Choosing the right sealant for the job!
Different materials often require different sealants, and there are now, numerous types available. Some of the most common types of sealants on the market include those for decks, concrete, tile grout, and walls. So how do you choose the right one for your particular job?
Below is a checklist of questions to be asked :
• Type of material it will adhere to?
• Size of gap it will fill?
• Degree of mould resistance?
• How waterproof is it?
• Can it be overpainted, or not ?
• Can it be used indoors and/or out of doors?
• Is it solvent based or does it give off fumes when curing ?
• What it is like when it is cured, i.e. solid, flexible or very flexible?
As you can see, not quite so straightforward as you first thought! If you are thinking of doing the job yourself to save money during the recession, then it’s recommended you take a short course in tiling or DIY at an approved training centre, like here at AbleSkills. It is money well spent! By getting the right information and tuition from experienced industry professionals, you get to really find out how to do the job properly. You get to be hands-on, and that means really learning from your mistakes so you will know exactly what to do when you start on your own job! Why not try if you can get onto a weekend course –they’re very popular!
Water based sealants - of which some are also waterproof - are general purpose, for indoor use. They are commonly used for filling gaps along skirting boards, around door and window frames etc. They are usually supplied in white as it can be over painted with emulsion or solvent-based paint as soon as the surface has cured.
Silicone sealants - produce a waterproof seal that can be used indoors and out. Available in white, translucence and possibly a choice of colours. These sealants give off a distinctive smell until it cures.
Kitchen and Bathroom sealant- Usually designed to seal areas where water seepage is likely (around a sink or bath etc). They need to be waterproof and mould resistant. Usually available in white.
Grout sealant- specifically designed for protecting the grout from stains and mildew, they usually are known for keeping the grout looking new and attractive
Frame sealant- for external use, silicone sealant is used as a water-resistant sealant and joint filler, formulated specifically to seal between wooden or UPVC door and window frames to the surrounding material. Silicone cannot be over painted but is available in a number of colours. For internal frame sealant, water based sealant can be used and it can be over painted once the surface of the sealant has cured.
Roof and Gutter sealant - An all-purpose exterior sealant that can be used to seal leaking joints in guttering and downpipes as well as stopping leaks in flat roofs. Generally it is only available in black.
Deck sealant - typically is best for exterior wood. Not only do deck sealants typically protect the wood from water damage such as mildew, but they should also guard it from sun damage. A penetrating deck sealant is absorbed into the material, while a film-forming sealant creates a barrier around the wood.
Concrete sealants - petroleum or water-based, they are similar to those intended for decks, but they work best on concrete .Protects from extreme weather, and can guard from salt, chemicals, and stains. Can be clear or coloured.
Polyurethane sealant – used for covering tiny cracks in a wall and usually the consistency of putty, it is known for expanding quickly after application. Fortunately, it is also both flexible and elastic, and can protect walls from water damage.
When using a sealant, always make sure that the surface is sound, dust free, and dry, the sealant is ’squeezed’ onto the surfaces and it often depends on gentle surface contact to create a bond. It is also advised that sealants be applied in an inconspicuous test spot first to avoid accidental staining of the area.
