Sealants are indispensable materials in construction and repair, designed to create an elastic, airtight and durable joint. They prevent moisture from penetrating deep into the structure, protect against temperature changes, mechanical loads and other external and internal influences.

Today, sealants are used in construction, installation, finishing and repair works: for sealing seams and joints, sealing cracks, hydro- and thermal insulation of structures. Not only aesthetics, but also the durability and reliability of the entire structure depend on the correct choice of composition.

To choose the optimal sealant, you need to consider:

  • Scope of application – external or internal work.

  • Surface type – concrete, stone, metal, wood, glass or plastic.

  • Operating conditions – humidity, temperature, mechanical loads, contact with chemicals.

  • The composition of the sealant is acrylic, silicone, polyurethane, MS-polymer, bitumen, etc.

In this article, we will look at the main types of sealants, their advantages and purposes, and also give advice on how to choose the right composition for specific construction or repair tasks.

ACRYLIC SEALANT

Acrylic sealants are water-dispersion compounds that, after drying, form a strong, but not very elastic seam. A feature of acrylic sealants is high adhesion (bonding strength) to most bases, even porous ones. They are environmentally friendly, have no pungent odor and can be painted, which makes them popular for interior finishing works. 

What surfaces can acrylic sealants be applied to?

Acrylic-based sealants provide reliable adhesion to various types of surfaces and types of building materials, including drywall, foam concrete, brick, and wood. 

Areas of application of acrylic sealants

  • Sealing plastic, aluminum and wooden frames

  • Sealing door frames and window openings

  • Also, acrylic sealants are used for sealing pipes, repairing furniture and wooden floors.

Acrylic sealants for exterior and interior work

For outdoor work: 

Tenax Profflex A is a one-component acrylic sealant designed to perform the outer layer of the installation joint. It is intended for wrapping slopes on windows, doors and balcony blocks from the outside.

Application:

  • Sealing plastic, aluminum and wooden frames

  • Sealing door frames and window openings

For interior work:

Tenax Profflex B one-component acrylic sealant is a one-component acrylic sealant designed for sealing the inner contour of window, door and balcony structures.  

Application:

  • Sealing plastic, aluminum and wooden frames 

  • Sealing door frames and window openings

POLYURETHANE SEALANT

Polyurethane sealants are elastic and durable compounds that provide reliable sealing even in difficult operating conditions. They are resistant to high and low temperatures, ultraviolet radiation, moisture and most chemical reagents.

Such sealants do not require priming and adhere well to concrete, stone, metal, wood and plastic. After hardening, they can be painted, which allows you to harmoniously combine the seams with the main surface.

Advantages of polyurethane sealants:

  • High elasticity and resistance to deformation.

  • Compatible with most building materials.

  • Possibility of application in conditions of high humidity.

  • Long service life even outdoors.

Areas of application:

  • Sealing joints in foundations, facades and roofs.

  • Installation of window and door blocks.

  • Filling joints between asphalt and concrete in road construction.

  • Sealing of industrial and warehouse floors.

Types of polyurethane sealants

Teknopoliderz 1K is a one-component polyurethane highly elastic moisture-resistant sealant for horizontal and vertical joints. Available in black, gray and white. 

Used: 

  • For construction joints on concrete, wood, brick, metal, aluminum and PVC surfaces

  • For seams up to 35 mm wide

  • For joints in structures and products made of brick, wood, metal, aluminum and PVC

  • For seams on the outside of windows, doors and edges in hospitals, residential buildings and shopping malls

  • For seams of drainage trays and drains

  • For seams on joints and joint details on prefabricated gutters, gutters, reinforced concrete roofs

  • For seams and joints of roads and bridges

  • For joints in concrete and reinforced concrete structures

  • For joints in precast concrete wall panels

Tenax IPS PU 2K is a two-component polyurethane construction joint sealant. It is used for sealing joints and cracks in vertical and inclined building structures. 

Profflex PU40 is a neutral elastic polyurethane sealant for construction joints and polyurethane-based adhesive. 

