Sealants in construction
Sealants are used in construction to prevent fluids and other substances from passing through material surfaces, joints, or openings. They can also prevent the passage of air, sound, dust, insects, and so on, as well as acting as a firestopping component.
Sealants are typically used to close openings between spaces that are too small for other materials such as concrete, timber or mortar to be used. They have a wide range of properties in terms of strength, flexibility, appearance permanence, solubility, corrosion resistance, and so on.
While some sealants have adhesive qualities, they differ from conventional adhesives in that they tend to have lower strength and higher elongation. This means that they can be used more flexibly between substrates with different properties.
Historically, materials such as plant resins, mud, grass and reeds were used as sealants. Glazing putty was first used in the 17th century as a means of sealing window glass into the panes. Sealants were first chemically manufactured in the 1920s, in the form of acrylic, butyl and silicone polymers. Synthetic-polymer-based sealants became widely available for use in construction by the 1960s.
The three basic functions of a sealant are as follows:
- Fill a gap between two or more substrates.
- Form a barrier through which other substances cannot pass.
- Maintain sealing properties for the anticipated lifetime.
These functions can be achieved by matching the most suitable sealant to the substrate materials, i.e. one that will have adequate bonding properties and be flexible enough to tolerate anticipated movement, and so on.
Sealants may have a high viscosity, meaning that they do not flow from where they are applied, or a low viscosity, allowing them to penetrate into a substrate. Anaerobic acrylic sealants are able to cure in the absence of air, whereas surface sealants require air to cure.
Some of the most common types of sealants include:
- Acrylic resins
- Butyl rubber
- Epoxy thermosets
- Expanding foam
- Hot wax
- Latex sealants
- Metal sealants
- Paint sealants
- Polysulfide sealants
- Polyurethane sealants
- Rubber sealants
- Silicone sealant
- Urethane sealants
- Varnish
Sealants are typically applied using a caulk gun with a plunger mechanism. Some of the variations include:
- Stamped-steel caulk gun: The least expensive type, which can be disposed of after use.
- Manual caulk gun: Heavy duty for moderate construction use. Has a strong steel body and cast iron handle.
- Bulk caulk gun: This is used for fast application and is designed to accept sealant supplied in bulk.
- Air-powered caulk gun: Capable of pumping high viscosity sealants at high speed and in large volumes.
In certain circumstances, soldering or welding can be used as alternatives to sealants, although these involve more complex techniques.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Shading for housing, a design guide
A look back at embedding a new culture of shading.
The Architectural Technology Awards
The AT Awards 2025 are open for entries!
ECA Blueprint for Electrification
The 'mosaic of interconnected challenges' and how to deliver the UK’s Transition to Clean Power.
Grenfell Tower Principal Contractor Award notice
Tower repair and maintenance contractor announced as demolition contractor.
Passivhaus social homes benefit from heat pump service
Sixteen new homes designed and built to achieve Passivhaus constructed in Dumfries & Galloway.
CABE Publishes Results of 2025 Building Control Survey
Concern over lack of understanding of how roles have changed since the introduction of the BSA 2022.
British Architectural Sculpture 1851-1951
A rich heritage of decorative and figurative sculpture. Book review.
A programme to tackle the lack of diversity.
Independent Building Control review panel
Five members of the newly established, Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommended, panel appointed.
Welsh Recharging Electrical Skills Charter progresses
ECA progressing on the ‘asks’ of the Recharging Electrical Skills Charter at the Senedd in Wales.
A brief history from 1890s to 2020s.
CIOB and CORBON combine forces
To elevate professional standards in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.
Comments
[edit] To make a comment about this article, click 'Add a comment' above. Separate your comments from any existing comments by inserting a horizontal line.