Silicone sealant: field of application and basic properties

The silicone sealant has become very popular due to its wide temperature range: -50 to +250 ^o C. A number of excellent properties have provided it with distribution in such diverse areas as electrical engineering, medicine, food and textile industry, as well as national economy and industrial equipment.

Brief description and advantages

Silicone sealant neutralizes such unpleasant phenomena as: cold, street noise, precipitation, etc. Also, similar products protect the fittings from condensate, which has a destructive effect.

Silicone sealant can boast the following main advantages:

• High strength;
• Stability in a wide temperature range;
• Resistance to various kinds of deformations;
• The broadest field of application;
• Ecological purity;
• Long service life without distortion of the initial protective characteristics;
• Huge color scale.

Than you need to lubricate rubber seals

Lubrication of silicone seals is necessary in order to prevent cracking, freezing and premature aging of products. Also it allows to improve considerably such parameters as tightness, sound insulation and heat protection.

Among the most popular lubricants are:

• WD-40 is an aerosol that firstly removes rust from any metal surface. In addition, the product has a high penetrating power, forms a protective film that provides high moisture-repelling properties, and also extends the life of the rubber seal.
• Mastic "Protective decorative paint". The silicone sealant treated with this substance lasts much longer, is resistant to the effects of atmospheric precipitation and looks great for a long period of time.
• Glycerol. It is a viscous colorless liquid, sweet to the taste and absolutely not perceptible to smell. The main advantages include a low freezing point and a number of excellent hygroscopic properties.

Material suitable for the manufacture of a sealant

The sealant can be made from any elastic material:

• Silicone;
• Polyvinyl chloride;
• Thermoplastic elastomer;
• Rubber.

Any of the above materials should be:

• Is resistant to a temperature difference;
• Is durable;
• Wear-resistant;
• Moisture proof.

The silicone sealant is able to last for a very long period of time, but when mounting the structure, it should still be possible to replace it.

Sealer for shower enclosure

The rubber silicone rubber sealer is very popular with the installation of shower cabins due to the fact that it is distinguished by its high elasticity and compatibility with silicone, fixing the glass.

The product can be used to seal the shower enclosure all around the perimeter, including for internal connections. High elasticity allows you to call it only as a rubber band.

Depending on the method of coupling, the silicone sealant for the shower can be:

• A-shaped. Ideally seals the space between the glass and the wall, as well as glass and glass.
• T-shaped. It is located mainly on the door at the bottom.
• W-shaped.
• C-shaped.

Types of window seals

When choosing a seal for a plastic window, you should pay attention not only to the color and the manufacturer, but also to the characteristics of the material used to make it.

Types of materials:

1. TPE is an elastic thermoplastic, which is otherwise called a modified plastic. Some ready-made windows fall into the hands of the customer already with the TPE seal, since it is applied on almost every automated line of profile assembly. Due to the small radius of curvature it can easily be welded, and its cross section can take any shape. Such a seal is advantageous for the manufacturer, and the user receives: poor tolerance of sharp temperature changes, fragility in the cold and ductility in the heat, as well as low resistance to mechanical effects and ultraviolet radiation. But his replacement will not cause any difficulties - you only need a kitchen knife.
2. EPDM is an ethylene-propylene rubber capable of withstanding any critical temperatures, mechanical stress, ultraviolet radiation and atmospheric precipitation.
3. Silicone rubber is a very soft and pliable material, the positive characteristics of which significantly exceed the previous version. There are disadvantages too - a high price.

Tips for choosing a window seal

Silicone sealant for glass - this is the best option, since it is not afraid of tart detergents, paint, or drying oil.

The main purpose of these products is to close the gap between the frames and doors. The presence of a high-quality deposited material retains most of the heat in the room, constantly striving to escape through the opening.

The old windows that existed in Soviet times were insulated with a self-adhesive sealant (Swedish method). This band, which retains heat, which is a sticky tape, wound up in a ring, can be found in any construction shop.

A modern self-adhesive sealant based on silicone has the following appearance: a twin sample of the above-described variant, from which two narrow strips are obtained with the help of a light hand movement.

If insulation requires a room with high temperatures and high humidity, heat-resistant silicone sealant should be preferred, since it is up to him to ensure the ideal clamping of the window leaflets (the bath, sauna or bathroom).