Application: 

  • for all types of sealing and bonding in the construction industry; 

  • Forms structural bonds in vibrating structures;

  • For sealing shrinkage joints in concrete floors;

  • For gluing tiles;

HYDROFLEX 40 FC is a one-component, high-modulus polyurethane sealant that hardens when exposed to atmospheric moisture. The sealant has excellent adhesion to concrete, metal, ceramics, wood, etc.

Application:

  • Polyurethane sealant is used to fill expansion joints between different structural materials.

  • For sealing joints in the automotive industry

  • Sealing and bonding of ventilation ducts, gutters, spouts, etc.

  • Sealing sheet metal seams

  • For vibration reduction in all types of sheet metal assembly work, as well as sealing against water, air, gas and dust.

Oksiplast is a high-quality two-component polyurethane sealant for sealing joints and cracks in vertical and inclined building structures.

Application:

  • Sealing joints of vertical and inclined building structures

  • Sealing of joints and cracks in horizontal structures (floors) in the absence of mechanical load

  • Sealing of expansion joints with maximum deformation ± 25 

  • Sealing of monolithic and prefabricated reinforced concrete structures

MS-POLYMER SEALANTER

MS-polymer sealants combine the elasticity of silicones and the high strength of polyurethanes. They provide excellent adhesion to most building materials, are resistant to moisture, UV radiation and mechanical stress. 

On which surface should MS-polymer sealant be applied?

MC polymer sealants can be applied to almost all common building materials, and this is one of their key advantages. They bond well even without a primer to:

  • Mineral surfaces - concrete, brick, plaster, stone, porcelain stoneware

  • Metals - steel, aluminum, copper (including painted or galvanized)

  • Wood and wood-composite materials

  • Plastics - PVC, polycarbonate, acrylic, etc.

  • Glass and mirrors

  • Porous surfaces - aerated concrete, limestone, cement-sand blocks

Areas of application of MS-polymer-based sealants

1. Construction and renovation

  • Sealing of expansion, installation and construction joints

  • Sealing cracks in walls, facades, ceilings

  • Sealing joints between different materials (concrete-metal, wood-stone, glass-metal, etc.)

  • Sealing of roof joints to walls, chimneys, ventilation outlets

  • Repair and sealing of roofing coverings

2. Industrial facilities

  • Sealing industrial floor joints

  • Joints in concrete and metal structures subjected to mechanical stress

  • Sealing of technological openings and communication entries

3. Engineering and infrastructure facilities

  • Sealing of bridge and road joints

  • Waterproofing joints in wells, tanks, drainage systems

  • Sealing of joints in hydraulic structures

4. Living quarters

  • Installation and sealing of windows and doors

  • Sealing seams in bathrooms, kitchens, balconies

  • Sealing gaps and joints in interior partitions and furniture structures

5. Special tasks

  • Sealing joints around pipes, cables and other wall penetrations

  • Sealing of solar panel elements, metal structures, facade systems

  • Works in difficult weather conditions (even at low temperatures or on wet surfaces)

Types of MS-polymer sealants

TENALUX 131 M is a gray thixotropic MS-polymer sealant for seams and joints with deformation of ±25%, resistant to mechanical loads. Suitable for industrial floors, vertical, inclined and horizontal structures.

TENALUX 131 L – MS-polymer sealant for horizontal joints with direct load, can be used on vertical and inclined surfaces. Deformation ±25%.

InnoElast is a universal adhesive sealant for concrete joints, works on wet surfaces, from -3°C, without primer. For repairing cracks, pipe joints, and assembling structures.

TENALUX 112 M – sealant for vertical and inclined structures, can be used in horizontal joints without load. For roofing, window installation, roof repair. Deformation ±20%.

HYDROFLEX 40 MS is a universal adhesive-sealant based on AST polymer, solvent-free and isocyanate-free, UV-resistant, paintable. Suitable for metal, PVC, stone, wood, concrete, glass.

Bitumen sealants: reliable protection of seams and joints

Bitumen sealants are modern elastomeric compounds based on bitumen and polymers, designed for sealing seams and joints in construction and road works. They combine high adhesion to various types of surfaces, resistance to moisture, temperature changes and aggressive environments, which makes them an ideal solution for areas with intense mechanical and chemical loads.

