealants aren’t the best choice for wet or outdoor applications because they tend to shrink when they dry due to the high water content of the sealer.
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Acrylic sealants
Like latex, acrylic sealants can be painted, but their sealing qualities are often more stable and don’t shrink as much. These sealants are useful for outdoor applications that might require color matching, such as concrete cracks, trim around outside windows and doors, and other readily visible and weather-exposed repairs since they are frequently paintable. However, keep in mind that acrylic sealants are less flexible than some other sealants, which can result in cracking over time.
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Butyl sealants
Rubber-based butyl sealants cling effectively to a variety of materials. They can be messy to apply because they can be a little runny and stringy. These sealants are, however, much more flexible, have a longer service life, and are resistant to UV rays, moisture, and aging because they never truly cure like regular sealants. Although they are highly water-resistant, they are not very resistant to movement, which means they can tear. Additionally, they won’t take paint well.
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Polysulfide sealants
Despite being more costly and containing more volatile organic compounds (VOCs) than other sealant kinds, polysulfide sealants are excellent in some situations. They are a great option for active leaks that require quick repairs because they maintain their flexibility throughout their service life and can even be used underwater. Additionally, those fixes won’t be short-lived because some polysulfide sealants last up to 20 years. Just remember that most polysulfide sealants do not readily absorb paint.
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Silicone sealants
Silicone sealants are a great all-around sealing option with the exception of the fact that they cannot be painted. These goods are extremely water-resistant and nevertheless, maintain their flexibility. They attach to practically any material and are less likely to shrink than the majority of other sealants. The main drawback of these sealants is their high cost, yet they are among the best for forming air and water barriers.
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Polyurethane sealants
A polyurethane-based sealant can be your best option if you want a strong sealant that sticks to almost anything. To stop liquids and other things from entering through joints, these sealants form solid bonds between the materials and seal them. They are a favorite in the construction sealants sector because they are more flexible and damage resistant than many other sealant types. Despite the fact that polyurethane sealants are rarely paintable, they frequently come in tinted colors like grey, black, or white to complement concrete and trim.
Conclusion
A compound called sealant is used to seal the seams between several types of construction materials, including brick walls, glass, aluminum, and concrete. In order to protect the structures from damage brought on by stresses, joints are typically given. No matter the application of sealants in construction, choosing the correct sealant is important. Any sealant works effectively when used properly, but making the optimal choice can be technically difficult.
