The Types Of Sealants You Might Want To Know

There are mainly six types of sealants that are the most common in construction. 

They differ in cost and applications, based primarily on the performance properties and the substrate properties.

Water-based sealants, also known as latex, are popular for residential use because of their ease of application and ability to adhere to most substrates. These sealants are easy to apply and clean up, and dry relatively quickly, and they are also paintable. Water-based sealants can be prone to shrinkage and can pull away from the substrate creating gaps, and allowing water to penetrate.

Acrylic sealants are UV stable making them suitable for exterior applications, and are not prone to shrinkage. They are paintable like latex. But acrylic sealants aren’t as flexible as some other sealants, so movement over time can cause cracking. 

Butyl sealants adhere well to many different materials but can be hard to apply due to their stringier consistency. They have poor resistance to abrasion and struggle to accommodate movements that introduce shearing forces. They are highly water-resistant, but they’re not very resistant to movement, meaning these sealants can tear. They also won’t accept paint well. 

Polysulfide sealants have excellent flexibility even at low temperatures with little shrinkage or UV degradation and can be used for underwater applications. They are more expensive than similar sealants and have a tendency to have higher levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Silicone sealants have excellent thermal resistance, good dynamic movement capability, and good adhesion. These products remain very flexible and are highly water-resistant. They can be easily vandalized and tend to collect dirt. They’re also less prone to shrinking than most other sealants, and they stick to almost any material.

Polyurethane sealants adhere well to the majority of different surfaces with little substrate preparation. These sealants create strong bonds between materials and seal joints to prevent fluids and other substances from passing through. They’re also abrasion resistant and provide more flexibility than many other sealant types, making them a favorite in the construction industry. Polyurethane sealants are rarely paintable, but they often come in tinted hues like gray, black, or white for matching with concrete and trim.