When applying sealant in marine applications, you’ll need to factor in some crucial considerations. Importantly, sealants should be well-equipped to deal with moisture over long periods and resist the growth of harmful pathogens for whom moisture is conducive.

One of the best solutions is using marine-grade silicone sealant. But — why is silicone sealant so ideal for marine applications?

If you’re wondering, read on. We’ll discuss the considerations essential for marine sealant applications and why marine silicone is an ideal solution. Let’s dive in!

Marine Applications - Considerations

Marine applications for sealants include sealing windows, decks, compartments, below-deck components, above-deck components, and more in everything from small watercraft to large vessels and even offshore buildings. As such, marine sealants are often vital and must be able to tolerate harsh conditions for long periods. To better understand, let’s review some of these potential conditions.

Moisture Tolerance

One vital consideration is sealants' ability to weather high amounts of moisture for long periods. Fortunately, silicone sealants — particularly those formulated specifically for marine applications — are well-positioned to handle this stress and are largely unaffected by water.

Pathogen Mitigation

Another important consideration is ensuring that sealants are equipped to mitigate the risk of pathogen growth. In environments where high amounts of moisture are likely to exist for long periods, sealants must be equipped to mitigate the risk of bacteria and mold growth.

Adhesion

Adhesion is another important factor, especially in marine applications where moisture can interrupt curing processes and must be kept securely away from sensitive components. As such, in marine applications, it’s vital to find sealants that offer a high degree of adhesion. These sealants must also be tack-free when fully cured so nothing sticks to them.

Longevity

When it comes to marine applications, longevity is another important concern. Finding solutions that will weather the test of time can be of utmost importance, especially in applications where robust maintenance is a major undertaking. If the next time you reapply sealant is the next time a vessel will be going to drydock, it can be essential to ensure that the sealant will last long enough.

UV Resistance

Another vital consideration for marine applications is UV resistance. Sunlight is a major challenge in marine environments, where not only is there often a stark lack of shade, but also the sunlight can bounce off of the surface of the water. This creates a significant amount of radiation strain on materials. Sealants in marine environments must be up to handling this challenge.

Why Silicone Sealant is Ideal

Now that we’ve reviewed some vital considerations for sealing in marine environments let’s explore why marine silicone sealant can be an excellent option. There are several reasons, ranging from silicone’s relative lack of reactivity to its exemplary UV and pathogen growth resistance:

Marine Silicone Sealant is Great with Moisture

Silicone sealant can be great at handling moisture, even for long periods. While some silicone sealants may require a certain amount of cure time before being exposed to water, once they’ve cured, they can handle high amounts of moisture, even for extended periods.

Marine Silicone Sealant Handles UV Well

Another broad benefit of silicone sealants in marine environments is they’re well-suited to handle high amounts of UV exposure, even for extended periods. Silicone sealant is known to be highly unreactive to UV light, making it ideal in circumstances where high amounts of sunlight are a concern.

Silicone Sealant is Nonporous

Being generally nonporous, silicone sealant is a great option in marine environments, where the possibility of unmitigated bacteria or fungal growth can be a serious concern. This also gives it a strong ability to seal out moisture from critical or sensitive components. Once silicone sealant has been effectively adhered to a surface, it’s excellent at blocking moisture and discouraging the growth of pathogens.

Silicone Sealant Handles Chemical Exposure Well

Another important concern in marine environments is the possibility of chemical exposure — to substances such as chlorine, bleach, diesel fuel, and others. While these are not meant to be splashed onto seals, chemicals can find their way onto vessels, particularly large vessels, and it can be important to ensure that sealant can withstand some level of chemical exposure. Silicone, being relatively inactive, is a great sealant in applications where chemical exposure is a possibility.

The Bottom Line

When it comes to sealants in marine environments — there’s a lot to think about! Fortunately, marine silicone sealant is well up to the task. Vital considerations in marine environments include moisture tolerance, pathogen mitigation, adhesion, longevity, and UV resistance. As silicone sealant is highly inert, nonporous, resistant to UV radiation, and well-equipped to handle moisture, it stands out as an ideal solution for marine sealant needs.

If you’re interested in finding high-quality marine silicone sealants, silicone sealant accessories, and anything else you might need for your upcoming sealing project, don’t hesitate to get in touch. At Silicone Depot, we have a wide range of silicone sealants, accessories, and more. Check out our extensive online catalog today!