Waterproof silicone sealant: features and rules of use

In carrying out home repairs, as well as in the field of professional construction can not do without the use of silicone sealant. This material replaced homemade mastics, bituminous mixtures and various putties, which were previously used for gluing elements, sealing cracks and sealing joints.

Key Features

Waterproof silicone sealant is a dense viscous mass that is used to seal seams, seal joints and glue surfaces. The material is able to maintain moisture resistance and protect the structure from external negative factors. Among the ingredients of the composition described, it is possible to isolate an enhancer, a base, an adhesion primer, vulcanizers and a silicone plasticizer. Silicone rubber acts as the basic component, but the amplifier is designed to impart strength, determining the thixotropic characteristics, or rather the level of viscosity. Adhesion primer is added to ensure reliable adhesion of the material to the surface to be treated. Plasticity is guaranteed by the silicone plasticizer, but the vulcanizer is able to convert pasty into a final material that resembles plastic rubber. To expand the field of use, some manufacturers add dyes and fungicides to the above components, as well as mechanical fillers. The second ingredient is designed to prevent or destroy the occurrence of fungi or mold, especially when the sealant is intended to be used in rooms with high humidity. To improve the qualities of adhesion, mechanical fillers are added by the type of sand, glass dust or quartz.

Qualitative characteristics

Waterproof silicone sealant has a rather complex composition, it is this that determines the characteristics of the material, namely elasticity, resistance to temperature fluctuations, immunity to aggressive environmental influences, high water resistance, excellent aggressive qualities, and also the ability to withstand biological attacks of mold and fungus.

If you decide to purchase a waterproof silicone sealant, you should know that it has a high elasticity, which makes it possible to use it when sealing cracks and joints even on movable joints. At the time of stretching, the fibers of the composition are elongated by 90%, which allows the sealant not to fear the seam movement. You can rely on high resistance to temperature fluctuations. Thus, it is possible to operate the product that has been treated with a sealant in the temperature range from -50 to +200 degrees. If we are talking about heat-resistant compounds, they will be able to undergo a temperature that reaches 300 degrees.

Some shortcomings

Water-resistant silicone sealant is not without minuses, not every material of the described type is capable of being dyed, not all compounds have high adhesion to polyethylene, fluoroplastic and carbonate. Among other things, you should be prepared for the fact that application to wet surfaces can not give a positive result, since sealers are difficult to handle such bases. If there is a desire to exclude the above disadvantages, then you should choose silicone varieties, they contain mechanical fillers and organic substances.

Application area

If you require a silicone sealant for the aquarium, then you can purchase it in the appropriate store. However, the area of use of these compositions is very high. They can be used for carrying out not only internal, but also external works. Thus, they can be used when sealing joints in downspouts are required . Sealant is simply necessary for sealing joints in the window frames and in the process of repairing the tile, which is made of stone. This is true for the case when some elements exfoliate from the surface. When installing the roof, it may be necessary to seal the seams, as well as seal the joints. The last statement is true for the laying of vinyl lining.

Area of application of the composition indoors

It can be successfully used silicone sealant for the aquarium. However, this is not limited to the area of use of the material inside the premises. It can be used to seal the joints of the floor, ceiling and walls with gypsum board surfaces. You can seal seams with this composition on the windowsills or countertops, which are made of artificial or natural stone. The mixture will perfectly handle the sealing of parts that are exposed to high temperatures during operation.

Application in the bathroom

The sealant for glasses is used in the process of repair. This is relevant in the case when there is a need to mount mirrors inside the bathroom. It can also be used for the installation of plumbing fixtures. By means of the described mixture, you can seal up the areas of contiguity, as well as the joints of sewer pipes. During the installation of the cabin, shower or bath, it may be necessary to seal the joints.

Sealants and application rules

If you want to buy a sealant, reviews about which are the most positive, it is important to know that such compositions are divided into two groups, the first of them - one-component, the second - two-component. One-component ones are the most popular in everyday life, they are realized in tubes, as well as foil packages. Curing of the material occurs when exposed to air, and the composition reaches its full hardness with a thin layer of material ranging from 2 to 15 millimeters. If there is a need for the use of sealant in the industrial sphere, then a silicone two-component compound should be preferred. Its solidification occurs at the moment of contact of the catalyst, but there are no restrictions on the thickness. Single-component mixtures, depending on the ingredients of the vulcanizing agent, can be divided into neutral and acidic.

Features of acid sealant

This mixture gives off acetic acid, which can provoke corrosion of zinc, brass, copper, lead and other materials. If you want to buy such a sealant, the price of the mixture will be $ 3 per bottle, the volume of which is equivalent to 300 milliliters. Before you use such a silicone compound, it is recommended that you carry out a test that tests whether the surfaces to be joined react with the acid. This is important when working with cement and marble surfaces. Among the ingredients of such materials are carbonate, alkalis and lime, which are able to interact with acetic acid.

Features of neutral sealants

If you need a silicone sealant for a bath, then you can choose a neutral variety of it, which is universal and can be used for processing all kinds of surfaces. In the role of a vulcanizing agent is alcohol or ketoxime. Such compounds can withstand high temperatures, and high-temperature sealant can be used in the construction of saunas and baths. If you have chosen a colorless silicone sealant of this type, then you can count on high bactericidal activity. But many consumers do not like that such mixtures are somewhat more expensive - for 300 milliliters it will be necessary to pay about $ 7.

On sale it is possible to meet also compositions of narrow specialization, some of them are intended for performance of specific tasks.

Conclusion

Modern manufacturers are selling sealants in a wide range. Thus, motorists will be able to select for themselves the compounds that are designed to repair the car and replace the gaskets. Such material perfectly protects the elements from the effects of moisture, antifreeze and engine oil. The mixture does not flow at the time of application and is able to undergo a short-term exposure to an impressive temperature. If you need a sealant, the price of which was mentioned above, then you should remember that during the application and operation the mixture should be protected from the effects of gasoline.