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Sealants and caulkings
Presented by: Sico
Many of the problems attributed to a sealant failure are actually caused by the condition of the surface before the product is applied or by incorrect use of the product. These problems sometimes appear when the product is applied but generally show up much later. For example, when temperature or humidity conditions change and the materials undergo changes in size. People then say that "the house is working." This is why we emphasize the importance of surface preparation.
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A clean surface Contaminants that prevent adhesion To clean the surface A dry surface Sealed wood Compatibility of materials and sealant Examples of materials to avoid A clean surface
Sealants are applied as a paste on the surface of the materials. Sealants must remain firmly bonded to the surface despite any movement of the materials. It's clear that the surface must be like new, in good condition, firm and clean. The surface must be free of all contaminants.
If the surface is not clean, the product may lose its adhesiveness sooner or later by pulling away the contaminant. For example, sealant applied over dust will lift by pulling away the dust when the materials move.Contaminants that prevent adhesion
Some materials prevent good adhesion of products: grease, oil, silicone, creosote, asphalt, wax, soap and soot. They must be removed.
For the same reason, the surface must be free of all loose or foreign matter such as efflorescent salts, rust, and any other substance not firmly attached to the surface.
In the case of solvent-based products, the surface must be free of all substances like asphalt that are soluble in the solvent.To clean the surface
Various cleaners may be used, depending on the surface and its condition, on shown below.
It is important to carefully read the instructions when using these cleaners to learn the required dilution, method for application and safety precautions to take.
After cleaning, a thorough rinsing and drying of the surfaces is usually required.Cleaners Cleaner Typical use Soapy water Dust and other normal dirt Phosphoric acid solution Rust Rust-Oleum # 3599 Asphalt Acetone Oil or grease on metal Javel water Mould Trisodium phosphate solution Oil stains or grease spots Muriatic acid solution Efflorescence Stripper Oil paint or finish A dry surface
Surfaces should be dry, although some adhesives can be applied on damp surfaces (check the product data sheet).
If the surface is not dry, the moisture it contains may prevent or reduce product adhesion. Even if a product can be applied on a damp surface, too much moisture (over 20%) may cause pressure on the material and cause it to lift. You can use a hydrometer to check the moisture content.Sealed wood
A sealant should never be applied on unsealed wood. Water entering the unsealed wood could attack and soften the wood fibers under the sealant and eventually cause it to lift. Compatibility of materials and sealant
A lack of adhesion on some surfaces may be caused by an incompatibility between the sealant and the material. Always read the product data sheet to ensure the sealant can be used with the materials to be sealed. Examples of materials to avoid
Some materials should be avoided, as indicated below. Materials to be avoided Family of sealants Materials to avoid Acrylic Materials that move significantly with temperature fluctuation, such as vinyl, Plexiglas, etc.
Asphalt
SiliconeLatex Plexiglas
Concrete
Asphalt
SiliconeSilicone Bare aluminum
Bare concrete
Bare wood
Brick
VinylThermoplastic Soluble materials or materials affected by solvents such as insulating panels, foundation coatings.
Old silicone sealantsPage 1/1
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