Does the sealant around your sinks and showers is cracked? If your sink is getting yellow or showing signs of mold, it’s time to fix them. The best way to do this is to use the right shower silicone sealant!
Have you ever struggled to choose the best shower silicone sealant? You aren’t alone. Many people get overwhelmed and confused when they see the various silicone sealants they can choose. They don’t know how to pick the right one for the job. Keep on reading because this post will help you discover the various types of silicone sealants. Knowing them will help you choose the best shower silicone sealant for your job.
Table of Contents
What Are Silicone Sealants?
Silicone sealants are made primarily of silicone and can be used as adhesives. You can use them in a wide variety of building applications, such as to seal the cracks between the sink or tiles to the attached wall. Unlike some other glues like polyurethane sealants, silicone sealants are more durable and elastic at low or high temperatures.
Key characteristics of Silicone sealants include;
- UV resistance
- Temperature resistance
- Highest movement capability
- Provide longer service life
- Continued flexibility over time
Because of their strong and high performance, Silicone sealants have many applications such as:
- One can use it to seal cracks in baths, windows, showers, and worktops.
- You can fix glass or mirrors to tiled surfaces with it.
- Use it to repair rubber trims on vehicles.
- You can use it to seal downpipes and gutters.
- One can shape it into soft rubber products.
- You may use it to make reusable, flexible molds.
- Use it to glue aquariums together.
Source: mirashowers.co.uk
Types of Silicone Sealants
There are many types of silicone sealants. You may get them in various colors, such as clear, white, grey, and black. Each kind is ideal for specific jobs.
Since each type has its own unique properties, it is imperative that you learn the pros and cons of each so as to make informed decisions when choosing the right sealant.
The prominent silicone types include:
- Neutral cure: These sealants are appropriate for use with wood or scratchable metals and plastics. They don’t have acidic properties that can corrode or damage these surfaces. You’ll spend more for them, and you’ll wait 1-5 days for them to dry, depending on the temperature, thickness, and humidity conditions.
- Acid cure (acetoxy): These sealants are ideal for use with nonporous surfaces, such as glazed tiles and glass.
- High-modulus sealants: These adhesives cure faster and harder. They emit a vinegary scent when curing. Most acetoxy sealants belong to this category. You may use them when sealing glass to glass joints, baths, sinks, showers, kitchen worktops, shop fronts, and washbasins.
- Low-modulus sealants: These adhesives are mainly neutral cure models. They emit a slight odor and take longer to cure, resulting in a more elastic and flexible seal. Use them for glazing swimming pool windows, sealing glass wall assemblies, and fixing perimeter seals. Your seals will last longer with low-modulus sealants.
- Sanitary sealants: These adhesives are ideal for use in wet spaces, such as bathrooms. They are resistant to mildew and mold growth.
- General Purpose Silicone: Whenever you’re confused about the selection, go with the general purpose silicone. You can use them on most building materials and even on wood and glass. General-purpose silicone sealants have good durability and elasticity.
Source: interiorsplace.com
Pros of Silicone Sealants:
- Because of their good flexibility, you can use them in places with wild fluctuations in temperatures.
- They are completely waterproof.
- Don’t support any type of molds and mildew growth.
Be attentive to the labels on each sealant’s container. Check if the manufacturer has listed it as an outdoor or indoor silicone sealant.
Note the temperature range they advise you to have when using the sealant to get the attachment you need. Excess heat or cold during its application can impede the adhesive’s effectiveness. This consideration is crucial if you want the seal to be airtight and waterproof.
Other labels on silicone sealants worth noting are:
- Flexible
- High elasticity
- High strength
- Mildew/fungus resistant
- Low shrinkage
- Non Corrosive
- Tack-free
- Nonflammable
Conclusion
Wherever you’re using the sealant, make sure that it is of high quality. A poor quality silicone sealant will never stop the growth of molds and mildew. So, it’s better to consider these areas when buying a silicone sealant. You’ll pick the best shower silicone sealant for the job. It will provide the durable and resistant seal you need for a long period of time.
