Do you have a caulking project in mind and are about to leave for the hardware store to buy some sealant? Don’t rush off too quickly, otherwise you may find yourself in a section full of different types of sealants, with no idea which one is best for your project.
To help you make your choice before you even set foot in your local hardware store, here is a concise presentation of different types of caulking sealants.
Latex caulk
Latex caulk is water-based, easy to use and clean, can be painted and is relatively less expensive than other types of caulking. Some higher quality latex sealants can sometimes be used for exterior caulking joints, but are better suited for interior finishing applications.
Acrylic caulk
As with latex caulking sealants, acrylic caulking sealants can be painted. However, they are solvent-based and more difficult to use and shape. This type of caulking sealant has a very limited movement tolerance (Class 7½). Consequently, it is more commonly used in commercial caulking applications, especially for joints with low mobility. They tend to be in the low to moderate cost range.
Silicone caulk
Silicone caulking sealants are used in a wide variety of applications (caulking doors and windows and their perimeters, sealing a building envelope, etc.) because of their unmatched performance: UV resistance, temperature resistance, maximum movement tolerance (Class 50-100), generally longer life and long-term flexibility. However, this type of caulking sealant can give off a certain odour and take a considerable amount of time to fully cure. It also cannot be painted. Nevertheless, it is now the number one choice for companies offering caulking services that want their joints to stay effective for as long as possible.
Polyurethane caulk
Polyurethane caulking products are resistant, even to abrasion. They can be painted and have good adhesion. On the other hand, they can be rigid and more difficult to apply and shape than silicone and cannot be used in structural glass joints. Their movement tolerance is also lower than silicone (Class 12½, 25 and 50). Among “high performance” caulking sealants, those made of polyurethane are relatively expensive.
Hybrid caulk
Hybrids are relatively new in the world of caulking sealants. They contain chemical compounds that modify both silicone and polyurethane sealants and combine some of the strengths of each. Their chemical profile is appealing for residential caulking applications because they are free of solvents and isocyanates.
Choose the product that best suits your needs
In short, there are several types of caulking that can be used to make effective and long-lasting caulking joints. The important thing is to select the sealant that has the properties and performance that will guarantee easy application and the best possible results for your project. If you want to make a safe choice, go with a silicone sealant. This type of sealant is the most effective for most applications.
At Calfeutrage Apex, we are proud to use top-quality sealants that are backed by our 10-year limited warranty. Contact us today to get a free quote for your caulking project!
