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.
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.
When to seal windows
Installation of plastic windows has a number of features and requires strict adherence to technology. If you violate the installation rules, the tightness of the products will be incomplete, which will greatly affect the quality and service life. Most often, windows are installed in the warm season, when it is almost impossible to detect blowing and freezing. But when cold weather sets in, all problems quickly become apparent.
Insulating windows yourself using sealant
The main signs that it is time to seal your windows are:
- condensation appears on the glass,
- moisture accumulates on the windowsill,
- there is mold in the corners, near the slopes,
- when checking with your hand, a draft is felt,
- the temperature in the room decreases.
If the window is installed correctly, the technology is followed, then it does not blow out, as a result the room becomes maximally protected from external factors. Loosely sealed seams allow water and cold air to pass through, so immediately after a problem appears, you need to use window sealant.
Varieties: requirements, technical characteristics
All existing types of sealants can be divided by type of work into internal and external, and by composition . To begin with, it is recommended to consider those materials that differ in the type of work performed.
For indoor/outdoor work
Since the temperature regime and operating conditions outside the window and inside the room are different, manufacturers provided for the creation of sealants separately for external seams and separately for internal ones.
More details about each :
- For interior work. This material is used for window installation seams inside the window. It can be used simultaneously with exterior sealant.
The product does not allow moisture to pass through due to its vapor barrier properties; it seals window seams from the inside and protects against blowing and moisture entering the room.The composition itself is elastic, it can withstand temperature changes and deformation. Its operating temperature is from -40 to +90 degrees, most often available in white. Application temperature – from -10 to +30 degrees.
- For outdoor work .
The material intended for outdoor work has slightly different characteristics. It is made on the basis of acrylic and is intended for sealing plastic, wooden, aluminum windows, balconies and stained glass windows. Used to create the outer layer of the assembly seam at the junction points of window systems. Suitable for heated industrial and civil buildings. The properties of this sealant are vapor permeable, protect against freezing, getting wet and blowing, and can protect polyurethane foam. Provides durable sealing and an attractive appearance thanks to its white color.
Important ! You can use external sealant even in bad weather and at a temperature of -15 degrees.
By composition
According to their composition, window sealants can be divided into several options.
Silicone based
This composition is considered universal and contains organosilicon compounds . It is designed to seal cracks inside and outside. To increase the adhesion of the product, the surface must be cleaned of debris. The composition has high elasticity, so it will quickly and easily fill even small cracks. Over time it does not turn yellow or change color.
Today, manufacturers produce 2 types of silicone sealant: acidic and neutral. Acid is also called acetate, as it has the smell of vinegar and contains special substances. It is best used for smooth surfaces; it is not suitable for stone and metal.
Neutral sealant is suitable for metal windows as it does not cause corrosion . It also adheres well to plastic, glass, concrete, and has a higher cost. Silicone compounds are good because they have increased elasticity, are resistant to moisture and tolerate low and high temperatures well. Their disadvantages include that they cannot be painted and can shrink and peel off the film.
Acrylic
In most cases it is used for outdoor work, and after hardening it forms a porous surface.
If used indoors, due to excess moisture, such material may darken, but at the same time it can be easily painted. Pros :
- good adhesion to almost all materials;
- easy to remove excess;
- resistant to moisture and ultraviolet radiation;
- frost resistant;
- has no smell;
- paints and plasters well.
Among the disadvantages, users highlight the loss of whiteness over time and easy removal with water.
Liquid plastic
This is the name of a polymer sealant, which contains dissolved PVC granules. It is so similar to window plastic material that it is indistinguishable. The cost exceeds even silicone analogues.
The advantages of liquid plastic are safety, easy application , service for about 15 years without changing color, odorless, as well as rapid hardening and resistance to ultraviolet radiation. But this composition does not withstand tensile or compression loads, and is also suitable only for PVC windows.
Polyurethane
This composition has an additional function - gluing. It can firmly bond surfaces made of concrete, wood, plastic, brick and metal. It is a little similar to polyurethane foam in that after it gets into a humid environment it hardens after a short period of time. Polyurethane sealant can be used for both external and internal work. Its advantages:
resistant to moisture and vibration;- tolerates painting and varnish very well;
- high strength and durability;
- no shrinkage;
- safety;
- relevant for winter work;
- has the highest elasticity compared to other sealants.
