You have most likely come across a silicone sealant at a store or a construction site. It is easy to use and strong, and it can be used for a wide range of repairs around the home and professional workplace. From window frames to skirting boards or even in the kitchen, it can handle most tasks.
Whether you have worked on a construction site or even just handled small house repairs, you are likely familiar with the many types of silicone sealant. These types of adhesives are both strong and versatile in terms of how and to what they can be applied. However, there are all kinds of sealants, each suited to a certain use case.
Silicone sealant explanation
Manufacturers typically use silicone sealant as a type of adhesive to create a tight seal between two surfaces. People also often refer to it as silicone glue or adhesive in some places. Many products, including this type of sealant, are often referred to by general terms such as caulk or mastic, alongside other commonly used sealants and adhesives.
This type of adhesive typically has a liquid, gel-like texture when first applied. It then cures to a firmer, rubber-like texture after suitable temperature and humidity conditions allow it to dry out for a while. Once cured in this way, these sealant products become like a durable yet flexible solid silicone rubber.
Silicone sealant is commonly sold in a squeeze tube for manual use by hand. However, it is also sold in larger, rigid tubes. The latter fits into a handy tool, such as a sealant gun or dispensing syringe, which can often help to give a neater finish. Hence, this kind of tool is quite needed.
Why use silicone sealant?
Use silicone sealant because it provides durable, flexible, and waterproof sealing for a wide range of materials. This adhesive creates strong glue bonds and is resistant to chemicals, moisture, and weathering. Basic repairs are the most common use, particularly around the home, such as sealing cracks. Some people also use it to help level uneven surfaces.
Although silicone is not suitable for weight-bearing seals, its strong adhesive properties are still widely used in many construction applications. The use case of silicone sealants can extend to automobiles, electronic devices, and appliances due to their ability to maintain their sealing properties when temperatures are high.
Types of silicone sealants
People often feel slightly overwhelmed by all the types of silicone sealant that are available. You might be wondering which one to use or which is the right fit for your project. This is why we are going to go through all the types you might find, helping you find the one you need.
While most of the sealants contain the same products and materials, they may have the same basic glue properties. However, some sealant types have special properties or are designed for specific uses. Some people will also classify sealants in different ways. Therefore, knowing what you will be using the product for will make it easier to determine what type of sealant you need.
Neutral cure
The most common type of silicone sealant is the neutral-curing one. This type can be found in most hardware stores. This is due to its byproduct-free attributes while it cures. Therefore, it can be used on a huge number of materials safely. Although it does have some drawbacks, like taking longer to cure.
Acid cure
Another popular option is acid-cure sealant, which is widely available in most hardware stores. Its popularity stems from its fast curing time, which makes it perfect for time-sensitive projects. However, there is a massive problem with this, which is the acid it releases when curing. This acid can damage the material they sit on. Hence, you can't put it on any sensitive material.
Multi-purpose silicone sealant
A multi-purpose sealant is a type of adhesive that can be used on many other surfaces with no issue. A sealant like this is still resistant like any other sealant, but it has the bonus of being able to be used on several surfaces. This is a good sealant if you have a surface that a normal sealant can't stick to properly.
High temperature
One specialised type of silicone sealant is heat-resistant silicone. It is made for projects that are in an extreme heat environment. This type is able to withstand temperatures over 360°C without any issue or even losing its sealing capabilities. Other than that, being resistant to ageing, vibration and shock. All of this made it perfect for industrial projects such as sealing various gaskets, cable insulation, and ductwork.
Electric grade self-levelling
This type of sealant is one of the more specialised kinds of silicone sealants. What makes it special is that it doesn't contain acetic acid or any other corrosive chemical. At the same time, it is highly resistant to weather, moisture and extreme temperatures. All of this made it good for sensitive situations and electrical areas.
Choosing the best silicone sealant
To choose the best silicone sealant, consider the cure mechanism, surface compatibility, exposure, and performance specifications. The neutral cure version releases alcohol and sticks to sensitive materials without damaging them. Acid-cure sealant cures more quickly on smooth surfaces but may corrode certain materials. For demanding environments, high-temperature sealants withstand up to 360°C and maintain flexibility under vibration and thermal cycles.
Choosing the right sealant for the right project is important. This is due to some manufacturers making sealants with a special purpose in mind. For example, a manufacturer designs a multi-purpose sealant for use on a wide range of materials. However, that attribute makes it take longer to cure and has limitations on what it can handle. Therefore, putting that kind of sealant on an industrial project would lead to a disaster. Hence, researching the sealant is key to knowing if the sealant you choose is the best for your project.
What are the benefits of silicone sealant?
The benefits of silicone sealant include better flexibility, durability, and waterproofing, making it ideal for sealing joints, gaps, and seams in a number of materials. With elastic properties, it is quite ideal for sealing gaps, joints and cracks in numerous materials. In addition, it is also able to resist moisture, chemicals and harsh weather, preventing leaks and corrosion.
On the other hand, users can use it in temperatures from –40 °C to 360 °C. These sealants maintain their seals no matter the conditions. Their UV and mould resistance guarantees seals remain intact and clean in outdoor and wet environments. With a non-spongy finish, they deter mould growth and resist ageing, offering a lifespan of 15–20 years.
Conclusion
Silicone sealant offers versatile, durable solutions for sealing and bonding surfaces in varied environments. Its elastic, weatherproof, and chemical-resistant properties ensure reliable performance across temperature extremes. Available in neutral-cure, it accommodates project needs from caulking to automotive and electrical uses. With long-lasting, low-maintenance seals that effectively resist UV, silicone remains an essential, cost-effective choice.
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