No matter what type of application, sealants are important in many ways. Whether you're blocking fluid flow or just trying to maintain pressure in a system, you need a quality sealant to do the job. One of the most reliable sealant options is silicone-based. If you have never used a silicone-based sealant before, there are some things that you should know. Here are a few of those things.

The Basics Of Silicone-Based Sealant

Silicone sealant comes in a liquid form. It is usually sold in tubes, and you simply squeeze the tube to dispense it. Its texture and physical properties are similar to gel. It is fairly elastic in nature, which makes it far easier to dispense and stretch throughout the space you're trying to seal.

The Versatility Of Silicone-Based Sealant

One of the things that makes a silicone-based sealant so popular is its versatility. These sealants hold up exceedingly well in various temperatures, including extreme heat and extreme cold. That means you can use it in almost any environment. 

Adding to the versatility of silicone is its resistance to damage from hazards that would destroy other sealants. For example, silicone-based sealants are resistant to damage from chemical exposure, weather, and even moisture. 

The Needs Of Silicone-Based Sealant

When you opt to use a silicone-based sealant, you need to understand its precise needs for the best possible results. First, you should only apply the sealant in an environment that's well-suited to its application. Silicone sealant should only be applied if the temperatures are above freezing, but not over 90 degrees.

The environment must have some humidity in the air for silicone to cure correctly, but it shouldn't be raining when it's applied or when the silicone cures. If the air is exceedingly dry or it's raining while the silicone is curing, the silicone may not properly adhere to the surface.

Finally, while some sealants just need to dry in order to be effective, silicone sealant needs to cure completely for it to be fully effective. You need to be prepared to let the silicone cure before putting much demand on it. It can cure within a day, or it can take it several weeks if you've had to apply the silicone heavily. 

Talk with your local industrial supply company today for more information and to get the silicone sealants that you need. You can even find other multi-purpose sealants if silicone doesn't meet your needs.

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