Sealants

Sealants are - next to tapes and silicone– one of the basic types of sealing materials, included in the category of construction chemicals. When choosing products of this type, first of all, pay attention to their intended use and properties in accordance with the manufacturer's specification. The use of materials in inappropriate conditions may result in a reduction in their properties, and thus a decrease in the quality of work.

Use of sealants

Foams and sealants are most often used during construction and renovation works for insulation, sealing or when assembling building materials, installing central heating, and also when there is a need to embed woodwork or install thermal insulation and electrical networks plumbing. For this reason, sealants and foams are a very important element in renovation and construction works, especially when finishing buildings.

Sealing silicone

One of the most popular types of sealants are various types of silicones, which are characterized by high durability and flexibility. Among the silicones, one can distinguish universal products, as well as those with special applications (e.g. sanitary silicone used in bathrooms or roofing silicone used to seal roofs).

Because silicone sealants are characterized by high water resistance, they can also be used outdoors and in rooms with high humidity. Properly selected, they will work on various surfaces, both smooth and rough. When choosing a sealant, the following should be considered: what material it will come into contact with (whether it will be glass, metal, wood, brick wall, stone, ceramics, etc.)

Technical Vaseline – universal sealant

Technical vaseline consists mainly of paraffin hydrocarbons and has primarily protective properties,

Therefore, it is used in particular to protect threaded connections, preserves elements of mechanical systems, protects contacts in electrical systems, as well as other metal elements against corrosion. Vaseline is very popular due to its wide application and low price (a tube costs several zlotys).

The el12.pl offer includes both large packages (0.9 kg bucket) and smaller tubes, which also facilitate the application of the substance (container 50g). When using larger packages, Vaseline should be applied with hands (preferably with protective gloves) or using a suitable spatula.

Sealing compound

The one-component polymer mass available in the el.12 offer is resistant to water and moisture. It can be used for:

• protection of cable connections against water and moisture,
• insulation of devices (e.g. electrical boxes),
• sealing of foundation penetrations, cable and pipe passages through walls,
• creating expansion joint fillings.

These applications are possible due to the fact that this substance is permanently plastic, has a high dielectric strength (determined by the voltage at which breakdown occurs) and is easy to application. The foam is available in an elongated plastic container with a characteristic conical nozzle. Its application takes place after pressing the trigger of the gun (which is a separate element). A mass of uniform thickness is squeezed out of the nozzle, which should be spread with a smooth movement. The thickness of the extruded mass can be adjusted by cutting the tip of the nozzle.

In some cases, when used at low temperatures, the product should be warmed to room temperature, or immersed and heated to +15°C in a container with warm water. It is best to store the mass at room temperature.

Sealing foam

The el.12 offer includes the following types of foam:

1. tube foam, i.e. one-component polyurethane foam. The hardening of the foam in this case is caused by a reaction with the moisture in the atmosphere, and therefore takes place automatically after the application of the substance. The particular advantages of this product include: very short curing time, which significantly reduces processing time; universal scope of application; thermal and acoustic sealing effect; long storage period; safety of use.

This type of sealant is most often used, e.g. to:

• setting and sealing window and door frames,
• fixing and sealing roof, wall and ceiling joints,
• fixings in surfaces such as concrete, building boards, natural stone with a compact structure, solid and solid cement-lime bricks, as well as lightweight concrete blocks,
• filling gaps created during the assembly of woodwork, joinery, blinds,
• filling clearances and grooves for pipes and installation wires in walls, ceilings and roofs,
• sealing manhole rings.

When using foam, remember to moisten the surface beforehand in case of low humidity. Just before application, however, you need to shake the packaging, and hold the valve down while working. After hardening, it gains resistance to temperatures from -30 degrees Celsius to +80 degrees Celsius

Hose mounting foam – sealant for special tasks

This type of construction chemicals is designed for more precise application. Tubular foam, in addition to all kinds of sealing, is used, among others, in to:

• seals when installing window and door woodwork,
• soundproofing walls,
• filling punctures and holes.

The most important advantages of this type of products are: high efficiency, very good foam structure and adhesion, short curing time, flexible hose for precise application.

Sealing with gun mounting foam

The summer gun foam available at el12.pl is a one-component polyurethane foam that is applied with a special gun. The curing of the foam here is also caused by a reaction with atmospheric moisture and therefore takes place automatically after application. The most important advantages of this product include: short curing time (which significantly reduces processing time), the use of an application gun (which facilitates work and ensures economical dosing), long shelf life, safe use and thermal and acoustic sealing.

When using gun mounting foam, you should also remember to moisten the surface in case of low air humidity. Shake the packaging before starting work, and keep the valve down during application. After curing, the substance gains resistance to temperatures from -30 °C to +80 °C. The foam loses its tack after 10 minutes and can be processed after 25 minutes. Durability is achieved after approx. 3 hours, while it is completely hard after approx. 5-8 hours (these are average data at +20 °C )

When choosing a mounting foam, it is worth taking into account, above all, the temperature and humidity during work and the place of its application (whether it will be outdoors or indoors, or in a dry environment or exposed to water). The offer of various manufacturers includes one- and two-component foams. These one-component can be freely used in places exposed to moisture, because it cures itself. The two-component mounting foam dries as a result of a chemical reaction, which is why the whole process is faster.

Use of sealing foam – what to watch out for?

When choosing a mounting foam, you should pay attention primarily to where it will be used, and therefore to what factors it will be exposed. In addition to the aforementioned humidity, temperature is also important, so, for example, when planning fireplace sealing, you should choose a preparation with an increased degree of flammability. This will significantly increase safety when using the fireplace.

Special attention and caution are also required when using sealing foam in places where there is a risk of electric shock. Although this substance does not conduct electricity, there are known cases in which water vapor condensed and, as a result, partial conductivity.