White sealant for plastic windows: which one is better?

During the window installation process, the master installer uses many auxiliary materials, one of which is sealant.
This substance is used to seal seams and subsequently eliminate drafts during operation of the window structure. It is known that a lot of heat escapes from the room through windows, especially in winter.

The sealant is designed to eliminate this drawback of the window system. To learn more about the material, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with its types, manufacturers and selection rules.

Application area of sealant

This substance is a paste containing polymer compounds. There are several types of sealant, differing in composition and characteristics, but they have the same basic properties: plastic when extruded, they harden in air, creating a reliable heat-insulating and moisture-proof layer. The seam, made using white sealant, is invisible against the background of the slopes and the frame of the double-glazed window.

These qualities, complemented by good adhesion to different surfaces, have made sealants indispensable for sealing cracks formed after the installation of plastic windows.

What it is?

The term “window sealant” refers to an elastic mixture based on polymer compounds, which is intended for sealing joints, depressions, sealing cracks , crevices and voids in window openings and when installing window structures.
The sealant can serve as a means of insulating against moisture entering the room through the window. The scope of application of sealants is wide and is determined by the composition of each of them.

The selection of material is carried out depending on the desire to obtain certain properties as a result.

Why is it used when installing frames?

When installing window systems it is used for:

creating a thermal insulation layer;
creating a layer to prevent moisture penetration;
protection of the structure from atmospheric influences;
protecting windows from temperature changes;
giving completeness and aesthetic appearance;
frost resistance;
fix installation errors.

Sealants are produced with different compositions, and when selecting a product, it is important to take into account the material from which the window is made, as well as the material from which the window opening itself is made.

Note ! Some products may not be suitable in composition for different types of walls - made of aerated concrete, wood or other material. Due to low adhesion, the use of such substances will be ineffective.

Acrylic sealant

Mainly used for external seams: after drying, acrylic, which has high adhesion to surfaces of any material, forms a porous structure. Inside the building, it will absorb fumes and darken over time. The problem can be solved by painting the seam, but still there are more suitable compositions for interior work.

Pros of acrylic sealant:

fits well even on damp substrates, on top of polyurethane foam;
not afraid of moisture and sunlight;
excess is easily removed;
harmless, does not require protective equipment during operation;
frost-resistant;
Can be painted or plastered without any problems.

Flaws:

after a few months it loses its whiteness, turns yellow or gray;
washed off with water.

Advantages and disadvantages

If we consider silicone sealant as a tool that is now difficult to do without in repairs of varying complexity, then it is necessary to indicate all its advantages and disadvantages.

Let's consider the advantages of sealant.

Prevents the formation of mold and the spread of insects on the surface. This becomes possible thanks to the fungicidal additives that are included in its composition.
After complete drying, it is not afraid of exposure to cleaning agents, even chemical ones.
Using a sealant, it will be possible to bond different types of surfaces. For joining ceramics, glass, plastic, wood, rubber with other materials, silicone is the best choice.
High strength of the material after drying, even with a liquid and elastic structure during application. This is achieved by the presence of silicon in the composition.
The peculiar composition allows the already glued surfaces to be movable and elastic.

Despite such a large number of advantages, there are also significant disadvantages to silicone sealant.

There are a number of surfaces that do not bond well with sealant - these are polyvinyl chloride, fluoroplastic, polyethylene, polycarbonate and polypropylene.
For application, the surface must be completely clean, so it is cleaned, degreased and completely dried. When applied to a damp surface, the properties of the material deteriorate significantly.

Acrylic and silicone sealant have some differences, and first of all, their difference is in composition: for silicone glue, rubber is an important component in the composition, but for acrylic it is acrylic acid. Silicone sealants are used to work with plastic, wood and ceramics, and the acrylic variety is universal. When working with the acrylic version, you can sand it to get a completely smooth surface that can be painted. However, here there is a stronger shrinkage and, when frozen, the material is not so elastic. This type is used for interior work, because with a large amplitude of temperature conditions it can deteriorate.

Silicone sealant provides better adhesion to even and smooth surfaces; it is not afraid of compression and kinks. Because of this, the cost of this option is more expensive than acrylic. Both types of materials can be either transparent or colored, which are used in various situations.

Since silicone sealants can be one-component or two-component, it is important to understand the differences in this case, identifying the specific advantages and disadvantages of each option. The one-component composition is the most common; it is used for all construction work by both professionals and amateurs. The ease of working with it determines the popularity of this material. The scope of use of sealants is constantly expanding. So, it can be used not only in home repairs, it is also very useful for working with a car, eliminating any seams, cracks and joints, it can be used to insulate electrical equipment, and in some cases it is used as a protective layer from moisture.

