What is industrial caulking used for? It’s mainly used in the construction industry to fill openings and cracks and seal joints. It provides a barrier to smoke, dust, noise, moisture, water, and air. That’s why proper selection, depending on applications and properties, is key to getting the most out of a sealant.
If you’re in the market for sealants, other construction supplies, and rentals, visit Central Equipment Company in Montoursville, PA, before buying directly from the manufacturer. If we don’t stock what you’re looking for, tell us and we’ll find it!
Here are factors to know before you purchase a sealant.
Weather Resistance/Chemical Stability
Radiation, ultraviolet rays, and adverse weather conditions might cause low-quality sealants to become brittle, crumble or crack. Purchase a sealant with good resistance to these corrosive elements. Additionally, some organic sealants can react to chemicals or atmospheric pollutants, similar to how iron reacts with water. Pick a sealant that doesn’t readily degrade after prolonged exposure to industrial chemicals.
Stability Over Various Temperature Ranges
A high-quality sealant should perform well across various temperatures, from 4˚C to 27 ˚C. Purchase a sealant that functions reliably outside the optimal temperatures, which will help accommodate unexpected temperature changes.
Electrical Properties
Some sealants are less suitable for applications that might be exposed to electricity. In such instances, purchase a high-quality silicone sealant.
Low Flammability
Some sealants burn more quickly than others. Silicone sealants, in particular, are resistant to fire and comply with UL flammability standards.
Adhesion Strength
High-end quality sealants should provide durable adhesion to various industrial materials, including ceramics, glass, wood masonry, plastics, metals, etc. Various factors contribute to each sealant’s bond strength, including cure type, chemical composition, and substrate penetration.
So, what options do I have aside from caulking? You can opt for either of the following three main types of sealants available:
Polysulfide
Polysulfide sealants perform excellently and are mainly used for industrial applications. They’re ideal for instances where chemical resistance is needed. Polysulfides perform great for submerged applications. It would be best to avoid this sealant if your joints experience cyclic motions. They also work equally for exterior and interior projects.
Butyls
Butyls rubber sealants are made of synthetic rubber materials that stick well with most substrates. They’re the best fit for joints that experience many movements. Butyls also work well for interior projects and shouldn’t be exposed to UV lights.
Acrylic
Acrylic sealants are solvent-based, easy to paint, and not fit for joints that experience many movements. But, they perform well on submerged joints and have reasonable UV resistance.
Contact Central Equipment Company in PA for Affordable Sealants and Construction Equipment
No matter the application, purchasing the best sealant matters! It depends on the situation, but rest assured, there are sealants for every application. For indoor applications that require paints, you should consider the paintability and affordability of water-based sealants. However, if you’re still not sure about the sealant you need, the Central Equipment Company in Montoursville, PA, can help you. Contact us today for more solutions and construction equipment that meet your needs.