What is the best window sealant in 2022 and how to apply it?

During the window installation process, the master installer uses many auxiliary materials, one of which is sealant.
This substance is used to seal seams and subsequently eliminate drafts during operation of the window structure. It is known that a lot of heat escapes from the room through windows, especially in winter.

The sealant is designed to eliminate this drawback of the window system. To learn more about the material, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with its types, manufacturers and selection rules.

What it is?

The term “window sealant” refers to an elastic mixture based on polymer compounds, which is intended for sealing joints, depressions, sealing cracks , crevices and voids in window openings and when installing window structures.
The sealant can serve as a means of insulating against moisture entering the room through the window. The scope of application of sealants is wide and is determined by the composition of each of them.

The selection of material is carried out depending on the desire to obtain certain properties as a result.

Why is it used when installing frames?

When installing window systems it is used for:

• creating a thermal insulation layer;
• creating a layer to prevent moisture penetration;
• protection of the structure from atmospheric influences;
• protecting windows from temperature changes;
• giving completeness and aesthetic appearance;
• frost resistance;
• fix installation errors.

Sealants are produced with different compositions, and when selecting a product, it is important to take into account the material from which the window is made, as well as the material from which the window opening itself is made.

Note ! Some products may not be suitable in composition for different types of walls - made of aerated concrete, wood or other material. Due to low adhesion, the use of such substances will be ineffective.

When to seal windows

Installation of plastic windows has a number of features and requires strict adherence to technology. If you violate the installation rules, the tightness of the products will be incomplete, which will greatly affect the quality and service life. Most often, windows are installed in the warm season, when it is almost impossible to detect blowing and freezing. But when cold weather sets in, all problems quickly become apparent.

Insulating windows yourself using sealant

The main signs that it is time to seal your windows are:

• condensation appears on the glass;
• moisture accumulates on the windowsill;
• there is mold in the corners and slopes;
• when checking with your hand, a draft is felt;
• the temperature in the room decreases.

If the window is installed correctly, the technology is followed, then it does not blow out, as a result the room becomes maximally protected from external factors. Loosely sealed seams allow water and cold air to pass through, so immediately after a problem appears, you need to use window sealant.

Varieties: requirements, technical characteristics

All existing types of sealants can be divided by type of work into internal and external, and by composition . To begin with, it is recommended to consider those materials that differ in the type of work performed.

For indoor/outdoor work

Since the temperature regime and operating conditions outside the window and inside the room are different, manufacturers provided for the creation of sealants separately for external seams and separately for internal ones.
More details about each :

1. For interior work. This material is used for window installation seams inside the window. It can be used simultaneously with exterior sealant.
   The product does not allow moisture to pass through due to its vapor barrier properties; it seals window seams from the inside and protects against blowing and moisture entering the room.

   The composition itself is elastic, it can withstand temperature changes and deformation. Its operating temperature is from -40 to +90 degrees, most often available in white. