How to choose a sealant for windows?

A large amount of heat comes out of the room through the windows. To reduce this factor is used sealants, which are intended specifically for window designs. There are a lot of them on the market, there are many differences between them. To the result did not disappoint, you need to know about the rules of their choice and have some subtleties.

Window sealant is a plastic compound containing polymers. After applying to the surface, the mass gradually hardens. The result is a layer that is a barrier to air and moisture penetration. Applying a sealant allows you to get rid of drafts, increase the tightness of the structure and its ability to retain heat.

Window putties are produced in special containers that differ in volume. The compositions of different sealants are significantly different, but one component remains unchanged - it is a solvent. When applied to the work surface, the material begins to harden quickly.

Window sealant is divided into many varieties. Unaware person to understand this range will be very difficult. Thanks to this review, the problem of choice is greatly simplified; everyone will be able to determine which option will be better for a specific task.

Silicone material is considered universal.because it can be used indoors and outdoors. It contains organic compounds based on silicon. Such options have elasticity, are characterized by ease of application and good adhesive properties. More and are inexpensive.

Silicone sealants are available in several varieties. Acid variants have an unpleasant vinegar odor that quickly evaporates. For internal work more suitable sanitary appearance. It is white in color, immune to the formation of fungi.

The composition may contain various components, which determines the scope of use and features of the purpose of the sealant.The main varieties include antiseptic, which are used at high humidity, heat-resistant, designed for hot surfaces, neutral and acidic.

Silicone sealants, in turn, are divided into three groups:

• universal sour putty called construction, are inexpensive, but they also cannot boast high quality;
• universal neutral materials are often chosen to work with plastic, concrete, stone and smooth surfaces;
• sanitary sealants contain antifungal components, therefore, recommended for use in rooms with high humidity.

Acrylic sealant is often used for plastic windows. Its characteristics and features are not inferior to the competitor on a silicone basis. Acrylic material is easily removed from the surface until it hardens, it withstands exposure to ultraviolet radiation and weather conditions. This putty is able to absorb evaporation, which leads to darkening.Since the material is vapor-permeable, it is not recommended to use it for internal work.

The polymer material is also called liquid plastic. It quickly hardens and perfectly clings to the surfaces, forming a whole with them. But from the load may be broken, which is a significant drawback. The polymer is expensive, due to its high technological characteristics.

Polyurethane putty attracts users with high elasticity, water resistance and the ability to retain its shape regardless of external factors, including weather conditions. Above, you can apply a layer of paint or varnish. This material is frost-resistant, because it can be used on the street. But in the room with him to work is undesirable because the sealant is not safe for humans. Able to bind a variety of materials: concrete, metal, plastic. The durability of the sealant reaches 25 years, this indicator is not affected by atmospheric phenomena and harsh operating conditions.

Butyl is created on the basis of rubber, withstands temperatures from -55 to +100.In its composition there are no harmful substances, it is elastic and durable, is not afraid of the sun and rain. Not only the seams are treated with butyl sealant, but even repairs are carried out with double-glazed windows, as this is a vapor barrier material.

Bituminous materials can be used exclusively on the outside of the building. For internal work such sealants are contraindicated. They are used for drainage, roofing, repair of foundations. Such putties are flexible and completely waterproof, and can be applied to untreated seams without any preparation.

The combination of polyurethane and silicone in one sealant is a new type of material. Such putties are called MS-polymer, they are created from siliconized polyurethane. The cost of new items is considerable, but the performance is very high. The seams have durability, strength and elasticity, can be subjected to staining and repair.

Thiocol sealant is based on polysulfide substances. Curing is carried out at any temperature and conditions. For outdoor work the best option is not found. And in cold weather, and in the heat, it will perform its functions in full.

Stiz A is a popular material that is often chosen for sealing seams on windows from the outside. It is also used in the installation of window designs. It fits equally well with all building materials. For interior work, “Stiz B” is used.

Cork sealant is another new product., which for the short period of its existence has won the favor of consumers. The composition of this putty contains cork chips, which in some cases can be up to 90% of the total volume. The scope of application is enormous: thermal protection systems, sealing of building structures, installation of floor covering, filling in installation joints, increasing sound insulation. Cork sealant is available in different volumes, may vary in composition and color.

Sealants have already become indispensable in many industries. Even in home tools and materials, sealant is a must-have item.

Such materials have a wide range of applications:

• protection of PVC joints and openings from atmospheric phenomena;
• connection of frames and glasses among themselves;
• insulation of window blocks;
• filling voids and fixing window sills during their installation;
• filling of external / internal cracks / joints between the wall and the window construction during installation and re-sealing of wooden, aluminum and plastic boxes;
• sealing of seams in concrete, reinforced concrete structures outside and inside with deformation not more than 25%;

• prophylaxis for winter drafts;
• glazing of balconies;
• installation / repair of roofing, windows of vertical type, mansards and other construction objects;
• filling gaps between the wall or the facade;
• installation of ventilated facades.

