What should a window sealant do?
Window sealant has found application in the construction market as an excellent sealant for window frames and glass. Depending on the operational properties, several of its main types are distinguished, which will be discussed below. Undoubtedly, the most popular and common is the silicone sealant for windows. The main reason for its popularity, along with excellent characteristics, has become a low price, because it is made on the basis of only one component - silicone rubber.
Depending on the vulcanizing agent used, they are divided into acetate and neutral .The first type is well suited for all smooth surfaces and can be successfully applied as a glass sealant. Having a high degree of adhesion for smooth and porous surfaces, the second type can also be used as a glass sealant to ensure a good connection between the frame and the window glass. In addition, it is often used to seal the outer seams when installing windows.
Special sealants for windows
Acrylic sealant for wooden windows, whether new or old, fits best. It is most often used as a putty, as it reliably protects the seams from penetration of steam. Acrylic is not afraid of low temperatures and is well compatible with most building materials.
In the manufacture of insulating glass units, special attention is also paid to preventing water vapor from entering the interglass space, and here, as the sealant for double-glazed windows, butyl mass is irreplaceable, which is applied at temperatures over one hundred degrees.
Special sealant for PVC windows is used as a secondary seal to give the edge joint of the double-glazed window additional strength necessary to withstand sudden changes in temperature and pressure. But polyurethane sealant - the cheapest. With increased resistance to temperature changes, it is not sensitive to oils and acids.
Use of sealants in working with
glass It should be remembered that any window sealant must meet the following requirements:
- mechanical strength;
- elasticity;
- good adhesion with other building materials;
- longevity;
- resistance to aggressive environment and ultraviolet radiation;
- thixotropy - the ability to keep on vertical surfaces, do not drain off them;
- chemical neutrality, should not have a destructive effect on the surrounding substances.
Before applying the sealant, the windows must be cleaned of dust and dirt and allow them to dry. Work is performed at a temperature of at least 5 and not more than 40 degrees Celsius. To work, you will need the sealant itself and a construction gun, with which to fill all the gaps and crevices is not difficult. The tip of the cartridge with the inside of the working composition is cut off by the mark, after which the cartridge is placed in the gun.
Initially, the sealant is applied evenly into the gaps between the glass and the glazing bead over their entire length from the outer and inner sides of the window. Then fill all the crevices in the frame. Drops of sealant from the frame and window sill are removed with a cloth moistened with gasoline. All the unevenness of the joints after the drying of the sealant is cut with a sharp knife.