Transparent sealant: pros and cons

Very often there are situations when it becomes necessary to seal the seams to protect areas from moisture penetration. To minimize the risk of such problems, it is worth using a specialized tool. A silicone sealant is suitable for this job, since it can be used to create a high-quality and waterproof connection between surfaces.

Before the sealant began to be widely used in construction and repair work, various kinds of homemade putties and mastics were used. However, these funds were ineffective. The new composition has simplified the process several times, while at the same time increasing its productivity. Sealant is a viscous agent with good density, intended for sealing cracks and joints, sealing joints and gluing various components together. Plus, the tool provides the treated base with excellent protection against moisture and a number of other phenomena that negatively affect the surface.

Universal transparent sealant is a complex mixture by its composition, which includes a whole group of components. The presence of plasticizers provides the composition with elasticity, and the vulcanizing agents are responsible for the viscosity of the mixture. The main component of the base is rubber, primers ensure the adhesion of the composition to various surfaces, the filler is responsible for the color, and the hardener affects the strength.

The composition is produced in tubes that have special pistons for extrusion.

Certain features are inherent in these products, among which the following can be distinguished:

• resistance to chemicals;
• good adhesion to various materials;
• UV and weather resistance;
• good accommodation of movement;
• thermal stability and excellent low temperature tolerance;
• most formulations can be used without problems at temperatures from -30 to +60 degrees.

Silicone, like any other material, in addition to its advantages, has a number of disadvantages. These include the impossibility of using the product on a damp surface, as well as the occurrence of problems with staining the sealant with dyes if there are not enough organic components in the composition.

Silicone sealant is used for outdoor and indoor use. It is indispensable for the installation of plumbing and kitchen furniture. In rooms with a high level of humidity, it is recommended to use a neutral sanitary compound, which perfectly copes with the task of sealing joints around a shower stall, washbasin or glass products. It is possible to exclude the blowing of window frames made of wood by using this tool, intended for external sealing. Such products do not deteriorate from exposure to sunlight and perfectly withstand various temperatures. The colorless composition will be invisible on dark woods.

Among the range of these products there are special heat-resistant compounds.operating in the temperature range from -50 to +300 degrees. The tool is used in electrical work, in the assembly of industrial structures. For work with the roof, there is a bitumen-based sealant, it perfectly seals cracks and other kinds of defects, the formation of which is possible on the roof, basement or foundation of a building. The product is frost-resistant and adheres well to metals, plastic and wood.

The products are divided into two groups: two-component and one-component sealants, which differ in their area of ​​application.

One-component products are classified according to the base.

• Alkaline - the composition is produced on the basis of amines. This type is a specialized material.
• Acidic formulations, where the main component is acetic acid. Its smell is present during the hardening of the sealant on the surface. The main disadvantage of the product is considered incompatibility with a number of metals, since it provokes corrosion. It is not recommended to work with the sealant on cement surfaces that contain alkali.
• Neutral products work well with all surfaces thanks to their ketoxime or alcohol.

When purchasing a product, you should pay attention to the presence of additives - it can be a dye, mechanical fillers that provide adhesion of the substance to the base, extenders that reduce the viscosity, and fungicides that protect against the development of fungus and mold. The presence of such components greatly expands the range of product use. The composition is perfectly stretchable, due to which it can be used on moving elements.

Possessing a number of advantages, the disadvantages of the product still include minimal adhesion to narrow polypropylene plastics, fluoroplastic and polyethylene.

Since the area of ​​application of the products is very diverse, the types of sealants are divided according to their application.

• Special formulations are products designed for work in conditions of maximum humidity. Specialty sealants have good adhesion to non-uniform surfaces and also withstand contact with aggressive cleaning agents.

• Construction sealants have high adhesion rates, are resistant to sunlight and moisture. With their help, joints in the bathroom, in sinks, in batteries and pipes are sealed, they are also used as an adhesive for decorative moldings or as a sealant for automotive lighting devices. Transparent "Moment" represents this type of sealant.

