Silicone sealant is becoming increasingly popular among DIYers and professionals alike due to its superior performance compared to polyurethane sealant. It is a versatile material that can be used in a wide range of applications, from sealing gaps and cracks in walls to waterproofing surfaces.

In addition, it has excellent adhesion properties and is resistant to weathering, making it ideal for outdoor use for up to 20 years! Furthermore, silicone sealants are also easier to clean up than polyurethane sealants, making them the preferred choice for many projects.

So why are so many DIYers and construction professionals choosing silicone sealant over polyurethane sealant? There are a lot of reasons, in addition to those that we’ve listed above. From its strong adhesion properties to its ability to hold up against the elements, silicone sealant is better in many ways for most projects than polyurethane sealant. In this article, we’ll explain the differences between the two materials and discuss which is the best sealant for the job.

Silicone Sealant Vs Polyurethane Sealant

While silicone sealant and polyurethane sealant are both sealants that can be used to seal gaps and holes, they have many differences in their makeup and thus should be used for different applications. Silicone is an inorganic substance, while polyurethane sealant is an organic material. This difference in chemical composition affects the way the two materials respond to things such as UV light, as well as determines how durable and versatile they are.

Pros and Cons of Polyurethane Sealant

Polyurethane sealant does have the benefit of being resistant to UV rays, meaning that UV exposure over time will not damage or affect your polyurethane sealant. Materials may be exposed to UV light if they are outside, so polyurethane sealant might be a better choice for this specific application. Polyurethane sealant can also be painted, while silicone sealant cannot. If you need to paint over a sealant, you might consider using polyurethane.

While polyurethane sealant does have its uses, there are also some downsides to using these organic compounds when sealing fixtures around the house. Polyurethane sealant can become brittle when exposed to cold weather, making it hard to dispense and apply. Further, it isn’t nearly as durable as silicone sealant and will likely need to be reapplied long before another type of sealant like silicone would. Lastly, polyurethane sealant has a very short shelf life, meaning that after you buy it, you’ll need to use it soon or it will go bad.

Pros and Cons of Silicone Sealant

While silicone sealant cannot be painted over - nor is it extremely resistant to UV light - there are numerous benefits to using this type of sealant in many situations. Silicone caulk is extremely easy to apply no matter the weather, while polyurethane sealant can easily become hard and challenging to apply when it gets cold. Therefore, it’s a lot easier to apply silicone sealant than polyurethane sealant, and it’s a lot harder to make the most common caulking application mistakes. Before purchasing, check for the length of the year warranty on the product for even more peace of mind.

Silicone sealant is also the best option for sealing around plumbing fixtures - like sinks, toilets, and other fixtures - since it forms a waterproof seal and is mold and mildew resistant. For extra mold and mildew resistance, you can purchase a product that explicitly boasts these features like Kitchen & Bath Mildew Resistant RTV Silicone Sealant.

Why Choose Silicone Sealant?

There are many differences between silicone sealant and polyurethane sealant. While silicone sealant is made up of inorganic materials, polyurethane sealant is an example of organic materials in their natural state. This means that polyurethane sealant can be altered in some ways such as being painted, but silicone sealant wins in almost every category. Silicone sealant is easier to apply under various conditions, thus making it more versatile, and will last for a long time, meaning you won’t need to frequently reapply new sealant.

Versatile And Long-Lasting

Silicone sealant is a versatile, long-lasting solution for many types of sealing and bonding applications. It's waterproof, flexible, and offers excellent adhesion to most surfaces. Its durable construction makes it ideal for use in harsh environments and it can withstand high temperatures. With its wide range of uses, silicone sealant is the perfect choice for any project where you need a reliable seal or bond. Thanks to its strong adhesive properties, silicone can adhere to nearly any surface.

Plumbing Applications

Not only does silicone sealant boast countless benefits for most everyday DIY and construction projects, but it’s also the best choice for the rooms of your home that are subject to high moisture. If you’re in need of a sealant to use in bathrooms, kitchens, or other high-moisture environments, silicone sealant is hands-down your best choice. Unlike polyurethane sealant, silicone sealant is highly resistant to water and will hold up even in high-humidity environments like kitchens and bathrooms. This means that it will also hold up against the elements like snow and rain, while polyurethane sealant is often subject to cracking or weathering.

Buy Your Silicone Sealant From Silicone Depot

For most projects, silicone sealant is a great alternative to polyurethane sealant. Silicone sealant will hold up against the elements and is extremely simple to apply even without any professional experience or training. Thanks to its strong adhesive properties, it will stay in place for a long time without any extra reapplication. While polyurethane sealant can be painted over and can withstand UV light, it is no match for the many beneficial properties of silicone sealant.

No matter what type of DIY or construction project you’re working on, you need to buy the right type of silicone sealant for your project. Silicone Depot has all the silicone sealant you need to complete your DIY and construction projects today. Check out our catalog of high-quality silicone sealants to learn more and see what we have to offer!