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]]>For caulk windows and doors, and avoid air infiltration or rainwater, the use of quality sealants or seals is essential. There are two main alternatives in terms of materials: silicone or polyurethane. But what is the best choice of both? What are their characteristics, qualities and limitations?
Your caulking specialist on the North Shore answers… 514-910-3548
Silicone vs polyurethane
Silicones and polyurethanes, also known as urethane polymer (which are organic) make up the duo of Sealer most commonly used.
Focus on the quality of these two materials.
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The qualities of silicone sealants
Silicones are popular materials for their amazing flexibility. This is not the case for most polyurethanes that solidify in a cold climate, thus losing their elasticity. Similarly, in the summer heat, polyurethanes sag, unlike silicones, which maintain an excellent hold.
In addition, silicone sealants are highly resistant to ultraviolet rays and can be easily cleaned.
Over time, polyurethanes become damaged, cracked and can even be powdered, allowing impurities and unwanted micro-insects to easily seep into the interstices (ants, spiders and other critters). Meanwhile, silicones retain all their physical properties for several years.
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The qualities of polyurethane sealants
Polyurethane is a sealant that is applied as a soft putty and is easier to integrate between two surfaces.
Today, there are polyurethane-efficient sealants that are available in a number of colours, including the ultra white (exclusive to Sonneborn’s NP1). Like Tremco’s Dymeric 240, they are high-quality polyurethanes whose colours and physical properties last for a long time.
What to know
Silicone is a sealant that is also particularly suitable for glass, tile and metal. But for wooden surfaces, polyurethane will have a slight advantage.
Implementation of seals
As far as the installation of joints is concerned, the application of silicones is easier since it can be done at extreme temperatures (up to -25oC or even beyond). Then, the ripening is faster; only half an hour for silicone compared to several days for organic sealants.
However, it is advisable to seek advice from a caulking expert as the choice of the type of sealant depends on many factors:
- Support material
- Outdoor exposure (sun, rain, wind…)
- Type of façade…
Silicone or polyurethane depending on the surfaces to be treated
It thus appears that silicone sealants, which are gaining in popularity, are much better seals for windows or for any type of opening. But it is necessary to verify that the product used is compatible with the surfaces to be treated (glass, wood, masonry, metal…).
For this, it is advisable to contact a caulking expert who knows the products and their applications perfectly.
Why do the joints spoil?
Seals and sealants, whether made of silicone or polyurethane, tarnish, turn yellow, black and their texture disintegrates over time and weather.
It’s a normal wear and tear that needs to be monitored. The problem is that their deterioration is not always easily visible because the mastics are applied to the join of doors and windows.
So it takes the eye caulking expert to detect malfunctions and porosity in the joints. This inspection work should be done preferably in the fall and spring.
On the other hand, it is not long to repair or redo the joints because a bad sealing causes several inconveniences:
- Water infiltrations that damage the interior of the rooms and the lining of the house,
- Air infiltrations that create heat loss and increase your heating bill,
- An uncomfortable feeling in the house due to humidity, cold or mouldy joints.
It is therefore imperative to choose the sealant between silicone or polyurethane that will best adapt to the environment of your home.
Achieving a lasting and effective sealing:
- The compatibility between the sealant and the surface on which the product must adhere (wood, aluminum, glass…)
- The climatic conditions to calculate the elasticity rate of the sealant. There are sealants that are guaranteed flexibility at temperatures of up to -40C; Perfect for Quebec temperatures.
- And then other criteria such as ease of application, drying time, color, resistance to ultraviolet light, the ability to paint it…
These sealing products and caulking mastics are also used in plumbing, tile laying and many others. construction work like the Masonry or other interventions in the home.
Read:
- Why we prefer Adfast sealants
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