• Automotive products are purchased to replace automotive gaskets. It does not lose its properties when exposed to high temperatures temporarily, and is resistant to antifreeze.

To calculate the amount of material required for sealing joints or other work, you need to know some features of the work, then it will become clear how much material you need to purchase per 1 m² of surface. This is an approximate value for the width and depth of the gap. The sealant consumption is calculated using a fairly simple formula: the width of the joint must be multiplied by the depth, as a result, we get the calculated meter. For triangular seams, the resulting value must be further divided by two. As practice shows, a tube of silicone sealant with a volume of 0.3 kg can fill 10 m of a working area with a composition of 5x5 mm.

Finnish company "Macroflex" has extensive experience in the production of various sealants and adhesives. It has millions of manufactured products on its account, since the production facilities have been manufacturing goods for more than thirty years. This brand's universal silicone sealant is popular for its superior quality and excellent performance.Most professionals prefer to use these products in their work.

Soudal Is a company from Poland that specializes in the manufacture of sealants, seals and adhesives. All products undergo quality control and are manufactured on modern equipment using the latest technologies. The goods are distinguished by a higher cost in comparison with Russian similar products, but the quality of the compositions fully justifies their high cost.

Brand name "Moment" is a leader among similar products offered by Russian manufacturers. The company has been producing formulations for about 30 years, and during this time it has established itself only on the positive side. All products of the enterprise are manufactured in Russia. Moment sealants combine low cost and reliability. A striking representative of the products of this company is a frost-resistant sealant "Herment" with a volume of 280 ml. It is made on the basis of acrylic dispersion, is durable and can be used for indoor and outdoor use. The sealant can be painted with any coloring compound. However, it should not be used to seal joints that will constantly come into contact with moisture.

Atoll Spheraflex 300 Is a one-component transparent sealant. The products have good adhesion to glass, enamel, wood and metal, as well as painted surfaces, ceramics and materials with non-uniform texture. The compound is recommended for sealing joints and gaps, especially for elements with moving areas.

The sealant is widely popular for works related to the glazing of loggias, greenhouses, conservatories, for floor and facing tiles. It does not shrink after hardening, has a good heat resistance - from -40 C to +120 degrees. Very easy to use when working with a gun.

Like any other product, silicone sealant has many analogues with a very low level of quality. This feature is directly related to the composition of the product, since it combines cheap components of organic origin, such as kerosene or oil, which have a negative impact on such quality characteristics - strength, moisture resistance, heat resistance and color stability. The service life of poor quality products is much shorter than that of good quality materials. Therefore, in order to avoid the occurrence of all sorts of problems in the process of performing construction or repair work, it is necessary to buy sealants only from trusted manufacturers who have proven themselves well on the market.

If work is planned to seal joints that have already been filled with any material, you must first remove the old material. For such manipulations, a special cutter or silicone remover is ideal. After completing the preparatory work, wipe the surface with a damp cloth.

You can use masking tape to keep the edges smooth and neat. It is very important to let the composition dry well. Usually, manufacturers indicate the time period for complete hardening on the packaging. As a rule, it is 24 hours. But much depends on the thickness of the applied layer, temperature and humidity.

If there is a need to purchase a transparent sealant for repair, you should study its composition. High-quality products are 90% silicone rubber, the presence of all other fillers and additives should not exceed 10%.

Products that are labeled "A" on their packaging will give off a pungent vinegar smell.Work with such products is carried out only in a respirator, goggles and gloves. Silicone acid sealants are versatile and can be used in almost any location.

If the amount of agent applied exceeds the required amount, additional tools are used. The excess layer is removed from the concrete or wooden surface with a rubber spatula or knife. All removal work must be done promptly and very carefully so as not to spoil the surface. Immediately after applying the excess sealant, it will turn out to be removed with a wet sponge or rag. From the skin, the product is washed off with soapy water.

For information on how to choose a sealant, see the next video.