A sealant’s role in the quality finish of any new home
Although a seemingly minute aspect of a new build project, sealants actually have a major role to play. Used in a wide range of applications, from pipes to windows, baths to kitchen worktops, the standard and reliability of any sealant specified is key to a good quality, long lasting finish – and less call backs. Here, Andy Cummins Senior Product Manager at Geocel takes a look at the different sealants available and offers advice on the most suitable product for the job in hand.
Sealants are the ultimate ‘back of the van’ product, with a multitude of uses across any new build, refurbishment or repair project. The product category can also be quite confusing, with silicones, acrylics and MS Polymers just three of the technologies available – and both specialist and multi-use products also on offer. Here, we take a closer look.
Silicones
Silicone sealants are a popular choice; a versatile option that adheres well to a wide range of construction substrates. Available in a wide range of colours, silicones have excellent UV and colour stability and offer extreme temperature resistance. They also have high workability and provide excellent elasticity and durability.
Silicones are predominantly used due to their elastic and water resistant properties and are well suited to expansion and connection joints in sanitary areas, floors, walls and windows.
Silicones have an established heritage across all areas of construction. Leading brands such as Dowsil, for example, have been used to seal glazing on many of the world’s iconic tall buildings, where failure just isn’t an option – giving users the added reassurance that if they can be trusted on the most complex projects, they can be trusted with the day to day.
Acrylics
Acrylics do not offer the same flexibility or weather resistance as silicones and are therefore best used in applications where there is low movement, and little or no contact with water. An acrylic is great for jointing, caulking and filling gaps and also works well on plastered walls, masonry and wood – particularly as it can be overpainted.
Products such as Geocel’s Painters Mate Flexible Filler are ideal for hairline cracks as no sanding is required and they can be overpainted in just one hour.
MS Polymers
Still the relative ‘newbie’ to the trade market, MS Polymer sealants were first introduced by Geocel in 2008 and have continued to grow in popularity.
A major advantage is their non-staining properties, making them ideal for projects such as sealing marble or granite kitchen work tops. Many MS Polymers also perform as adhesives, and offer excellent compatibility and adhesive properties on brick, metal, glass, plastic, tile, wood or stone surfaces, and many more. They also can be applied directly on wet or dry surfaces and will bond and cure underwater. Once applied, they also won’t attack synthetic materials, unlike solvented adhesives.
MS Polymer products feature many of the attributes of traditional sealants with the paintability of acrylics and the flexibility and UV stability of silicones.
Furthermore, combined sealants and adhesives make great multi-use products, ideal for snagging. MS Polymers such as THE WORKS PRO Superior Construction Sealant & Adhesive from Geocel, are really effective all-rounders, as they can seal, fill and bond almost any surface, wet or dry, inside or out.
When it comes to choosing any sealant, a product’s suitability and reliability are key, with long snag lists and callbacks not just a hassle but a waste of resource. Research from the Association of British Insurers, for example, suggests that £1.8m is paid out every day in the UK to settle claims relating to the escape of water. While that will cover a wide range of repairs, we all know that failing sealants in bathrooms can lead to untold damage and really affect a housebuilder’s reputation.
The type of sealant specified for a project might seem such a small detail amongst a housebuilder’s list of materials but it is certainly worthy of some consideration, to ensure you achieve a long-lasting, reliable finish. For the full range of Geocel and Dowsil sealants, please visit www.geocel.co.uk.