Sealing may well be done independently. To address workers is unnecessary and unjustified waste. With the instruction to perform this work it will be possible in two accounts. We assume that the slopes have already been made earlier, because we will not dwell on this issue.

The algorithm of the sealing works will be as follows:

• The first item will be the preparation of tools and consumables.In the process, you will need a syringe for applying sealant, a container of water and construction tape.
• Slopes need to prepare for further work. The essence of the preparation lies in gluing construction tape, which will protect the window structure from contamination and will save us time.
• The working field must be carefully cleaned. There should be no dirt or even dust. It is also necessary to remove the protective film to the smallest fragment. For degreasing plastic constructions it is forbidden to use solvents containing acetone. With such a treatment on the surface may appear cloudy, dull stains, spots that differ in color and other troubles.

• Using a building syringe, slowly squeeze the sealant into the joint area. The tool should be placed at such an angle that its nose smoothes the applied material.
• The remaining irregularities and other defects are smoothed with a finger, previously moistened with water. This trick will avoid sticking of the material and provide a smooth surface. The seams must be well filled with putty, so that there are no voids.
• From the surfaces it is necessary to remove the remnants of the material before it hardens. In this case, it is convenient to use a wet sponge. You need to act very carefully so as not to violate the integrity of the sealant applied to the seams.
• It is not necessary to put putty on all seams at once. It is better to work in stages. In this case, it will be possible to avoid hardening of the material before its leveling and removal of residues.

Brand Sealants "Moment" Available in a wide variety. You can select the desired option for a specific task. Also available for sale is a universal putty, which is popular and allows you to solve problems of a different nature. Production "Moment" attracts with high quality, which allows it to hold the leading position.

Putties Stiz - is the choice of professionals. They completely trust these sealants, as they are a high-quality, reliable product that does not fail and always performs its functions. The sealing substance is produced in different containers and different volumes.

Company Bauset produces a large number of products for window systems, including sealants.A lot of neutral putties are made under this brand, many of which are universal. The quality of products is at a high level, the price is affordable, the maintenance of long-term performance.

Under the brand name "Vilaterm" A sealing band is produced, which is widely used for sealing joints. In combination with a sealant, the harness allows to achieve an excellent result, to protect the room from noise from the street, to prevent the ingress of moisture and the penetration of cold.

Tytan professional - This is a wide range of sealants, in which there are options for solving many problems of the construction and repair plan. You can choose a universal putty that will cope with a number of minor household problems. It will also not be difficult to choose a special option for solving a specific goal. The cost of products Tytan Professional is in the middle segment, but the quality corresponds to the premium level.

Companies Isocork and Bostik release cork sealant, which was mentioned in this conversation. There are other manufacturers, but it is these two that produce the most worthy products.

It is worth considering a few recommendations that will help avoid common mistakes:

• Although sealing is a simple process, adherence to technology is an important condition for obtaining high-quality results. It is enough to make one mistake, and the window construction will not work out tight enough.
• The choice of mounting foam by window installation workers is not always justified. Foam has the ability to expand, which can lead to changes in the geometry of the structure. Sealant can not lead to such consequences.
• Any putty should be produced with a special narrow nozzle that allows you to accurately fill the gap of any size. The nozzle for point application allows you to accurately fill the material, even small gaps and joints.
• Buying quality putty is half the battle. No need to spare money on the purchase of material from a well-known manufacturer, which vouches for high quality and protects its brand from fakes.

• The color of the putty should be selected in accordance with the object on which it will be used.For white constructions, for example, PVC windows, it is necessary to choose white putty. In the case of color objects, it is better to dwell on transparent material.
• When choosing, it is necessary to take into account the place of use of the material, temperature and other operating conditions. If the selected putty will not meet these parameters, then all efforts will go down the drain.
• When working with wide gaps, it is possible, and even in some cases, necessary, to reduce material consumption. Firstly, it will be possible to save money, secondly, thick and wide seams dry out for a long time, and in the future they can flake off from the surface. To achieve this goal, it is necessary to put a sealing cord inside the slot, which is designed specifically to solve such problems.
• From the outside of the window, sealant cannot be applied around the entire perimeter, only on the side parts and the joints at the location of the outflow. In other areas, the presence of a sealant over time will cause the accumulation of moisture in the joint foam, which will entail a decrease in its durability and performance. In this case, the sealant is replaced with a protective vapor tight tape or plastering works are performed.

To learn how to quickly seal up joints and seams of plastic windows, see the following video.