Last Updated on November 25, 2021 by Admin
A sealant is a substance used to fill gaps between substrates and create protective barriers. Sealants are designed to cure and seal fluid against movement. On the other hand, mastics do not cure. Mastic tends to be more of an adhesive and used for jobs such as adhering to a countertop, laminate flooring, etc. On the other hand, a sealant is designed to create a waterproof/ airtight seal. However, the terms are often used interchangeably. Mastics are a form of sealant.
Functions of a Sealant
Sealants are often used in homes for a variety of functions. They are also used in commercial properties. The functions of a sealant are…
- Filling gaps or openings between substrates (an underlying substance or layer)
- Creating a barrier using the properties of the sealant, as well as adhering to the substrate
- Seals for the expected lifetime, with environmental and service conditions
Types of Sealants
Now that you understand a bit more about sealants, let’s take a look at the types of sealants used today. There are many types available on the market and they are used for different purposes. The most common are silicone, polysulphide, acrylic, waterproof, fire-resistant and epoxy. Sealant companies produce the product in many forms including liquid, powder, solid and foam. When it comes to mastic sealants, the most common type is liquid, however, a mastic sealant can be in paste or thick glue form.
How Mastics Differ
Mastics are used for the purpose of joining one surface to another. It is also used to protect the area in which it is applied, most commonly seen in cars and boats. Joined surfaces that require some movement such as building joints and glass balustrades, use mastic sealants because they are flexible and allow for this movement after curing.
In fact, mastic sealants work well with glass, wood, aluminum, marble, steel, concrete and duct board. The heating and air industry use mastic sealants for duct work repair because of their beneficial adhesive proprieties. It has heat-resistant properties as well. The bonds created from mastic sealants are strong and seal very well when applied with a caulking gun, also known as a mastic sealant gun.
Mastics sealants are typically always in liquid form and they cure in an elastic state. This bond is flexible and can be applied as a water-based paste for HVAC systems. The purpose is to help seal the HVAC system and fill crevices that traditional HVAC tape cannot reach. The mastic sealant is adaptable because of its texture and consistency. It conforms to any shape. Its adhesive properties are strong and have the ability to adapt to substrata. It can be used in many applications, such as adhering floor surfaces to grouting or tile to wall.
Other Uses for Mastic Sealants
- Successfully holds load-bearing walls in place
- Eliminates the need for drywall support because it dries and sets in a short amount of time
- Ideal for use in ceilings due to its properties
