11/04/2024

Got the right sealant/adhesive for the job?

It might be stating the obvious, but sealants and adhesives are used in various applications, but they serve different purposes and have different properties. Sometimes we fall into a not-so-good habit of using one or two products to do everything, even for applications they’re not designed for. This is why most brands have a range of products.  We know, for example, that a bathroom sealant will need different properties to an exterior façade sealant.  So take a moment and check out the differences – they might surprise you (or even save you from things going wrong on the job!)

Interior Sealing
Sikasil Roofing and plumbing illustration
Exterior Sealing

Sikasil RTV Bath & Tile Illustration

Sealants

What are Sealants?

Sealants are primarily used to seal joints or gaps between surfaces, preventing the penetration of water, air, dust, or other substances. They are designed to fill voids and provide a barrier against moisture, weather, and environmental factors. 

Sealants are commonly used in construction for sealing joints in buildings, such as between windows and walls, or between different construction materials like concrete and metal.

They can be either flexible or rigid, depending on the application requirements. Sealants also generally have lower strength compared to adhesives, but they provide excellent sealing properties.

Characteristics of Sealants
  • Flexibility: One of the key characteristics of sealants is their flexibility, which allows them to withstand movement without compromising their sealing properties. This flexibility makes them ideal for applications where joints may expand or contract due to temperature fluctuations or structural movement.
     
  • Adhesion: Sealants adhere well to a variety of substrates and form a durable bond with the surfaces they are applied to, ensuring long-lasting sealing performance.
     
  • Weather Resistance: Sealants provide protection against weathering, UV radiation, and environmental pollutants, making them suitable for both interior and exterior applications.
     
  • Water Resistance: Sealants provide protection against weathering, UV radiation, and environmental pollutants, making them ideal for sealing joints in wet or damp environments such as bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor structures.
Applications of Sealants

Sealants find widespread use in various industries and applications, including:

  • Construction: Sealing joints in buildings, bridges, roads, and other structures to prevent water ingress and air leakage.
 
  • Automotive: Sealing seams and joints in vehicles to prevent water leaks and reduce noise and vibration.
 
  • Marine: Sealing joints and seams in boats and ships to prevent water intrusion and hull damage.

Adhesives

What are Adhesives?

Adhesives are substances used to bond two or more surfaces together by creating a strong, permanent attachment. Unlike sealants, which primarily fill gaps and joints, adhesives provide structural strength and load-bearing capability, making them essential for joining materials in various applications.

Adhesives can come in various forms, such as tapes, liquids, pastes, or films, and they can be designed for specific applications, such as bonding wood, metal, plastic, or fabric.

Adhesives are used in a wide range of industries, including construction, automotive, aerospace, electronics, and consumer goods manufacturing.

Characteristics of Adhesives
  • Bond strength: Adhesives offer varying degrees of bond strength, ranging from temporary to permanent bonds. They can adhere to a wide range of substrates, including metals, plastics, wood, glass, and ceramics.
 
  • Curing Mechanisms: Adhesives may cure through various mechanisms, including chemical reaction, solvent evaporation, or exposure to heat or UV light. The curing process transforms the adhesive into a durable bond that withstands mechanical stress and environmental factors.
 
  • Temperature and Chemical Resistance: Depending on their formulation, adhesives may exhibit resistance to high temperatures, chemicals, oils, and solvents, enhancing their suitability for challenging environments.
 
  • Versatility: Adhesives come in different formulations to suit specific bonding requirements, such as instant adhesives for rapid bonding, epoxy adhesives for high-strength applications, and pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs) for temporary bonding.
Applications of Adhesives

Adhesives are used in a wide range of industries and applications, including:

  • Construction: Bonding materials such as wood, metal, glass, and plastics in building and infrastructure projects.
 
  • Automotive: Assembling vehicle components, bonding trim and panels, and sealing seams to improve structural integrity and reduce noise and vibration.
 
  • Marine: Bonding deck coverings, teak decks and other flooring materials in marine applications, providing waterproof and durable bonds.

Tradie Tip!

Next time you go to pick up your favourite solvent-based adhesive,  take a moment to think about your health (and the environment). How about trying a solvent-free adhesive like Sika Nailbond Fast? The ultimate result is the same, just without the stink, headache and fumes.