Features of silicone sealants

In the process of carrying out construction work, one has to deal with a variety of tools and materials. One of the main, without which it can not do, it is a sealant.

One of the main features of the sealant is the ability to combine these or other materials with different surfaces among themselves, to provide excellent waterproofing for certain items. Silicone sealant with its bonding property is suitable for products made from metal, copper, aluminum and amalgam. But when it comes directly to silicone works, the question arises, what is the best glue to use.

Initially, it is worth emphasizing similar properties:

• elasticity when applied;
• high strength due to the structure of the compositions;
• water tightness and moisture resistance;
• do not undergo deformation and decomposition at high temperature;
• resist low temperature;
• safe for human health.

Now consider the differences between acrylic and silicone sealants. A sample of silicone glue is applied in a limited area. He is not able to enter into interaction with certain materials. While the acrylic sample can be considered versatile. Due to its composition, there is an instant coupling of any surfaces, while not engaging with them in a chemical reaction.

In addition, acrylic sealant is distinguished by its aesthetics. More precisely, the seams, sealed with it, look much more impressive. In the future they can be painted with any paint. Over time, the paint will not peel off and will not lose its delicious appearance. But with a silicone composition a little more complicated, it is undesirable to paint it.If you use a transparent composition, over the years it will acquire a yellowish tint and become cloudy.

Silicone sealant is a thick, sticky compound that helps to combine different types of surfaces. After drying, the material withstands a moist and wet environment. The main substances that are present in the composition of silicone are rubber, silicone plasticizer, amplifiers, dyes, mechanical fillers, substances for the destruction of mold.

Each element is responsible for its essence of work.

• Elasticity. Sealant can stretch, which is why he is not afraid of movement and permutation.
• This material is immune to external factors.
• Moisture resistance.
• Resistance to temperature changes.
• Fearless to attacks of biological origin.

Silicone in all its qualities is divided into types of origin - two-component and one-component.The first type in its characteristics and composition is popular in industrial work, but the one-component used in the construction and repair of residential premises.

But this does not end the branch of the opening of the types of silicone.

One-component type of sealant is divided according to chemical characteristics.

• Acidic. The basis of this type is acetic acid, about which a specific aroma speaks in the process of work. The only drawback is incompatibility with some non-ferrous metals, as well as with materials based on cement.
• Neutral. The basis is alcohol or ketoxime. Thanks to these components in the composition of a neutral sealant can connect any surface.
• Alkaline. The basis for alkaline sealants are amines. This type of sealant refers to special-purpose materials.

But this is still not fully disclosed branch of species. Further sealants are divided by purpose. For example, plumbing, it is designed to work in rooms with high humidity. Mainly used in the installation of plumbing fixtures, for sealing water supply with a threaded connection.

Greater popularity acquired aquarium sealant. With it, you can make an aquarium or terrarium, as well as to carry out any work related to glass. According to its characteristics, it is one hundred percent water resistant, has high strength and is resistant to high loads.

Two-component - a kind of sealant that was not even supposed to meet. More precisely, his condition. As everyone knows, sealants are viscous and thick, and this interesting specimen is liquid. It is used in the elimination of cracks in pipes, sewage and in the heating system as a whole.

With the help of silicone sealant, you can perform installation work not only indoors, but also outside buildings. For example, to make sealing of seams on a drainpipe. You can repair the stone slabs, which began to move away from the base. But also when laying the roofing sealant will come to the rescue.

When installing new windows do without a strong layer of sealant can not. It will help close up the joints and close the air near the window frames. When working with rubber products can help butyl sealant.In addition to rubber, it will also be easy to make ventilation on the roof with him. Inside the premises, the working area of ​​the sealant is basically no different from the outside one. And also made the sealing of the joints of the walls, floor and ceiling with structures made of drywall.

The sealant shows itself well when working with glass, whether it is working with window glass or assembling a jar for a terrarium. With wood products, sealant shows itself with great care. When pouring, the glue part penetrates deep into the tree through fibers, which allows to obtain higher strength after drying.

Of course, the active use of sealant takes place in rooms with high humidity, a bathroom, for example. All connections of pipes, joints, plumbing, in every corner there is a sealant.

Very often, due to lack of experience with sealer, more material is used than it should be. The essence of this error lies in the miscalculated dimensions of the seams.Still, silicone overrun is not the only drawback. If the seam was filled with sealant without following certain rules, then it will not last long.

To minimize the amount of silicone, you should be guided by the knowledge of the application process.

Colored silicone sealants today are very popular. They are widely distributed in finishing work not only indoors, but also outside. Colored silicone is able to isolate various compounds for protection against leakage. With it, you can get rid of the cracks on the kitchen countertop.It is also possible to close the joints between the sanitary devices with the base of the joint (for example, the seam between the kitchen faucet and the sink).

The main properties of colored sealants are strength, reliability and safety. One of the features is the absence of any odor. In the composition of the silicone there are substances that are constantly fighting with various fungi and mold.

And most importantly, it is a huge choice of colors, thanks to which the appearance of the rooms acquires integrity. Joints and seams are not visible, connections and fastenings are not visible. On the other hand, colored sealant can serve as a contrast of separation. Just need to choose the right shade.

Color pigment is embedded in the adhesive mass of silicone in the production process. But, despite the presence of added color, the sealant is also resistant to UV rays. The original shade after application and drying does not disappear. Over the years, does not tarnish and does not become cloudy. It can be assumed that the white color of the sealant is already related to color, but this is a mistake. As well as transparent silicone, white is considered a classic.Color shades - it can be beige, and brown, and gray, and even black, are a bright addition when finishing any room.

Today, the construction market is simply overwhelmed with various materials, especially silicone sealants. Different names, different producing countries, different pricing policies - the eyes diverge, and you can just get lost in the search for quality goods. And yet, despite the huge number of different names, it is better to consider options that have already proven themselves from the best side: Ultima, Penosil, Makroflex, Ceresit, Krass.

Consider the company Makroflex. This is a Finnish company that has been conquering the global market for 30 years. The range of goods is very wide. These are various sealants, liquid nails and, of course, polyurethane insulation elements. Thanks to the production technology, Makroflex products can be used in the most extreme conditions.

Ultima Brand carries the clarity and coherence of installation work.The production of the product catalog of the brand does not stand still, but increases every day. Ultima is considered even with minimal work, due to which they deviate from the standards and produce their products in a reduced volume. Along with silicone sealants, it is necessary to emphasize the production of various types of glue, seals, polyurethane foam. All this is in great demand in the market.

Such a name as Penosil familiar to everyone and anyone who has ever encountered construction and repair work. On account of this brand hundreds of products that are in great demand in more than 30 countries around the world. All products are designed to meet international standards. The product range of the Penosil brand carries with it many years of experience, a sense of innovation and, most importantly, quality.

Swiss brand Krass It stands on the same level with world brands for the production of building materials. The assortment row is able to change the opinion that installation work carries a lot of difficulties. Each product is marked by quality standard. Krass sealants are endowed with only positive reviews as well as the entire line of products.

Ceresit Company Carries 10 years of experience. Ceresit has conquered the markets of the whole world. By production of materials the most advanced technologies are used. One of the most sought-after products of the brand was silicone grout sealant Ceresit CS 25. You can say - this is a universal silicone that can be used both indoors and outdoors. Its enhanced formula fights mold and mildew. But also a huge plus lies in the color palette. Ceresit CS 25 has 24 shades to choose from for any color solution.

Doing the work with your own hands, especially if for the first time, you must adhere to some rules.

To eliminate possible errors when working with a sealant, you should remember them and follow them in the process.

• The surface to be treated must be cleaned from dust and dirt. But only carefully, so that the pellets or villi do not get into the silicone mass. Next dry. If the working panel is made of metal, then degreasing is required. To do this, you can use a solvent or alcohol.
• The tube with silicone mass must be installed in a special container of the gun.
• Next, you need to cut off the tip of the dispenser, thanks to which the thickness of the applied joint of the sealant is adjusted.

• To protect the adjacent surface from excess silicone, you should use adhesive tape. When working with decorative forms and products, masking tape is required.
• Next, take a gun with a silicone mass. It is necessary to gently apply the mixture, evenly distribute it to the connected products.
• After work, carefully remove the adhesive tape.
• Now remove the excess silicone. This should be done immediately, until the sealant began to set. We moisten a cloth and wash away unwanted residues from the working area.
• We are waiting for it to dry, after which it will be possible to paint the seam in a different color (in case the silicone was acrylic).

Having learned in more detail about all aspects and nuances of silicone sealants, we can safely say that this is a universal solution for many works during construction and repair. It is important to choose the desired type of silicone, and to know the instructions for use.

As for the choice of sealant, here it is worth using some additional knowledge. When buying, you should pay attention to the composition by which you can determine the properties of silicone.

As for application, sealants that contain antimicrobial elements are not suitable for food-related elements. Accordingly, such silicone cannot be used when assembling aquariums and terrariums. Another tip is suitable for restorers: when working with wood, photo collage or mosaic, it is better to use transparent silicone. In the process of repair work, every minute of idleness on the account, and the process of drying of the sealant is not 2 minutes.

You can use several methods to shorten the process of setting the mixture and dry it quickly.

• The room with the treated seams must be warmed. Artificially, of course, up to 40 degrees. For example, put a heater. But this does not mean that you can stand with a hair dryer over the seams; if the permissible temperature is exceeded, the sealant will simply collapse.
• Another way is to create a draft. To open all windows and doors, the main thing is access of a draft to silicone seams.
• Use the spray gun.Just sprinkle the seams, but do not fill them.

There is another small nuance that many people do not pay attention to, but is very important. This is the thickness of the seam. Its adjustment is made using a cut-off cap of the dispenser, which is attached to the tube of sealant. The cut must be made clearly along the marked line. If you stumble on this value and make a cut at an angle of 45 degrees, the thickness of the seam of silicone will increase significantly.

Another mistake that can become an unpleasant factor and will add work. After applying the silicone, you must immediately wipe off any excess sealant. Otherwise, it will stick to the surface, and it will be quite difficult to get rid of it.

About how to work with silicone, see the following video.