General Purpose Silicone
General Purpose Silicone: The All-In-One Sealing Solution
General purpose silicone is a versatile and essential product in various industrial and commercial applications. Known for its durability, flexibility, and resistance to extreme conditions, general silicone is a reliable choice for sealing, bonding, and protecting surfaces. This guide explores the benefits, applications, and specifications of general purpose silicone, helping you make an informed decision for your business needs.
Key Benefits of General Purpose Silicone
- Durability: With its robust formula, general silicone offers long-lasting performance, even in challenging environments.
- Flexibility: Silicone sealants can accommodate movement and stress without cracking or losing adhesion, making them ideal for dynamic structures.
- Temperature Resistance: Capable of withstanding a wide range of temperatures, general purpose silicone remains effective from -40°C to 150°C (specific ranges may vary based on product).
- Weather Resistance: Resistant to UV light and various weather conditions, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications.
Applications of General Silicone
General purpose silicone is widely used across different industries due to its versatility. Its applications include:
- Glazing and Weather Sealing: Ideal for sealing windows and doors, ensuring a secure and weatherproof fit.
- Plumbing: Suitable for sealing roof and gutter joints to prevent leaks and water damage.
- Electrical Sealing: Provides protection for electrical components by sealing out moisture and contaminants.
- Bedding or Gasket Style Sealant: Used in cool rooms, freezers, and air conditioning systems for securing fittings and joints.
- Metal to Metal Lap Joints: Essential for shipping container construction and other industrial applications.
Specifications and Performance
When selecting a general silicone, it's crucial to consider the specific requirements of your application. Here are two popular products with their unique advantages:
Fulaseal 780 Plumbers
- Economical silicone/sealant for weather sealing
- Forms a skin in 5-8 minutes
- UV and weather resistant, suitable for outdoor use
- Safe for use with potable (drinking) water
- Enables +/- 25% movement
- Suitable for a wide range of materials including glass, aluminium, galvanised steel, timber, some plastics, and painted surfaces
Bostik 5612 Butyl Mastic Sealer
- Suitable as a bedding or gasket style sealant
- Designed for commercial and industrial use
- Great UV light resistance, especially when used for glazing purposes
- Temperature resistance from -35°C to 65°C
- Application areas include cool rooms, freezers, air conditioning systems, glazing seals, and shipping container metal to metal lap joints
Choosing the Right General Purpose Silicone
Selecting the right general purpose silicone depends on several factors, including the application environment, the materials involved, and the specific performance requirements. Consider the following tips:
- Match Temperature Resistance: Ensure the silicone meets the temperature requirements of your application.
- Check Compatibility: Verify that the silicone is compatible with the materials you are working with (e.g., glass, metal, timber).
- Assess Movement Capability: For dynamic structures, choose a silicone with good movement accommodation properties.
Conclusion
General purpose silicone is an indispensable tool for various sealing, bonding, and protection needs in industrial and commercial settings. By understanding its benefits, applications, and specifications, you can choose the right product to ensure durability, flexibility, and resistance to extreme conditions. Invest in high-quality silicone sealants to achieve the best results for your projects and maintain the integrity of your structures.