Bitumen sealants have become particularly popular in areas where protection against fuels, oils and chemicals is required – at airfields, parking lots, industrial facilities and highways. They effectively prevent water penetration, prevent joint destruction and extend the service life of the coating.

Among modern solutions of this type, polyurethane bitumen sealants of cold application stand out, which combine the elasticity of polymers and the durability of bitumen. They come in regular consistency or thixotropic - for vertical and inclined joints.

Next, we will consider two examples of such materials – Teknopoliderz 2K and Teknopoliderz 2K TIX , designed for maximum reliability in conditions of intensive use.

Teknopoliderz 2K is a professional two-component polyurethane sealant with bitumen modification, designed for reliable waterproofing and sealing of joints between concrete, asphalt and other hard surfaces. The material is applied cold, has high elasticity and provides long-term protection even in areas with intense mechanical and chemical loads.

Due to its resistance to jet fuel, automotive gasoline and diesel, as well as motor oils, Teknopoliderz 2K is widely used in road and industrial construction.

Advantages of Teknopoliderz 2K sealant:

  • High adhesion to concrete, asphalt, stone, metal and mosaic coatings.

  • Resistance to aggressive chemicals and petroleum products.

  • Durability and retention of elasticity during temperature changes.

  • Easy application without heating.

  • Protection of seams from penetration of moisture, salts and lubricants.

Where it is used:

  • Airports – sealing seams on runways, taxiways and parking lots.

  • Industrial facilities – sealing of joints on the surfaces of fuel and motor oil storage facilities.

  • Road construction – filling joints between asphalt and concrete, repairing cracks on highways.

  • Military facilities – work on airfields and special training grounds.

  • Parking lots and car washes – waterproofing of seams in areas with constant exposure to moisture and chemicals.

Teknopoliderz 2K TIX is a high-quality three-component thixotropic polyurethane sealant modified with bitumen, designed for reliable waterproofing of joints between concrete and other hard surfaces. Due to its thixotropic properties, the material is convenient to apply to vertical and inclined surfaces without dripping, and the cold application method makes the work fast and safe.

The sealant is resistant to jet and automotive fuel, diesel fuel and motor oils, which makes it indispensable in places with high chemical and mechanical stress.

Advantages of Teknopoliderz 2K TIX:

  • Thixotropic formula – easy to apply even on vertical seams.

  • High adhesion to concrete, asphalt, metal, natural stone and mosaic coverings.

  • Resistance to aggressive petroleum products and chemical reagents.

  • Elasticity and preservation of tightness during temperature fluctuations.

  • Protection against penetration of moisture, salts and oils.

Areas of application:

  • Airports – sealing seams on runways and parking areas.

  • Fuel depots – protection of connecting seams in fuel and motor oil storage areas.

  • Road construction – filling joints between asphalt and concrete, repairing cracks in road surfaces.

  • Military facilities – sealing of special areas and taxiways.

  • Parking lots, underground parking lots, car washes – seams in humid and chemically aggressive environments.

  • Surfaces: asphalt, concrete, natural stone, mosaic, sheet metal (with primer).

Conclusion

The right choice of sealant directly affects the durability, safety and appearance of structures. Before purchasing, it is important to consider operating conditions, surface type, requirements for elasticity, water resistance and chemical resistance.

  • Acrylic sealants are optimal for interior finishing works, where environmental friendliness and the possibility of painting are important.

  • Polyurethane sealants are universal for exterior and interior work, and are characterized by high strength and resistance to weather factors.

  • MS-polymer sealants - combine elasticity, adhesion and durability, suitable for almost any work.

  • Bitumen sealants are a specialized solution for areas with high loads and contact with fuels and oils.

When choosing a sealant, focus not only on the price, but also on the characteristics and purpose of the material. This approach will ensure reliable sealing and preserve the integrity of structures for many years.

For professional selection of materials, contact our specialists! We will be happy to help you make the right choice.