Frequently Used Joint Sealants in Construction

	Frequently used Joint Sealants in the Construction Industry
	Joint Sealants are used to seal out moisture and other harmful elements of nature. There are many different sealants available with silicone, urethane and acrylic sealants being the most popular. Acrylic Sealants: Acrylic construction sealants are used in both interior and exterior applications. They have excellent adhesion to a variety of substrates without a primer. They are used primarily because of their low cost and paintability. The disadvantages of acrylic sealants are their tendency to shrink and crack over time and having very little movement capability. Urethane Sealants: Urethane construction sealants have excellent adhesion to a variety of substrates and have good movement capability. They cure to a soft, flexible but durable rubber. They are used to seal vertical and perimeter expansion joints on buildings and horizontal joints in parking garages and sidewalks. The main disadvantage of urethane sealants is their lack of resistance to UV. Silicone Sealants: Silicone construction sealants are used mainly in exterior applications. Silicones are virtually unaffected by UV and are becoming the sealant of choice because of their long service life (greater than 20 years). The disadvantages of silicone sealants are cost, adhesion to substrates without a primer and a limited number of standard colors. For more information on joint sealants used in the construction industry please visit sealantsandcoatings.com