If there’s one item the construction and manufacturing sectors would be lost without, it’s industrial sealant. They create strong bonds that can withstand the test of time and play a crucial role in industries where products are often exposed to harsh environmental conditions.

But what really sets industrial sealants apart from other adhesives? And how can you determine when to use one versus another? Keep reading to learn the answers to these questions and more.

What Are Industrial Sealants and Adhesives?

First, it’s important to understand what industrial sealants actually are. They’re specialized products used in a wide range of industries, including the automotive and aerospace sectors. Industrial sealants serve two purposes: one, to bond materials together, and two, to provide a watertight or airtight seal, protecting against dust and moisture.

These sealants come in different formulations. Popular options include silicone, polyurethane, epoxy, and acrylic. Each comes with district characteristics — and downsides — so be sure to research each material before deciding on one for your project.

How Industrial Sealant Differs From Regular Sealant

Here’s a more in-depth look at how industrial sealant is different from regular sealant.

Composition and Durability

Industrial sealants are formulated to meet rigorous demands. They offer exceptional durability and resistance to extreme environmental conditions. These sealants are capable of withstanding high temperatures, corrosive chemical exposure, and so much more.

But how is this achieved? How is industrial sealant so strong? Put simply, their competition is specifically tailored to ensure they can maintain their integrity and performance over time, even under the most challenging conditions.

Household sealants, by contrast, are developed with the general consumer in mind. Their primary focus is on ease of use and safety for non-professional applications like sealing windows and doors.

These sealants work well enough for household materials but are not designed to withstand the harsh conditions industrial sealants are exposed to. What they do offer is resistance to things like mold and mildew, which are commonly found around homes and can be a bonus to those sealing in bathrooms.

Application and Performance Requirements

Industrial sealants are used in high-stakes applications where failure could result in major safety risks or financial loss. For that reason, these sealants are subject to stringent performance requirements that go beyond adhesion.

First, industrial sealants are formulated for high tensile strength. They must also be elastic enough to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction and resist degradation from chemicals and UV light.

On the other hand, household sealants are designed for the average household’s wear and tear. They typically come ready to use and can be applied relatively easily. As such, they’re a great option for anyone working on basic household projects.

Regulatory and Safety Standards

Industrial sealants are required to comply with specific regulatory standards. The goal is to prevent the sealants from introducing harmful substances to sensitive environments, such as food processing plants or water treatment facilities. These standards also help ensure the sealants can withstand industry-specific challenges — for example, flammability requirements in aerospace.

While household sealants are also subject to safety standards, they’re usually much less stringent. Their formulation is more focused on general safety and environmental considerations like low volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions.

The Different Types of Industrial Sealants

No two industrial sealants are exactly alike. Different types serve different purposes, and each has its pros and cons. Here’s a quick look at some of the most popular types.

Silicone Sealants

Industrial silicone sealant is renowned for its flexibility and high resistance to temperature variations. Silicone-based polymers offer excellent durability and adhesion to everything from metal to plastic. They’re commonly used in both industrial and household applications. Common industries include automotive and marine.

Polyurethane Sealants

Polyurethane sealants are characterized by their strong adhesive qualities. Like silicone, these sealants are also highly flexible and well-suited for sealing expansion joints. Their incredible resistance to chemicals and wear makes them a popular option for industrial flooring, tanks, and pipelines.

Epoxy Sealants

Epoxy sealants are best known for their strength and chemical resistance. Made from epoxy resins, these sealants are often used in applications requiring high-strength bonding, such as marine space. They are also popular in electronic applications because they offer electrical insulation.

Acrylic Sealants

Acrylic sealants are water-based sealants valued for their paintability and ease of use. They offer good adhesion to porous materials and are frequently used in construction for sealing gaps and cracks in walls and ceilings. While not as flexible or durable as other types of sealant, acrylic products are an affordable choice for indoor applications where extreme conditions are less of a concern.

Looking For a Good Industrial Sealant? Check Out Our Products

Sealants come in many forms, and choosing the right one for your project can be tricky. If you’re looking for an industrial sealant, picking the right product is especially important, as the wrong sealant can have disastrous consequences.

Silicone Depot offers a wide range of quality sealants for household and industrial use, including products for automotive, marine, and vehicle applications. Need help deciding? Give us a call at 812-824-8000, or stop by our Bloomington location to check out our sealants in person.