DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CAULKS AND SEALANTS

Our home is comprised of different materials that preferably complement each other to give strength and foundation to our abode. Sometimes, even if we take the necessary steps to make our home look flawless walls, floors, roofs and other parts of the building start to wear over a period of time. A really practical safeguard against the elements that will help to cut down considerably on the cost of repairs is the application of sealants and caulks to the affected areas.

WHAT ARE CAULKS AND SEALANTS?

Both caulks and sealants can be relied on for two things:

·     Fill in the gaps between cracks - sealants and caulks are both used to create a seal between spaces in cracked or damaged materials.

·         Form a barrier to block fluid or other materials - Sealants and caulks can also block air or water from flowing through a space or crack.

Caulks and sealants share the same uses, although both have distinctive differences and can be used in their own right.

WHAT ARE CAULKS?

Caulks are made of less expensive materials compared to sealants. Polymers such as polybutene, asphalt, vinyl acetate and acylix latex are just a few of the materials that can be used to make caulks. Caulks are the choice of people who are considering budget over performance because caulks are generally cheaper than sealants. However, caulks are not the best choice for outdoor uses. Caulks are rigid and it is advisable that they are only used in areas where minimal expansion and contraction are envisaged. Furthermore, caulks have limited weathering properties -- any material that has been applied with caulk will crack, split or turn severely chalked, usually within a three year period.

WHAT ARE SEALANTS?

What sets sealants apart from caulks are their elasticity and durability properties – not to mention, price. Sealants are expected to be a bit more expensive than caulks because they are normally made out of silicone. Silicone gives the sealant flexibility benefits and is ideal for areas where expansion and contraction are likely. Most homebuilders use silicone sealants because the material is flexible enough to keep a watertight seal, even in areas where there is much weather exposure. Sealants are not only best for indoor applications but for outdoor projects as well.

 

WHAT SHOULD YOU USE FOR YOUR PROJECT?

Before buying either sealant or caulk, first consider the type of work that you are about to embark on.  If you are just thinking of making or repairing an indoor project, opting for caulk instead of sealant may be a better choice for you. On the contrary, if you are thinking of repairing or starting an outdoor project that is likely to be exposed to the elements, sealants are by far the better option.

IMPORTANT TO NOTE

It is important to note that the popular choice of homebuilders nowadays is sealants. The composition of caulks gives the material to exhibit poor to fair adhesion on any type of material.