Silicone Sealant

What is Silicone Sealant?

Silicone sealant is a liquid form of adhesive. Typically, it looks, feels, and acts like a gel. It has a different chemical make-up from other organic polymer-based adhesives. Unlike other adhesives, silicone keeps its elasticity and stability in both high and low temperatures. Furthermore, silicone sealant is resistant to other chemicals, moisture, and weathering. This makes it less likely to fail when building and repairing objects.

Unlike some adhesives, silicone sealants must cure. Curing silicone basically means letting it dry. Curing silicone isn't necessarily difficult, but it does require patience. The temperature needs to be between 40°F and 100°F, and there needs to be between 5% and 95% humidity for silicone to cure. It can take as little as 24 hours to cure, or it can take up to several days if the sealant is especially thick.

Types of Silicone Sealants

Neutral Silicone Sealant

Neutral silicone sealants release alcohol as they cure, and have almost no smell, they have better adhesive properties for a greater number of materials including PVC-U, most other plastics, glass, aluminum, lead, stone, masonry, and Polycarbonate. On the downside, neutral silicone sealants can be more expensive and are slower to cure at one to five days depending on thickness, temperature, and humidity conditions.

General Purpose Silicone Sealant

General purpose silicone sealant is a mid-modulus silicone sealant that adheres to most smooth and non-porous materials. Contains an antifungal compound that resists mildew in high humidity areas and creates a permanently flexible rubber seal.