How to choose a sealant for windows: characteristics and reviews

Having installed plastic windows or doors, you can see that often the joints between the structure and the slopes are not sealed qualitatively. In principle, it is difficult to find a company that, when installing metal-plastic structures, performs seam sealing services.

Most often, this process is carried out directly by the tenants. In this case, the sealant for windows will be an indispensable helper. Especially if it is planned to equip plastic slopes. Closure of voids, for example, between the window sill frame can also be done with a sealing compound.

Characteristics of sealant

The sealant for plastic windows is a mass in the form of a plastic paste, which includes polymers. After the product is applied to the surface, the mixture slowly solidifies. This forms a layer that does not allow air and moisture to pass through. Hence, it prevents drafts and heat loss in the room.

For plastic designs, it is best to use a white sealant. A tool of this type provides the stability of the metal-plastics to climatic influences, as well as to temperature differences. A white color sealant for the windows will give them aesthetic appearance.

Types of sealants

What sealant for windows is better, it is difficult to say, since there are a lot of varieties. Let's try to understand what a given kind of material is. In the article, we describe several types of sealants, which are usually used to seal the slots of structures made of metal. Especially highlight those that have high adhesion and strength.

On a silicone base

The silicone-based sealant contains silicone compounds. Such a tool is universal. It is used both for internal and external works. The sealant is elastic, has a high degree of adhesion. The work is very simple, easy to apply. In addition, it has a low price.

Silicone sealant for windows is acid and neutral type. If the first variety is used, then after its application in the room you can smell vinegar. But it disappears very quickly. This type of sealant does not deform with time, does not change its properties. Specialists recommend the use of sanitary silicone material for interior finishes. This type of sealant is not affected by mold or other fungi. That is why its color is always white.

On an acrylic base

Another type of sealant, which is suitable for PVC structures, is an acrylic based material. By its properties, it is not inferior to silicone. It is quite elastic. In an uncleaned state it is washed off. In general, it is used outside, sealing seams, because the material has a high degree of resistance to ultraviolet rays and the effects of precipitation.

It is not recommended to use it for indoor operation. Since after hardening the material takes a porous structure and absorbs various evaporation. From this, it begins to gradually darken. But if the acrylic sealant was used for internal sealing of seams, then it is necessary to paint it. The disadvantage of the product on the acrylic base is the fact that with exterior finish in winter time it does not have high stability.

Polymeric

This type of sealant is based on MS-polymers. In other words, it is also called liquid plastic. Its characteristics include excellent adhesion and rapid solidification. After the material is used to seal the seams, it creates a single structure with plastic windows. The disadvantage is the possibility of rupture of the sealant under certain loads. And in the rest it has high technological properties. Therefore, such a sealant for PVC windows is an expensive material.

Polyurethane

The material on the polyurethane base is characterized by high elasticity, excellent water-repellent property, resistance to deformation and stretching. It is also resistant to ultraviolet rays and other vagaries of the environment.

Polyurethane sealant easily adheres to other materials. PVC is no exception. After the substance has hardened, it can be painted or varnished. Due to the positive characteristics and high performance, including resistance to low temperatures, this type of sealant is adopted in various areas.

Butyl

The basis of this type of sealant is a rubbery substance. Due to this, it retains its elasticity and elasticity at temperatures from -55 to +100 Degrees. It is very resistant to ultraviolet radiation and is completely harmless to others. It is often used not only for sealing seams, but also for repairing insulating glass. This allows you to make it high vapor tight.

Theocular

The basis of the thekyl sealant is polysulfide components. Its advantage over other types is the ability to freeze under any conditions. This is its quality does not depend on the temperature or humidity level. This is the best sealant for windows when doing outdoor work. And in rainy weather, and in great frosts, it is able to withstand any stresses.

Hermetic "Steeze A"

The most common sealant for windows from metal-plastic is the substance "Steeze A". It is made on the basis of acrylic. This mixture is completely ready for use, the material is one-component. Used for installation of metal-plastic structures, landscaping from the outside. For use indoors use the material "Steeze B".

Let's talk in more detail about the first version of the tool. So, the sealant for the windows "Steeze A" is used to seal the joints between metal-plastic windows, walls of concrete or brick, all the construction joints that are located around the perimeter of the frame, as well as to process the gaps in the structures themselves, filling various voids when installing them. "Stiz A" - sealant for plastic windows, which has the following characteristics:

1. It is characterized by high adhesion with any materials, even if the surface is wet.
2. Has a resistance to moisture, ultraviolet.
3. Has a high degree of vapor permeability.
4. After hardening, it is suitable for painting or even plastering.
5. It can be applied by any method: a brush, a spatula, a special gun.

Filling Slots

How correctly to apply a sealant for sealing the slots in plastic windows? The instruction is given taking into account that the slopes are already installed. Preliminary it is necessary to prepare such tools: a special syringe for the material, water in the container, scotch building. Then we perform the following work:

• We begin with the preparation of the surface of the slopes. To ensure that the surplus material does not stain the surface of the slopes and can be easily removed, we place the building scotch. Its use will make work much easier and save time.
• Slots that are sealed, cleaned from a variety of dirt, dust, remnants of protective film. This process will significantly increase the adhesion.
• Next, we seal with a syringe. Gradually squeeze the material out of the syringe into the space between the window frame and the PVC slope. The syringe should be held at an acute angle and held so that its spout is smoothing the extruded substance.
• Unevenness of the obtained seam is smoothed by a finger moistened with water, until we achieve the desired effect. You can also remove the surplus. Be sure to control the uniform distribution of material, exclude gaps in the application. The finger can be cleaned with a napkin.
• Now we proceed to the final cleaning of the surface from the residues of the substance. Do this with a damp sponge. We perform the procedure very carefully, to keep its integrity sealant for the windows on the seams. Wash the sponge thoroughly.
• It is best to sew stitches in stages. For example, first we put the sealant on one part of the window frame, level, remove the excess and mine. Only then should proceed to the next part. This rate of work will exclude the pre-freezing of the material, if suddenly it does not work all at once. The frozen material is evenly leveled.
• We perform cleaning qualitatively. Otherwise, parts of the frozen material will spoil the appearance of the slopes or the window frame. Even if they are not immediately noticeable, they will darken with time, they will look like dirty spots.

Importance of using sealant for PVC windows

Very often a foam is used to seal the joints between the frame and the wall. But, as we see, the role of sealant for windows is also high. Let's pay attention to the most important moments that show the advantages of using it:

1. Provides a reliable and durable seal, in contrast to the mounting foam, which eventually breaks down.
2. This is a fairly simple process. It takes a little time, but requires accuracy and caution.

All these moments can ensure the quality functioning of plastic windows, and they will please you for a long time.