The key role of sealants in the construction industry
The key role of sealants in the construction industry
In construction projects, sealants are key materials to ensure the air tightness, water tightness and durability of buildings. From high-rise glass curtain walls to waterproofing of home bathrooms, sealants are used everywhere.
Core functions of building sealants
Waterproofing and anti-seepage: effectively prevent rainwater and moisture from invading walls or indoor spaces.
Buffering stress: absorb structural displacement caused by thermal expansion and contraction or wind force.
Sound insulation and heat insulation: some sealants (such as polyurethane foam) can improve the sound insulation and heat insulation performance of buildings.
Typical application scenarios
Curtain wall projects: silicone structural sealants are used for bonding and sealing of glass and metal sheets.
Door and window installation: elastic sealants fill the gaps between window frames and walls to prevent air and water leakage.
Underground projects: polysulfide sealants are resistant to water pressure and are suitable for tunnel and basement joints.
Industry standards and challenges
Construction sealants must meet standards, but the following problems still exist during construction:
Insufficient compatibility: Some colloids react chemically with coatings or substrates, causing discoloration and shedding.
Life mismatch: The life of ordinary sealants is only 10 to 15 years, far less than the 50-year design life of buildings.
In the future, the development of long-lasting, weather-resistant, and recyclable sealants will become an important demand in the construction industry.
