Dow Corning CWS and 500 Fire Rated are sealants perfectly suited to caulking building openings (window and door) and firewalls. The 500 Fire Rated sealant and its high heat resistance make it a fire-sealing sealant used on any type of non-porous coating.
Outdoor caulking reduces energy loss, moisture in rooms and the feeling of “cold glass.” But it is also a material that does not expand and resists temperature variations. Follow thecaulking expert’s explanations...
The physical properties of the Dow Corning sealant
The CWS is a silicone sealant with a neutral-walled component. It is easy to apply and requires no primer. Its properties give it a medium elasticity and a balanced grip. The sealant is applied to the cold gun at temperatures ranging from -29 to 49 degrees Celsius (-20 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit), temperatures that can be reached in Canada during the winter season. The Dow Corning CWS sealant resists high temperatures and does not deform. The FireRated 500 Fire Sealer is used in fireproof classified buildings.
These sealants are easy to apply to any type of coating joints and non-porous building materials such as:
- Expansion joints
- Concrete wall joints
- Caulking doors and windows, panels, floor-to-ceiling windows, veranda, framing…
Caulking specialists, qualified and trained to apply sealants according to the outside temperature. Depending on the weather and humidity, it takes 3 to 6 hours for the sealant to dry and not sticky to the touch. It will be totally dry between 7 and 14 days.
The CWS sealant offers good resistance to moisture, air and cold. Its application helps to avoid:
- Heat loss (saving on your heating bills)
- Molds and fungi on the window frame (remediation of ambient air)
- The proliferation of insects often attracted by moisture
- The development of bacteria that can harm the health of people
Silicone sealant with aesthetic colours
The Dow Corning CWS sealant comes in a wide range of colours to match the design and style of the building (contemporary or old): concrete white, limestone grey, black, bronze, sandstone, aluminium… The seal blends perfectly into the tones of the masonry or the aesthetics of the windows.
On request, the manufacturer can make custom colours.
The different phases of sealant application
The surface is first cleaned with a metal brush and/or solvent if necessary. The surface should be smooth, residue-free and dry before the product is applied. In most cases, a first test is performed to determine the adhesion of the caulking sealant. The professional performs a thermography inspection of the building (if necessary – additional costs) via an INFRARED HD camera to detect air infiltration and insulation failures. This step is entrusted to an independent specialist.
In some specific cases, the expert then uses a masking tape to make a clean, smudge-free tracing. The mask clearly defines the part to be coated with a smoothing of great finish. The smoothing of the sealant is an important part of the job that requires a professional technique. A slight pressure is applied to the silicone using a specific tool. In addition to the efficiency of caulking, aesthetics is a very present concept in the work of a caulking company.
Then comes the cleaning phase for a perfect finish.
The sealant usually requires no maintenance. Damaged seal parts can be easily repaired by replacing them with new sealants. The Dow Corning CWS sealer adheres to most silicone sealants: simply remove dirt from the surface to be treated with a solvent. Dirty joints can be cleaned with soapy water.
The Dow Corning CWS sealant has a storage shelf life of 18 months depending on the date of manufacture. The duration of sealing is guaranteed for 5 years is available.
Contraindications to know
- Structural glazing works
- Use inside a closed and unventilated space
- Continuously submerged joints
- For medical or pharmaceutical use
Our caulking experts have all the skills and technical know-how to use the different types of sealants, including the firewall sealant.
Information in https://calfeutrage-elite.com/contact-calfeutrage-laval-montreal-rivesud/