Even if you have never used or thought about silicone sealant before now, you’ve definitely walked past it in the hardware or grocery store. This highly versatile gel-like substance can be used to seal cracks in just about everything. Often overlooked are some of the facts about silicon sealant which make it the incredible product it is. Highlighted in this article are five of the most under pronounced facts about silicone sealant. Familiarizing oneself with these will allow a user to take full advantage of this incredible product.

1. It's Temperature Resistance

Unlike other adhesives, silicone maintains its elastic yet stable qualities in both high and low temperatures making it useful for a large variety of jobs.

SIlicone must cure after being applied. The temperature range for curling is between 40 and 100 degrees fahrenheit. This large temperature range ensures the user does not need to fret too much about the curing process. Once cured, however, silicone sealant can resist temperatures below freezing and well over 100 degrees.

Some sealants can be applied in below freezing temperatures. But keep in mind that the lower the temperature the longer the silicone will take to cure. If the sealant is not given enough time to cure, creating a thick skin, temperature fluctuations may damage the seal.

2. It's Water Resistant

Silicone sealant creates a waterproof protective seal perfect for use on glass, rubber, metal, porcelain, or tile. Designed for use in wet weather, silicone sealant is ideal for outdoor repairs in wet weather locations. Waterproofing electrical connections, seams, or even a leaky rain boot are all perfect projects for silicone sealant.

A note of caution for users: Although silicone sealant is ideal for keeping out moisture, it should not be applied to damp surfaces as it will generally not adhere well. Checking to make sure the surface on which the sealant is applied is dry and frost-free is highly recommended.

3. It's Chemical Resistant

There are very few chemicals to which silicone sealant is not resistant. If in contact with material of a similar solubility parameter, silicone sealant tends to physically absorb the material and expand. This can be advantageous in many applications, as expansion will often result in a tighter seal. The chemical resistance of the sealant means there is no issue painting the sealant once it has been applied and given time to cure, a huge benefit for aesthetic purposes.

The only substances that pose any risk to the seal are sulphuric acid and hydrofluoric acid. High and regular exposure to steam can also reduce the effectiveness of a seal.

4. It's Multi-Purpose

The downright ultimate benefit to silicone sealant is its versatility. Whether you are looking to patch up that cracked mirror in your bathroom or fix those unsightly spaces in your shower, general-purpose sealant will do the trick for most jobs, as it offers elasticity and is very durable. But, depending on what needs to be done, there are other, more specialized products which one may be well to consider.

Food safe silicone sealants are also available, and are commonly used on the inside of refrigerators. Glazing silicone is clutch for when a project requires a smooth seal for more thorough cleaning and better aesthetics. High-temperature silicone: designed to withstand extreme heat, aquarium silicone: used to hold water long term, and framing silicone: made to accommodate large amounts of movement. Whatever the job, there is a silicone made to do just the trick. It is truly a versatile product.

5. It's Long-Lasting

Silicone sealants are manufactured to last a minimum of 20 years and some products can last for more than 50, making fixes not only efficient but long term. Showers, walls, bathtubs, sinks, and windows are examples of things one does not want to continue sealing every year. With silicone sealant the job is essentially a one-and-done deal.

A rudimentary check on the seal every so often is advised as less than ideal conditions during application may result in earlier peeling and ultimately failure of the seal. The good news is reapplication is usually all one needs to fix a drafty window or leaky sink.

Bottom Line: Fix it now!

As the famous proverb goes: a stitch in time saves nine. Leaks only get worse with time and waiting around to get the job done will only increase the time, effort, and overall headache in the future. Get a tube of silicone sealant and fix that crack today!

So, what are you waiting for? Start browsing our online store today!