Two-component silicone is used in production and industry. The composition is much more complex, because it combines various elements. It is not used for everyday repair tasks.

Thiokol (polysulfide) sealant

A two-component composition with good viscosity and fluidity. Easy to use, penetrates into the smallest cracks and seals them. By adding different amounts of hardener, you can adjust the rate of hardening from several hours to several days. Professionals prefer to use it at the junction of tides. It is allowed to use thiokol sealant at sub-zero temperatures, which allows work to be carried out in the cold season.

Advantages of thiokol composition:

lasting;
resistant to chemically active substances;
not afraid of sunlight, high and low temperatures (operating range - from -50 °C to +130 °C);
has low moisture and vapor permeability.

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The only drawback is the high price.

Consumption

In order for the repair to be done efficiently and all seams and joints to be sealed beautifully and reliably, it is important to know exactly how it needs to be applied and how much material to use. When calculating the most correct consumption of sealant per 1 m of seam, you need to know its thickness and application technology. If we are talking about a corner seam between the bathtub and the tiles, then the best would be a depth of 6 mm and a width of 3 mm. Using such calculations, 20 ml of material will need to be used per meter of area. Often the standard package contains 310 ml, and in order to apply it correctly and economically, it is best to be guided by the indicators given in the table:

Seam width in mm
Seam depth in mm	5	7	10	12	15	20	25
5	12	8	6	—	—	—	—
7	—	6	4	3	—	—	—
10	—	—	3	2.5	2	1.5	—
12	—	—	—	2.1	1.7	1.2	1
15	—	—	—	—	1.3	1	0.8

If a 600 ml bag was chosen for the work, then the calculations will be different for 1 m of seam:

Seam width
Seam depth	5	7	10	12	15	20	25
5	23	15	11	—	—	—	—
7	—	11	7	6	—	—	—
10	—	—	6	5	4	3	—
12	—	—	—	4	3	2.4	2
15	—	—	—	—	2.5	1.9	1.4

For a more economical use of sealant, it is better to apply a semicircular seam, which is possible when working with a spatula having an edge of 6 mm; in addition, it is very important to correctly trim the nose of the tube itself, from where the material will come. To do this, you need to attach the spatula to the spout at an angle of forty-five degrees and open the package.

Polyurethane sealant

It is a sealing compound with an adhesive function. Successfully glues surfaces made of concrete, plastic, wood, metal and brick. It has a lot in common with polyurethane foam: a few seconds after it gets into a humid environment, it hardens to a solid state. Can be used both indoors and outdoors.

Advantages of polyurethane sealant:

not afraid of moisture, vibrations;
has the best elasticity compared to other compounds;
characterized by good adhesion to different surfaces and excellent self-adhesion;
resistant to ultraviolet radiation and low temperatures (up to -50 °C);
suitable for work in winter;
tolerates painting and varnishing well;
does not shrink;
safe;
durable, long lasting.

One point can be attributed to the disadvantages: polyurethane sealant hardens very quickly, so it must be applied carefully.

Butyl sealant

Thermoplastic composition based on polyisobutylene, the consistency resembles rubber. Suitable for sealing windows, sealing cracks in double-glazed windows indoors and outdoors. But for processing the joints of slopes and frames, it is better to choose a different composition.

Pros of butyl sealant:

durable, plastic;
vapor-tight;
Suitable for use on metal, plastic, glass and rubber surfaces;
repels moisture;
safe;
excess composition is easily removed;
has a long service life - up to 20 years.

Minuses:

narrow scope of application;
has a black or gray color.

Useful tips for choosing

In order to correctly select the right sealant, you should use the following tips from professionals:

You shouldn’t chase a product that’s too cheap; reliability and efficiency are the very parameters that you absolutely shouldn’t skimp on;
Before purchasing, be sure to read the information provided by the manufacturer (conditions of use, composition of the mixture, instructions for use, etc.);
If the buyer doubts the choice of the type of sealant (i.e., which base is better to use), then he should choose a silicone base, since in most cases it will be universal.
If the price is of little significance to the buyer, then it is possible to opt for an expensive polyurethane product;
You need to choose only those brands that have good recommendations.

Be sure to check the expiration date of the sealant!!! After storage for a long time, it can deteriorate and lose all its beneficial properties, which, naturally, will ruin all the work done.

