professional installing sealant on window

The Different Types of Sealants and Why They All Matter

Any building should be built to ensure it has no gaps or cracks. Gaps and cracks can let in pests, which is never good for any building. While it’s true that a structure is built to ensure this doesn’t happen, it will wear down to the point where gaps and cracks will be present later. The good news is that this can be solved easily with sealants.

Sealants will fill in any gaps and cracks that are open. They are easy to apply and are made with non-toxic materials. Sealants will seal a structure properly, preventing pests from entering. They are also easy to re-apply if the initial sealant has worn down. However, not many people know much about sealants beyond their function, so they sometimes buy the wrong product. For this reason, we’ll discuss the different types of sealants. These include:

Butyl and Acrylic Sealants

Acrylic and butyl sealants are similar sealants often used to protect garages. Butyl sealants are made from synthetic rubber. It has a thick consistency that remains stiff for about five years. This makes them better for sealing cracks.

Acrylic sealants, on the other hand, are much thinner. They tend to pull apart from the surface, so it doesn’t make them an excellent choice for sealing cracks.

Polysulfide Sealant

Polysulfide sealants are an improvement upon butyl sealants. It’s superior because it keeps its shape for up to ten years, making it much better than butyl sealants. Polysulfide sealants are also made from synthetic rubber, but they work differently.

They’re applied hot and go from liquid to a sticky consistency. Polysulfide sealants are easy to use, but the drawback is that they don’t last long. Regardless, it’s still an excellent solution for sealing gaps.

Silicone Sealant

As the name suggests, silicone sealants are made from silicone, the most non-toxic sealant. They are naturally flexible, so they’re perfect for sealing gaps. The best part is that they are easy to apply and ideal for DIY applications.

With the different types of sealants covered, here are some reasons why they’re essential:

Ensures Sustainability

Building a gapped or cracked structure will negatively impact its energy efficiency because air will enter the structure, causing it to lose heat. Sealants stop air from entering the structure to ensure the structure will remain sustainable.

Provides Excellent Insulation

Insulation is vital for any building because it will ensure a safe and warm structure. If a structure is poorly insulated, it will be prone to get damaged, meaning it will need to be repaired or demolished and rebuilt. Sealants are an excellent solution because they will keep a structure insulated for at least up to five years.

Highly Durable

Sealants are made with long-lasting materials, so they’ll last for a long time. They do this by keeping the water and air from entering a structure. This is important because it will keep the structure safe and sound.

Water Protection

Sealants are an excellent water barrier because of their waterproofing properties. When a structure is water-protected, it doesn’t need to be replaced often, saving money.

Incorporates Well in Any Design

Many people think that sealants don’t go well with their home designs. This isn’t true because sealants can also be used to improve the look of a structure. The tricky part lies in applying a sealant right, so it’s only a matter of having the skill.

Cost-Effective

The cost of sealing a structure is much less than repairing it later on. It’s not just the structure that’ll save money because the structure won’t need repairs or replacements later on, saving your valuable time and money.

Conclusion

Sealants are a valuable addition to any home because they do so much to extend the life and function of a structure, making them the best solution for ensuring your home will last longer and serve its purpose. Just remember to apply the sealant correctly and choose the right sealant type for the project.

If you’re looking for caulking companies in Brisbane, Quality Sea Australia is for you! Our professional contractors provide top-quality caulking and sealing services to ensure your home is safe from leaks, all for an affordable price. Reach out today to get a quote!