Sealant is a substance produced on the basis of oligomers and polymers. It is used for the final processing of the seam in parquets, as well as for the restoration of wood flooring. When laying parquet, there is always a gap between the boards. In order to prevent moisture from getting into it, and the tree itself does not swell, grout is used. This prevents the flooring from warping and water from getting inside.
Functions
What is this material for? The sealant solves the following problems:
- Prevents the appearance of microorganisms in the floor covering.
- Seals the smallest cracks where moisture can accumulate.
- Relieves parquet from deformation.
- Prolongs the life of your flooring.
Views
To increase the technical characteristics and service life of floor coverings, sealant for wood and parquet is used. It is necessary when sealing the seams between parquet and lamellas. For this, various types of sealant are used: special and conventional. Consider their features:
- Colored sealant. The composition includes special pigments, which allows you to match the grout to absolutely any type of wood.
- Antibacterial sealant. It is the best choice for tiles in the kitchen and bathroom. It is used wherever mold can grow.
Sealant for parquet is also distinguished by the number of components:
- Single component. Used when working with materials that are not exposed to strong temperature effects. Hardens instantly.
- Two-component. The composition includes two different components, one is a binder, the second is to improve physical and mechanical properties (adhesion, elasticity, frost resistance).
One-component sealants are more commonly used for tile, and for wood flooring, acrylic parquet sealant is used. This grout has:
- High adhesion to wood surfaces.
- Ability to withstand stretching and compression.
- Good hydro and thermal insulation properties.
Next, consider the features of the sealant by type.
Acrylic
Used for stitching. In the series there are both waterproof and hydrophobic, which have good adhesion, but low strength. Used for sealing joints on flooring, if the deformation does not exceed 15 percent.
Silicone
Has a high water repellency. It is divided into acid (sealant for parquet and laminate) and neutral (for tiles). Silicone sealants are more flexible than acrylic sealants.
Polyurethane
The mixture is quite strong and wear-resistant. Suitable for outdoor work. Not afraid of temperature changes, moisture and deformation.
Thiocols
One type of two-component sealant. Resistant to moisture and chemicals. However, it is the most expensive sealant.
Next, consider the most reliable manufacturers of parquet sealant.
Soudal
The company's products include sealants that can be ideally matched to any tree. The company is distinguished by the quality of mixtures. They are made from acrylic. Good for seams. The benefits are:
- instant hardening of the composition;
- excellent adhesion;
- resistant to chemicals;
- large range of colors.
Krass
Acrylic-based mix. Ideal for seams and gaps. It is also possible to varnish, sand and paint over the parquet. Product advantages are:
- no smell;
- moisture resistance;
- high adhesion;
- high temperature resistance.
Titan
This company produces mixtures adapted to high deformation loads. It is used to eliminate cracks, potholes and seams on the parquet. Large selection of colors. Goodsuitable for parquet combined with underfloor heating. The advantages are the following material properties:
- does not crack;
- moisture resistant;
- high adhesion;
- instant curing;
- applicable in a damp room.
Penosil
The company produces sealants for parquet based on acrylic. Used for grouting lacquered floors. Also, products from the manufacturer are well suited for the restoration of parquet. Among the advantages of this sealant for parquet in the reviews are noted:
- high wood parquet connection;
- mixture free of odor and solvent;
- high UV resistance;
- large selection of colors.
Pros and cons
All the pros and cons of the material can only be assessed with proper parquet installation. What is noted in the reviews of the positive qualities:
- Acrylic-based sealants are fairly affordable.
- Acrylic sealant is quite diverse in color. After application, you can safely correct it (remove excess or cut off after hardening) and not be afraid of additional processing.
- Sealant does not contain toxins, since all substances dissolve in water. It is also completely fireproof.
- Due to its adhesion, it cures instantly, regardless of the type of surface.
- Despite good binders, the sealant allows steam to pass through, and this allows condensation to not settle on the surface.
- Quality sealant does notyellowness and will not fade under UV light.
All products have their drawbacks. So, for example, the sealant does not like water very much, because of its composition, it begins to dissolve. This does not mean that the material will dissolve during the first mopping. The substance needs time to get used to the dry environment.
How to use sealant correctly?
Before starting work, make sure that there is no dust or dirt left in the cracks. While working with the sealant, it is necessary to maintain one temperature regime until it hardens. Spread the sealant evenly over the seams with a spatula and remove excess. The sealant will begin to dry after 10-15 minutes, but it will take an average of 24 hours to fully cure. Information on the exact setting time can always be found on the label.
Conclusion
So, we have considered what this sealant is. Using this material, you can not only give the parquet an attractive look, but also protect it from premature aging. Such a floor covering will last a very long time, because various gaps will be excluded, and moisture simply has nowhere to go.
