Adhesives. Insulation materials / | Sealants: sort through |
But the situation is complicated by the fact that the orient in this abundance is sometimes not very easy, and even experienced professionals can not always take the right decision regarding the selection of a sealant for a particular purpose. Let's try to understand this with the broadest spectrum of one of the most popular builders products.
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According to experts, all sealants are divided in several positions. The first position - is ready for use. There are one-component (that is, suitable for immediate use) and two or more component types (required before using an accurate and thorough mixing of the components). Further, sealants are classified by the type of foundations: silicone, acrylic, polyurethane, Thiokol (polysulfide), butyl rubber and sealants based on MS-polymer. Sealers are also characterized by the class of polymerization - netverdeyuschie and cured.
In addition, many manufacturers of domestic addition, releasing and professional adhesives sold in tubes with capacity of 600 ml. For their application requires a so-called "gun". Most often in 600 ml packaging sell neutral silicone sealants. Household sealants are sold in cylinders with a capacity of 70, 80, 280 and 310 ml.
Popular silicone
palm in sales belongs entirely silicone sealant. However, this does not mean that other sealants have no right to exist. Not at all! The fact that each material there is a so-called "niche" that is the most common application.
Silicone sealants have the unique properties of the complex. For this group of sealing materials characterized by the following distinctive features:
- resistance to UV radiation;
- weather resistance, temperature extremes, and almost any aggressive media;
- Excellent adhesion to most construction materials, even without the use of primers (primers);
- frost resistance (elastically retain elastic properties at temperatures ranging from -50 ° to + 200 ° C);
- a wide temperature range of application (surface application from -30 ° to + 60 ° C).
Based on the fact that silicone sealants necessarily contain a solvent, they are still divided into two types: the acid and neutral. Sealants with a certain type of solvent have their advantages and disadvantages. Thus, acidic adhesives cheaper than neutral, but they in no way be used for the sealing of surfaces and materials that can chemically react with an acid.
More than 90% of sales are white and colorless silicone sealants. Since the acrylic adhesives with properties suitable for staining, they are usually available in white color. In addition, in the range of some companies can meet sealants gray, brown and even black shades.
The foam and sealant - not the same thing
What is the difference from the foam sealant? The fact that the foam - it is not hermetic in every sense of the word. Foam solidification considerably increases in volume and is used for sealing seams and joints in width from 3 cm. Sealants, by contrast, are used for sealing joints and seams - no more than 3 cm.
According to the method of application of foam divided into professional and consumer. And those and others in the domestic market, usually offered in the form of one-component formulations.
The main difference between professional and consumer foams is that the balloon is made of foam for professional use with a special gun. Pistol accurately metered amount of foam produced, and thus, the foam will no longer have to "cut" and this improves its waterproofing qualities.
Professional Foam expensive household about 10-15% and yet provide no more than 20% of total sales of foam. They are packed in containers of 750 ml capacity. Domestic - 300, 500 and 750 ml.
Be aware of the shrinkage factor and the porous structure of the foam. After leaving the foam balloon expands and hardens. Then it shrinks. If the foam loses much in volume, it is broken contact ability, there are excessive voltage connections. The amount of shrinkage - one of the basic characteristics of foam, the smaller the shrinkage - the higher the bonding strength.
The cavity width 40 mm foam should polymerize (solidify) for 2-3 hours. After that, cut off the excess and shpaklyuyut connection. Such polymerization time allows efficient use of labor and time. For example, when installing windows in a flat performance by mounting the third window can start putty joints first, and so on. D. The ability of the foam to "cling" to the base facilitates the job of filling cavities and allows you to do it quickly and efficiently, and reduce the consumption of foam.
High-quality foam is required to perform the functions of hydro, thermal and sound insulator. Agree, which is an expensive box, if the heat, noise and moisture penetrate the perimeter. By the way, if the applied foam is cut, then the connection is greatly impairs waterproofing properties. Thermal conductivity of foam quality - 0.032 W/m²oK; Mineral wool and standard density have the worst performers (0,038).
The cylinders are equipped with high-quality foam robust valves which are triggered again in 98% of cases. After using such a valve is returned to its original position, except for the introduction of air into the cylinder and venting gas. This ensures that the user 100% yield and the stability of the foam quality even in case of repeated application. The container with a good foam enough to shake about 20 times to bring it "embattled".
Rely on professionals
To help choose the sealing material should be expert - dealer, professionally engaged in the sale of these materials related to the production plant and is responsible for the quality of its materials at the sites of application. Company-seller as a representative of the plant must carry out process control application of sealants in construction sites, responsible for the quality and durability of its materials, subject to application of materials technology.
Professionals advise buying sealants only after detailed examination of the characteristics offered by brands and receive comprehensive advice on the properties and applications. All these recommendations buyer has every right to ask the seller.
To include this information:
- manufacturer and country of manufacture;
- polymerization (a type of sealant - "acid" or "neutral");
- recommended and allowed the application;
- Skin formation time (min.);
- Full drying time (hours, days);
- permissible temperature application and operation (° C.);
- Guaranteed shelf life (months).
When buying a sealant or foam experts recommend to pay attention primarily on the authority of the manufacturer: indirect indicator of a range of products - the company produces dozens of major types of products, including highly specialized products. Have fun!