Silicone sealants

A universal composition with organosilicon compounds, used to seal cracks from the inside and outside. Inexpensive, easy to use. Before application, the surface must be cleaned of contamination: this will increase the adhesion of silicone. Due to its high elasticity, it completely fills even minor cracks and cavities. Does not change its color over time, prevents the appearance of mold and mildew. Popular for interior work.

There are 2 types of silicone-based sealants available:

Acid (acetate). Can be used on any smooth substrates. Not suitable for stone and metal as it reacts with them. It has weak adhesion to concrete and gypsum, low adhesion to plastic. After application it smells a little like vinegar, but the smell dissipates quickly.
Neutral. Ideal for metal surfaces, non-corrosive, suitable for high humidity conditions. Used to fill expansion joints. Adheses well to plastic and glass, interacts well with concrete surfaces. Costs more than acidic.

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Advantages of silicone composition:

has increased elasticity;
moisture resistant;
tolerates high and low temperatures well (from -30 °C to +60 °C).

Flaws:

cannot be painted;
gives a slight shrinkage;
acid sealant peels off over time, which requires a complete renovation of the seam;
The peeling film may make a whistling sound when the wind blows through the window.

Examples of manufacturers

To understand what window sealant to choose from, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the manufacturers of each type of product in more detail. A small list - top with manufacturers:

Ceresit .
Offers silicone products for sealing seams and voids. The base also contains antifungal substances, which is considered a plus. The compositions adhere well, are easy to clean, but the downside is that there is no adhesion to rubber surfaces.
Belinka Belsil . It seals cracks and voids in windows well. It lasts a long time and does not appear black plaque, has antifungal additives. Available in 500 ml volumes, they have good viscosity and are universal.
Germent moment . Can be used both indoors and outdoors. Cures in 24 hours and is non-corrosive when used on aluminum windows. It has a neutral odor and heat resistance up to +30 degrees.
KRASS . This manufacturer's compositions do not cause shrinkage during operation. They adhere well to the surface, do not spread, and can be used to create stationary seams. Fire resistant.
CIKI FIX . The compositions “tightly” hold together various surfaces, which will be a plus. The sealant from this company is considered multifunctional, has good elasticity, does not wash out and does not spread. It also does not emit any odor.

Each manufacturer tries to produce a line of universal sealants, but there are also those who specialize in only one type of material.

TOP best

To understand which sealant is better and more relevant, it is recommended to consider a selection of the most popular materials:

Acrylic . Among the sealants of this type, we can highlight the products Makroflex FA131. The composition is frost-resistant and covers even small cracks, cost from 128 rubles. KRASS Universal also performed well, its cost starts from 190 rubles.
Liquid plastic . Compositions with this purpose are suitable for plastic windows; Weiss Chemie Cosmofen 345 at a price of 600 rubles and Cosmofen at a price of 700 rubles have proven themselves best.
Silicone . There are many candidates for consideration in this category, since most manufacturers necessarily have a composition with silicone in their lines. These are Penosil Universal Silicone for 239 rubles, PENOSIL HIGH Temp for 400 rubles and Soudal fix all high tack for 598 rubles.

These three types of sealants are considered the most versatile and functional. When selecting, it is still worth considering the type of work - external or internal . For example, the Sazi company produces 2 types of sealant: Stiz A and Stiz B. The first is intended for outdoor use, it is available in packaging from 400 grams to 7 kg. Stiz A has an average cost of 40 to 315 rubles. Stiz B sealant is used for interior finishing work. Its average cost is from 250 rubles per 1 kg.

Polymer sealant (liquid plastic)

It consists of dissolved PVC granules. Indistinguishable from the material of a window block, it combines a plastic slope with a frame into a monolithic structure. It is more expensive than silicone-based analogues. The most popular brand is Cocmofen.

Advantages of liquid plastic:

easy to apply;
hardens quickly;
lasts 15 years without changing color;
safe;
resistant to ultraviolet radiation and other atmospheric influences.

Minuses:

does not tolerate tensile or compressive loads (after hardening, the composition does not have elasticity);
Suitable only for plastic slopes.

Why is it important to choose the right one?

The choice of sealant must be approached responsibly, otherwise problems will arise in the further application of the material and its operation.
For example, if you choose the wrong product that is not compatible with different types of surfaces, it simply will not grip two planes.

After hardening, such a composition will move away from the surface and will not perform its stated functions.

Note ! Liquid plastic adhesives are only suitable for plastic windows.

If you choose a white sealant, which may turn yellow over time, the windows will take on an untidy appearance or the material will have to be painted. When choosing compositions with a smell, it is worth taking into account the characteristics of the people living in the room.

To choose the right sealant, you should consider:

appointment;
adhesion;
life time;
resistance to deformation;
heat resistance.

