Silicone sealant is a popular choice for contractors for countless practical applications. Whether you’re sealing up cracks in door and window gaps or waterproofing an entire home, it’s a useful material. It offers excellent flexibility, adhesion, and durability against the elements. So,it’s ideal for applying both indoors and outdoors.

But, like all materials, silicone caulk doesn’t last forever. Whether you’re storing it in the tube or you’ve already applied it, you can count on your sealant lasting a long time - years, even. Eventually, you’ll need to add another coat or toss out that expired tube.

To make sure your sealants last as long as possible, familiarize yourself with the material’s shelf life and all the best practices for applying it. This way, you can make the silicone sealant you apply for your clients last as long as possible. In this article, we will discuss how long silicone caulk lasts both in the tube and once applied, as well as factors that can influence its longevity.

Silicone Sealant Lifespan

How Long Does Silicone Sealant Last In The Tube?

Different sealants have different shelf lives, but generally, this material can stay at its highest quality for about one year. In other words, it has about a one-year shelf life. Silicone itself has a shelf life of as long as around 20 years.

If you’re not sure whether your sealant is outdated, check on the tube or tub for an expiration date. Storing the sealant properly, in a cool and dry place, can help maximize its shelf life.

How Long Does Silicone Sealant Last After Being Applied?

Once silicone sealant is applied, its lifespan varies depending on several factors. Those factors include weather, the temperature, any chemicals that might come in contact with it, and more. If you don’t maintain the silicone sealant, it won’t last as long as it could.

Silicone sealant applied outdoors tends to not last quite as long as that applied indoors. Extreme temperature fluctuations, such as hot summers and cold winters, affect the sealant's performance over time. High temperatures can cause the sealant to degrade, while cold weather can make it more rigid and prone to cracking.

How To Make Silicone Sealant Last Longer

There are many factors that play into how long silicone caulk will last, whether you’re still storing it in the tube or you’ve already applied silicone.

Here are some tips for helping silicone sealant last longer:

• Store properly: If you’re keeping your silicone caulk in the tube, store it in a cold and dry place. Don’t open the tube before you use it, as this can cause early degradation and result in the sealant being unusable long before its expiration date.
• Prepare the surface properly before applying: If there’s any debris remaining on the surface on which you’re applying the sealant, it can negatively impact the material’s lifespan. Clean the surface thoroughly, removing any dust, dirt, or grease, as these can affect adhesion. Using a primer specifically designed for silicone sealants can also enhance its bonding properties.
• Perform maintenance: Regular maintenance and inspections are also recommended to identify any signs of deterioration or damage. If you notice any cracks, gaps, or weakened areas in the sealant, it is advisable to reapply or repair it promptly to maintain its effectiveness.
• Quality of materials: One way to make sealant last longer is to buy high-quality silicone caulks that will be able to hold up to the elements. If you buy low-quality material, it’s likely that it will wear down quickly.

Following these tips can help you keep the next coat of caulk you apply lasting a lot longer. It’s incredibly important to maintain your sealant after applying it. Silicone sealant offers excellent durability, but its lifespan can be influenced by various factors such as weather conditions, surface preparation, and regular maintenance. By following proper application techniques and using the right tools, contractors can ensure that the sealant used in their client projects lasts as long as possible.

Get Long-Lasting Silicone Sealant From Silicone Depot

Perhaps the most important of all the factors that go into how long silicone caulk lasts, is buying professional-grade products that will hold their own weight. You’re dedicated to doing a great job for your clients and the quality of the products you buy should reflect that. For high-quality silicone sealants and accessories, including caulk guns and more, visit Silicone Depot. Our range of professional-grade sealants can meet your project's needs and provide long-lasting performance that will impress your clients.

Check out our huge catalog of silicone sealants and related accessories today to pick up everything you need for your next project and more!