The composition also has excellent adhesion, but is not without its drawbacks. For example, it hardens very quickly, so before applying it is important to immediately outline the scope of work .
Butyl
The composition contains polyisobutylene, which is similar in consistency to rubber. It seals windows and cracks in double-glazed windows well. They are used mainly indoors, but they also show excellent performance outdoors. Not suitable for processing joints of slopes and frames. This composition is durable, plastic and vapor-tight.
Suitable for all types of surfaces, resistant to moisture and safe for humans. Serves up to 20 years. The disadvantages are black or gray color and a small range of applications.
Thiokol
Viscous and fluid two-component composition. It can even repair microcracks. You can add a hardener to it yourself, thereby adjusting the speed of hardening. Excellent for tide junctions . Can be used at sub-zero temperatures. The advantages of this product: strength, resistance to aggressive chemicals, resistance to moisture and temperature changes. The downside is that the price is too high.
Which sealant for plastic windows is better?
The choice of sealing mastic for insulation depends on the characteristics of the installation work. If it is necessary to remove holes and cracks from the outside of the window system, it is best to choose acrylic, thiokol or acrylate compounds. They are resistant to temperature changes, precipitation, and ultraviolet rays. These compounds have a service life of 15 years.
For interior work, you should choose silicone-based insulation (white), liquid plastic, or polyurethane mastic. These products are safer for health due to their gentle composition. If it is necessary to seal window units and remove cracks in the double-glazed windows themselves, you should opt for butyl sealant. It is well suited for outdoor use and is characterized by stable vapor permeability.
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.
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.
Security measures
When working with the material, you should strictly follow the instructions for use and safety precautions. The composition contains dangerous components that are highly flammable. Smoking during work is strictly prohibited, as is working near other sources of fire.
It is recommended to work with gloves, as if the composition gets on your hands it will be difficult to clean. The room must be ventilated when working, since inhaling adhesive vapors is prohibited. Otherwise, it is better to wear a respirator or fabric mask.
How to properly silicone after installation?
To seal the mounting seam of a window after its installation, it is recommended to follow the instructions:
- Prepare tools and consumables: a syringe for the sealant itself, a container of water and construction tape.
- Prepare the slopes: stick masking tape on them.
- Clean the work area from dust and dirt: if there is debris on the surface, the adhesion of the sealant will decrease.
- Slowly squeeze the sealant from the syringe into the seam area. You need to hold the syringe so that the nozzle smoothes the product from the tube when applied.
- Coat irregularities and defects in the seam with a finger dipped in water.
- Remove excess material with a damp sponge before it hardens.
It's best to work in stages and apply sealant to areas gradually.
The video explains how to seal window seams:
Possible difficulties and errors
The first mistake that craftsmen make is incomplete cleaning of the surface from contamination . Another nuance is that some installers do not remove the remaining glue after applying it. As a result: when the sealant sets, it can only be removed with a knife, and such an impact can damage nearby surfaces.
If you make even a small mistake, the window structures will subsequently become leaky.
Detailed scope of use
In almost every area, sealants are in demand. Some people buy it for home use, others for cars, others for underwater use, etc. There are thousands of options for using such a product, so there is always a use for it.
However, there are places where it is impossible to imagine work without this element:
- Strengthening the structure and eliminating seams;
- Isolation of the device from exposure to atmospheric phenomena;
- Ensuring tight fixation between the frame and glass;
- Insulation of window parts;
- Elimination of the air gap and fastening of window sills;
- Repair of furniture structures;
- Use in walls and facades;
- Installation of ventilated elements.
Pros and cons of use
The main advantages of using sealed compounds:
- availability;
- possibility of independent use;
- the ability to choose the composition of the glue;
- ensuring thermal insulation properties;
- ease of use;
- resistance to temperature conditions.
Among the disadvantages, we can note the high cost of some compositions , for example, liquid plastic, as well as the tendency to gradual loss of color and yellowing.
Average prices for window seam sealing services
On average, window companies offer the same range of seam sealing services; the cost will vary by region and type of compounds used:
- sealing seams from the outside - from 600 rubles per meter;
- sealing internal seams - from 300 rubles per meter;
- seams between frames and slopes - from 300 rubles;
- tightness of double-glazed windows - from 900 rubles.
Some companies offer sealing of facade glazing: such a service will cost 700 rubles per linear meter.
