WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF CAULKING?

 

ACRYLIC LATEX CAULK.

Latex sealants are paintable, making them perfect for indoor use. Latex caulk is not suitable for temperatures to change drastically, so it is not recommended to be used outdoors if you live in hot or very cold places.

POLYURETHANE CAULK.

Is used often in commercial buildings as it is extremely durable. However, Polyurethane has less elasticity than other caulks, and it can not be applied in cold temperatures. Polyurethane application is also harder than other brands, and the removal of the old caulk may take double the time it would take to remove silicone sealant. Polyurethane takes longer to cure (24 hours more than silicone). It is often applied to structures with high traffic as it holds up to abrasion.

Some caulk can come paintable, and is usually a polyurethane. This is the type of caulk you will want to use for the trim in the home. These caulks are made to be put on before you paint. They help finish off the look of your trim and allow you to paint over it with ease.

SILICONE CAULK.

Silicone-based caulking is an excellent choice for buildings in places with extreme cold/hot weather. Its flexibility and elasticity allow this caulk to expand and contract in weather changes without cracking or splitting. Its application is easy and convenient, and it can be applied to a building at -20C and up to +45C. You can not paint over Silicone sealants; however, nowadays, most manufacturers manufacture silicone-based sealants in a significant variety of colours. Silicone caulk can be applied to a variety of surfaces, and it cures within 24 hours.

When it comes to sealant joints, there are many types of sealants to choose from. Silicone sealants are amongst the most used solutions, thanks to their wide range of benefits. An exterior silicone joint is highly durable and remains stable in extreme temperatures ensuring properties are always protected against the elements.

FIRERATED CAULK.

Fire caulking also referred to as firerated caulk, is a sealing product made from fire-resistant materials. It is used for sealing seams, gaps, joints, and openings within horizontal and vertical fire resistance walls, floors, ceilings, and around fire-rated doors to provide optimal fire safety for buildings and structures.It slows or prevents the spread of flames, smoke, and toxic fumes.

SILICONE VS CAULK.

Is Silicone better than caulk? it depends. 

To bind surfaces composed of plastic,wood,glass, or you need to seal gaps between tiles, then it better to use Silicone.

On the other hand if you need to gap junctions between walls then it’s advised to use caulking instead mainly  because it dries quicker and is much more resistant to weathering .

Lastly, acrylic caulk  is the best suited to paint over.

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Bellow are some advantages of silicone sealants:

• It’s resistant to stains and mould growth, it will not change colour or fade under UV rays. 

• Silicone is a flexible material. Silicone sealants can be applied across a wide range of materials (glass, tile, metal,wood,etc)

• It is also able to withstand vast amounts of movement within those materials without cracking or splitting and offers a beautiful aesthetic finish to any property.

• It cures within 24 hours.