Having installed plastic windows or doors, you will notice that often the joints between the structure and the slopes are not sealed with high quality. In principle, it is difficult to find a company that performs slope sealing services during the installation of metal-plastic structures.
Most often, this process is directly involved in the residents. In this case, window sealant will become an indispensable assistant. Especially if it is planned to arrange plastic slopes. You can also seal voids, for example, between a window sill frame, using a sealing compound.
Sealant specifications
Sealant for plastic windows is a mass in the form of a plastic paste, which includes polymers. After the product is applied to the surface, the mixture slowly hardens. This forms a layer that does not allow air and moisture to pass through. This means it prevents drafts and heat loss in the room.
For plastic structures, it is best to use a white sealant. This type of toolensures the resistance of the metal-layer to climatic influences, as well as to temperature extremes. And the white color of the window sealant will give them an aesthetic look.
Types of sealants
Which sealant for windows is better, it's hard to say, since there are a lot of varieties. Let's try to figure out what this type of material is. In the article, we will describe several types of sealants that are usually used to seal gaps in metal-plastic structures. We will especially highlight those that have high adhesion and strength.
Silicone based
Silicone-based sealant contains organosilicon compounds. Such a tool is universal. It is applied both to internal, and to external works. The sealant is elastic, has a high degree of adhesion. Very easy to use, easy to apply. In addition, it has a low price.
Window silicone sealant comes in acid and neutral types. If the first variety is used, then after applying it, the room smells of vinegar. But it fades very quickly. This type of sealant does not deform over time, does not change its properties. Experts recommend using sanitary silicone material for interior finishes. This type of sealant is not affected by mold or other fungi. That is why its color is always white.
Acrylic based
Another type of sealant that is suitable for structuresPVC is an acrylic based material. By its properties, it is not inferior to silicone. Quite elastic. Washes off when uncured. It is mainly used outside, sealing the seams, as the material has a high degree of resistance to ultraviolet rays and precipitation.
It is not recommended for indoor use. Since after hardening the material takes on a porous structure and absorbs various fumes. From this, it begins to gradually darken. But if, nevertheless, acrylic sealant was used for internal grouting, then it is necessary to paint it. The disadvantage of an acrylic-based product is the fact that it does not have high stability during exterior decoration in winter.
Polymeric
This type of sealant is based on MS-polymers. In other words, it is also called liquid plastic. Its characteristics include excellent adhesion and fast curing. After the material is used to seal the seams, it creates a single structure with plastic windows. The disadvantage is the possibility of sealant rupture under certain loads. Otherwise, it has high technological properties. Therefore, this PVC window sealant is an expensive material.
Polyurethane
The material based on polyurethane is characterized by high elasticity, excellent water repellency, resistance to deformation and stretching. It is also UV resistant andother vagaries of the environment.
Polyurethane sealant adheres easily to other materials. PVC is no exception. After the substance hardens, it can be painted or varnished. Due to the positive characteristics and high performance, including resistance to low temperatures, this type of sealant is accepted in various fields.
Butyl
The basis of this type of sealant is a rubber-like substance. Thanks to this, it retains its qualities of elasticity and elasticity at temperatures from -55 to +100degrees. It is very UV resistant and completely harmless to others. It is often used not only for sealing seams, but also for repairing double-glazed windows. This makes it highly vapor-tight.
Teokolovy
The basis of teokol sealant is polysulfide components. Its advantage over other types is the ability to harden under any conditions. This quality does not depend on temperature or humidity level. It is the best window sealant for outdoor applications. And in rainy weather, and in great frosts, he is able to withstand any load.
Sealant "Steez A"
The most common sealant for plastic windows is Steez A. It is made from acrylic. This mixture is quite ready for use, the material is one-component. It is used when installing metal-plastic structures, landscaping from the outside. ForFor indoor use, use "Steez B" material.
Let's talk in more detail about the first type of remedy. So, the sealant for windows "Stiz A" is used for sealing joints between metal-plastic windows, walls made of concrete or brick, all assembly seams that are located around the entire perimeter of the frame, as well as for treating cracks in the structures themselves, filling various voids during their installation. "Stiz A" - sealant for plastic windows, which has the following characteristics:
- It has a high degree of adhesion to all materials, even if the surface is wet.
- Moisture and UV resistant.
- Has a high degree of vapor permeability.
- After curing, it can be painted or even plastered.
- It can be applied by any method: brush, spatula, special gun.
Closing gaps
How to properly apply sealant to seal gaps in plastic windows? The instruction is given taking into account the fact that the slopes have already been installed. You should first prepare the following tools: a special syringe for the material, water in a container, construction tape. Next, we perform work according to the following scheme:
- Start with preparing the surface of the slopes. In order for the excess substance not to stain the surface of the slopes and to be easily removed, we place construction tape. Using it will greatly facilitate the work and save time.
- Cracks,which are sealed, we clean from various kinds of dirt, dust, remnants of the protective film. This process will greatly increase adhesion.
- Next, we seal with a syringe. Gradually squeeze the material out of the syringe into the space between the window frame and the PVC slope. The syringe should be held at an acute angle and held so that its nose smoothes the extruded substance behind it.
- We smooth out the irregularities of the resulting seam with a finger moistened with water until we achieve the desired effect. You can also remove excess. Be sure to control the uniform distribution of the material, eliminate gaps in the application. The finger can be cleaned with a tissue.
- Now we proceed to the final cleaning of the surface from the remnants of the substance. This should be done with a damp sponge. We carry out the procedure very carefully so that the sealant for windows at the seams retains its integrity. We wash the sponge itself thoroughly.
- It is best to sew up the seams in stages. For example, first we apply sealant to one part of the window frame, level it, remove the excess and wash it. Only then should you move on to the next part. Such a pace of work will exclude the preliminary solidification of the material, if everything does not work out at once. Cured material is hard to level.
- Cleaning is done with high quality. Otherwise, parts of the hardened material will spoil the appearance of the slopes or the window frame. Even if they are not immediately noticeable, they will darken over time, they will look like dirty spots.
The importance of using a sealant forPVC windows
Very often foam is used to seal the seams between the frame and the wall. But, as you can see, the role of window sealant is also high. Let's pay attention to the most important points that show the benefits of using it:
- Provides a reliable and durable seal, unlike polyurethane foam, which degrades over time.
- This is a fairly simple process. It takes a little time, but requires precision and care.
All these moments can ensure the high-quality functioning of plastic windows, and they will delight you for a long time.