It is important to decide for what work the composition will be used - external or internal. It is also necessary to choose sealants with high adhesion. The product must last at least 15 years , must not deteriorate, break or fall off, and must also be heat resistant.

Acrylate sealants

They are used for making external and internal assembly seams when installing plastic windows. There are two most famous formulations on sale, which complement each other - “Stiz A” and “Stiz B”.

Pros of acrylate sealants:

the compositions can be applied at sub-zero temperatures;
have good adhesion to concrete, plastic, wood, brick surfaces, aluminum profiles;
UV resistant;
applied in any convenient way - spatula, brush, syringe, gun.

"Stiz A"

A vapor-permeable sealant intended for sealing seams between the opening and a window or balcony block on the outside of a building in accordance with GOST 30971. The vapor permeability of the outer layer is necessary so that moisture from the polyurethane foam is removed outside and the thermal insulation properties of the material are not reduced.

Important! “Stiz A” is suitable only for external seams; for internal seams, “Stiz B” sealant is used.

"Stiz B"

Vapor barrier acrylate sealant for the seam between the slopes and the window block indoors. Prevents moisture and steam from entering the seam from the room. Used in combination with the composition "Stiz A".

Rules for applying sealant

The technology for sealing plastic windows is approximately the same for different types of compounds. When using mounting compounds, it is necessary to follow safety rules and protect the skin from contact with the chemical product. It can lead to the progression of allergies. Before applying the sealant, it is forbidden to degrease the PVC system with products that contain acetone. They will contribute to the formation of stains on the surface of the frames and window sills.

How to seal cracks on a horse, the step-by-step procedure for sealing a window space is as follows:

The window surface from the outside and inside is thoroughly cleaned of dirt with a stiff brush; after removing the dirt, construction dust is removed with a rag. If the structure was previously sealed with polymer compounds, then they will need to be removed using specialized chemicals (for example, Tytan Remover).
Treat the window structure with a damp cloth, then degrease it with B-70 gasoline.
Painting tape is glued along the edges of the slopes.
A sealing compound is applied to the cracks and holes. When processing the window surface, you will need to ensure that all cracks are completely filled with sealant. Installation work must be carried out at an air temperature of 5 to 40 degrees Celsius. In other cases, you should refrain from sealing and wait until the temperature stabilizes.
The seams must be applied evenly, otherwise during operation they may begin to mold or become covered with fungus (with increased humidity or temperature changes).
After applying the gel layer, it must be moistened with clean water and soap (after 10 minutes).
After finishing the work, remove the masking tape and wait until the installation mixture hardens.

If polymer composition gets on double-glazed windows or slopes, it should be immediately wiped with a wet cloth to eliminate drying. If after 1-2 weeks the layer of mounting mastic began to peel off and allow moisture to pass through, this indicates that the layer was too wide.

Also, when using a thick insulating seam, its structure may be damaged and cracked during operation. In this case, the sealing will have to be carried out again, after first removing the old layer of the polymer product.

Technology of use

In addition to sealant, when sealing cracks you will need:

A special gun that makes it convenient to squeeze the solution out of the tube.
Masking tape. Most sealants can be easily removed with water until they have hardened. But it’s worth additionally protecting the frames and slopes from getting hit.
Sponge and container with water.

Preliminary preparation consists of cleaning the surface and crevices from dirt. Dust, grease, remnants of protective film - all this will reduce the adhesion of the material. When wet cleaning, time is allowed for the surface to dry. Masking tape is applied along the contour of the cracks to be sealed.

Important! Plastic elements - window frames, sandwich panels, window sills - cannot be degreased with acetone-based solvents. There will be stains and stains on them.

Sealant application technology:

Holding the syringe with the composition at an acute angle, carefully fill the gaps. At the same time, the nose of the syringe smoothes the seam.

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We wet our finger in water and form the seam completely, making sure that the sealant completely fills the space between the frame and the slope. You can easily clean your finger from the sealant with a simple napkin.
Use a wet sponge to carefully remove excess. At the same time, we must not damage the integrity of the seam, so we wash and wet the sponge more often.
We seal the window in parts to prevent the sealant from hardening before the seam is formed. First, we perform operations on one section of the window, and after completing the entire cycle of work, we move on to the next one. This way the seal will be of high quality.
We pay special attention to the cleaning stage: forgotten drops of solution will darken over time and spoil the appearance of the window opening, and removing them in a frozen state is problematic.

Note! The technology for applying liquid plastic is different. The composition is squeezed out in an even strip; it cannot be smeared or rubbed into the seam.