Understanding construction sealants

Sealants are used in construction for a variety of reasons. Key among them, blocking passage of materials (water, air, sound, etc) through joints. Some sealants can also be used as a firestopping component.

They are especially used to bridge small gaps in surfaces where the use of concrete, timber or other construction materials is not feasible. Different sealants vary from one another in terms of strength, fuel resistance, appearance, flexibility, and so on.

The main difference between sealants and typical adhesives is that despite their lower strength, they have higher elongation. This enables them to be used effectively between substrates with varying properties.

Plant resins, reeds, mud and grass were initially used as sealants. It’s in the 17th century that glazing putty was first used for window glass panes. It is not until the 1920s that sealants were first chemically manufactured using acrylic, butyl and silicon polymers. These sealants had gained widespread use in construction by the 1960s.

A sealant has the following functions;

- Gap-filling between substrates

- Creation of barrier for preventing passage of substances

- Maintaining the seal for the anticipated lifetime

For the above to be achieved, one has to match the right sealant with the substrate. For example, the sealant should bond well and also be flexible enough to accommodate anticipated movement.

Contact In Doors East Africa LTD today for any queries on sealants or for free technical advice and quote.