More about Sealants

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Sealants are materials used to fill and close joints, gaps and other openings, while still allowing for some level of movement in that opening. These materials, which include a variety of foams, rubbers, epoxies, elastomers and silicones, are used in a comprehensive range of industries, from automotive and marine to construction and heavy machining. Typical applications include window sealing, expansion joint sealing, HVAC system sealing, tire repair and weatherproofing.

Sealants can be applied in a variety of forms, including sprays, pastes and gels. Once applied, they prevent the intrusion of contaminants, such as moisture, dust and airborne particulate, as well as helping to retain sealed materials. Certain sealants are used to inhibit the porosity of various substances, from metal and wood to synthetics. Among the common sealants available are duct, gasket, pipe and wood sealants. These materials can be used to repair cracks and fissures, close joints and provided added environmental protection.

Silicone, a material regularly used as a sealant, is odorless, tasteless and essentially inert. It can also be manufactured in a variety of forms; as a sealant, it is regularly applied a viscous, caulk-like substance that eventually hardens into a resilient but pliable solid after application. Silicone sprays, which help reduce porosity, are also used on a variety of surfaces. In some cases, sealants are available in a solid form that can only be applied to pre-heated surfaces, and will solidify on cooling. Polytetrafluoroethylene, another odorless and inert polymer, is also used in various sealing functions.