Mastic sealant
Mastic is commonly used on construction projects as an adhesive and sealant. It is a popular choice where one surface needs to be adhered to another in a durable bond, or where the area needs to be protected.
The most common types of material that mastic sealant can be adhered to include timber, aluminium, steel, marble, glass and various types of board, although it can be used on nearly all materials.
Examples of uses for mastic sealant include:
- Bonding ceiling, wall and floor tiles.
- Bonding plywood panels.
- As a joint-sealer for windows and doors.
- Sealing the area around bathtubs and other sanitary appliances.
- As a filler for cracks in masonry and concrete.
Mastic can be used outside because of its water-resistant, temperature-resistant and UV-resistant properties. It is also capable of resisting corrosion which makes it suitable for use with metals.
Although mastic will usually resist some applied pressure, it is not flexible enough to accommodate large movements. Due to its viscosity, it is best applied to thick rather than thinner areas of application, such as large gaps and cracks. Before applying mastic, the area may not require priming, but it should be clean and dry. It is best applied by using a caulking gun.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Costs and insolvencies mount for SMEs, despite growth
Construction sector under insolvency and wage bill pressure in part linked to National Insurance, says report.
The place for vitrified clay pipes in modern infrastructure
Why vitrified clay pipes are reclaiming their role in built projects.
Research by construction PR consultancy LMC published.
Roles and responsibilities of domestic clients
ACA Safety in Construction guide for domestic clients.
Fire door compliance in UK commercial buildings
Architect and manufacturer gives their low down.
Plumbing and heating for sustainability in new properties
Technical Engineer runs through changes in regulations, innovations in materials, and product systems.
Awareness of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism
What CBAM is and what to do about it.
The new towns and strategic environmental assessments
12 locations of the New Towns Taskforce reduced to 7 within the new towns draft programme and open consultation.
Buildings that changed the future of architecture. Book review.
The Sustainability Pathfinder© Handbook
Built environment agency launches free Pathfinder© tool to help businesses progress sustainability strategies.
Government outcome to the late payment consultation, ECA reacts.
IHBC 2025 Gus Astley Student Award winners
Work on the role of hewing in UK historic conservation a win for Jack Parker of Oxford Brookes University.
Future Homes Building Standards and plug-in solar
Parts F and L amendments, the availability of solar panels and industry responses.
How later living housing can help solve the housing crisis
Unlocking homes, unlocking lives.
Preparing safety case reports for HRBs under the BSA
A new practical guide to preparing structural inputs for safety cases and safety case reports published by IStructE.
Male construction workers and prostate cancer
CIOB and Prostate Cancer UK encourage awareness of prostate cancer risks, and what to do about it.