We’ve all seen what happens to roads in the middle of the summer: they become cracked and brittle. The same thing can happen to nearly any surface that isn’t properly prepared for exposure to high temperatures.

If you’re sealing in a hot environment, high heat silicone sealant is a must-have. But what applications necessitate this sort of preparation? Where is high temp silicone sealant most useful? Read on to find out.

Automotive Manufacturing and Repair

Automotive applications are regularly exposed to high temperatures. Here, high-temp silicone sealant is vital to ensuring safety and structural integrity. For example, it can be used to create or replace gaskets in engines.

Heat shields protect sensitive components from the extreme heat produced by the engine and exhaust system. Silicone sealant acts as an adhesive for securing these heat shields in place.

Sealant is also used to protect and seal electrical wiring and components within the engine bay. This prevents moisture ingress that can result in shorts or corrosion while withstanding the engine’s heat.

Real-world examples where high-temp sealant can be used in the automotive space include:

• Replacing the head gasket in a car engine.
• Repairing exhaust systems by sealing joints and cracks.
• Securing and sealing the installation of aftermarket turbochargers.

Aerospace and Aviation

When people think of high-temperature applications, aerospace is one of the first sectors that come to mind, and for good reason. Aerospace applications require materials that can perform under the most extreme conditions. Failure can result in catastrophic outcomes.

It’s commonly used to seal components in jet engines and turbines, where temperatures can reach extremely high levels. A good sealant can also be used as an insulator for electrical components in the cockpit. It may also be used in other areas of the aircraft where safety is paramount.

In aerospace, sealant is particularly great for:

• Sealing components in rocket engine assembly.
• Maintaining commercial jet engines, including sealing and insulating parts.
• Repairing and sealing helicopter fuel systems.

Industrial Manufacturing

High-temperature silicone sealants are used in manufacturing processes, especially those involving high heat like furnaces and boilers. It does an excellent job sealing doors and other furnace components to prevent heat loss.

In addition, high-temperature silicone sealant offers a protective coating for machinery parts that are exposed to high temperatures. This prevents corrosion and wear. Some facilities even use it to bond and seal filters.

Here are a few common applications for high-temp sealant in manufacturing:

• Maintenance and repair of industrial ovens used in electronics production.
• Sealing of heat treatment furnaces in metalworking facilities.
• Assembly of high-temperature ductwork in chemical processing plants.

Electrical Equipment and Electronics

The electronics we use on a daily basis undergo harsh temperatures in production. You can thank a high-temperature silicone sealant for your items’ durability. For instance, it’s often used to bond components and allow them to withstand high temperatures without degrading.

Electronic equipment is often very sensitive and needs to be protected from high temperatures. That’s where silicone sealant comes in. It’s a good option for insulating and protecting sensitive components, like power supplies and heat sinks.

Here are a few other applications where a high-temp sealant can be useful:

• Assembly and repair of high-power LED lighting systems.
• Encapsulation of components in electronic control units of vehicles.
• Sealing in the manufacture of industrial-grade power inverters.

Construction Maintenance

Sealant is truly the bread and butter of construction. High-temperature silicone sealant is especially crucial in making sure things work. After all, no one wants to enter a building where the objects around them could melt away at any moment!

In construction, high temp sealant is frequently used in fire stop and smoke seal applications. It can seal gaps in walls and floors to prevent the spread of fire. This type of sealant can also be used to seal around HVAC systems that are exposed to high temperatures.

Scenarios where high-temp sealant is valuable include:

• Fireproofing electrical cable penetrations in high-rise buildings.
• Maintaining commercial kitchen ventilation.
• Sealing rooftop HVAC units against weather and temperature extremes.
• Retrofitting older buildings with fire-resistant sealant around doors and window frames to improve fire safety standards.
• Protecting and insulating electrical connections in solar panels.

Feeling the Heat? Don’t Sweat It. Choose Our High-Temperature Silicone Sealant For Your Next Project

In an ideal world, we’d be able to build and seal under the perfect temperature conditions. We wouldn’t have to worry about pipes freezing or wires melting. Unfortunately, this is the real world, where environmental conditions can be harsh and unpredictable.

The good news is there’s a way around it. With a high-temperature silicone sealant, you don't have to worry about materials breaking down or melting. You can effectively seal gaps and protect materials from extreme heat.

At Silicone Depot, we understand the importance of safety and durability. Our RTV high temperature silicone sealant can withstand temperatures of 650 degrees Fahrenheit when exposed on an intermittent basis, and 550 degrees continuously. It comes in a convenient 10.1 fl oz cartridge for easy storage and transport.

Call us at 812-824-8000 to learn more about our products and how they hold up against temperature extremes.