Sealant for plastic windows white: which is better

Installation of PVC windows ends with the arrangement of slopes. The gaps between them and the window frame spoil the appearance of the window opening, through them cold and moisture from the street penetrate the apartment. For their high-quality sealing use sealant for plastic windows. Let's compare the different compositions and find out which one is best for our purposes.

Sealant scope

This substance is a paste containing polymer compounds. There are several types of sealant that differ in composition and characteristics, but their basic properties are common: plastic at the time of extrusion, they harden in air, creating a reliable heat-insulating and moisture-proof layer. A seam made using white sealant is invisible against the background of slopes and a double-glazed window frame.

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

Kinds

There are several varieties of sealing compounds:

• acrylic;
• thiokol;
• butyl;
• polyurethane;
• silicone;
• polymeric;
• acrylate.

To understand which one is suitable in a particular case, we will consider each of the types in detail.

Acrylic Sealant

It is mainly used for external joints: after drying, acrylic, which has high adhesion to surfaces of any material, forms a porous structure. Inside the building, it will absorb vapors and darken over time. The problem is solved by coloring the seam, but nevertheless, more suitable compounds exist for internal work.

Advantages of acrylic sealant:

• lays well even on damp substrates, on top of mounting foam;
•  not afraid of moisture and sunshine;
• the excess is easily removed;
• harmless, does not require protective equipment in the process;
• hardy;
• it is painted or plastered without problems.

Disadvantages:

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

Thiokol (polysulfide) sealant

A two-component composition with good viscosity and fluidity. It is convenient in work, penetrates into the smallest cracks and closes them. By adding different amounts of hardener, you can adjust the pour point from several hours to several days. Professionals prefer to use it in places where the ebb tide. Thiol sealant can be used at low temperatures, which allows for work in the cold season.

Pros of thiol 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.

The only drawback is the high price.

Polyurethane sealant

It is a sealing compound with glue function. Successfully glues surfaces made of concrete, plastic, wood, metal and brick. Has a lot to do with polyurethane foam: A few seconds after getting into a humid environment, it solidifies to a solid state. It is used both indoors and outdoors.

Advantages of polyurethane sealant:

• not afraid of moisture, vibration;
• possesses the best elasticity in comparison with other structures;
• characterized by good adhesion to different surfaces and excellent self-adhesion;
• resistant to ultraviolet and low temperatures (up to -50 ° C);
• suitable for work in winter;
• well tolerates painting and varnishing;
• does not shrink;
• safe
• durable, long serving.

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

Butyl Sealant

A thermoplastic composition based on polyisobutylene, reminiscent of rubber in consistency. Suitable for sealing windows, closing cracks in double-glazed windows inside and outside the room. But for processing the joints of slopes and frames, it is better to choose a different composition.

Pluses of butyl sealant:

• strong, 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;
• has black or gray color.

Silicone sealants

Universal composition with organosilicon compounds used to seal gaps inside and out. 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 fungus. Popular during internal work.

There are 2 types of silicone based sealants available:

1. Acidic (acetate). It is used for any smooth bases. Not suitable for stone and metal, as it reacts with them. It has poor adhesion with concrete and gypsum, low adhesion with plastic. After application, it smells a bit like vinegar, but the smell quickly disappears.
2. Neutral. Ideal for metal surfaces, does not cause corrosion, suitable for conditions of high humidity. Used to fill expansion joints. It adheres well to plastic and glass, interacts well with concrete surfaces. It costs more than acid.

Advantages of the silicone composition:

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

Disadvantages:

• does not give in to coloring;
• gives a little shrinkage;
• the acidic sealant exfoliates over time, which requires a complete renewal of the seam;
• peeling film may whistle when the window is blown by the wind.

Polymer sealant (liquid plastic)

Represents the dissolved granules of PVC. Indistinguishable from the material of the window block, combines a plastic slope with a frame in a monolithic design. Costs more than silicone-based counterparts. The most popular brand is Cocmofen.

Pluses of liquid plastic:

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

Minuses:

• does not tolerate tensile or compressive stresses (after solidification, the composition does not have elasticity);
• only suitable for plastic slopes.

Acrylate Sealants

Are applied to the device of external and internal assembly seams when installing plastic windows. On sale there are two of the most famous compositions that complement each other - “Stiz A” and “Stiz B”.

Advantages of acrylate sealants:

• the compositions can be applied at low temperatures;
• have good adhesion to concrete, plastic, wood, brick surfaces, aluminum profile;
• UV resistant;
• are applied in any convenient way - with a spatula, brush, syringe, gun.

Steez A

A vapor-permeable sealant designed for sealing joints between an opening and a window or balcony block outside the building in accordance with GOST 30971. The vapor permeability of the outer layer is necessary so that moisture from the mounting foam is brought out and the thermal insulation properties of the material are not reduced.

Important! “Steez A” is suitable only for external joints, for internal joints “Sealant B” is used.

Steez B

Vapor barrier acrylic sealant for the joint between the slopes and the window unit indoors. Does not allow moisture and steam to penetrate into the seam from the room. It is used in combination with the composition "Stiz A".

Use technology

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

• A special gun with which it is convenient to squeeze the solution out of the tube.
• Masking tape. Most sealants can be easily removed with water before they harden. But it’s worthwhile to additionally protect the frames and slopes from their getting.
• Sponge and a container of water.

Preliminary preparation consists in cleaning the surface and cracks from contamination. Dust, grease, residues of the protective film - all this will reduce the adhesion of the material. With wet cleaning, time is allowed to dry the surface. A masking tape is glued along the contour of the sealed slots.

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

Sealant application technology:

• Holding the syringe with the composition at an acute angle, carefully fill the slots. In this case, the nozzle of the syringe smoothes the seam.

• We wet your finger in water and form the seam completely, making sure that the sealant completely fills the space between the frame and the slope. The finger of the sealant can be easily cleaned with a simple cloth.
• Using a wet sponge, gently remove excess. In this case, it is necessary not to damage the integrity of the seam, so we wash the sponge and wet it more often.
• We perform window sealing in parts to prevent the sealant from solidifying before the formation of the seam. First, we perform operations on one section of the window, after the completion of the entire cycle of work, we proceed to the next. So the seal will turn out to be of high quality.
• We pay special attention to the cleaning stage: forgotten drops of the 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 by a smooth strip, it is impossible to smear and rub it into the seam.

Which composition to choose?

When choosing a sealant, you need to consider the features of the room or the conditions of sealing.

For seals from the side of the street are suitable:

• acrylic sealants;

• thiocol or polyurethane solutions, if the cracks are closed in the cold season or in rainy weather;
• acrylate composition "Stiz A".

The influence of the external environment on the sealant indoors is much less, and the requirements for the aesthetics of the seam are higher. For internal work most often used:

• white silicone sealant (it is better to prefer a neutral type);
• liquid plastic;
• polyurethane sealant;
• acrylate composition "Stiz B".

Butyl sealant is suitable for sealing window blocks themselves and closing cracks in glass units.

Mr. Build recommends: when choosing, focus on products of well-known brands. There are a lot of low-quality compounds on the market from unscrupulous manufacturers.

High-quality seams will provide comfort in the room and will not spoil the appearance of the window opening. To achieve such a result, it is enough to choose the correct sealing compound and carefully apply it.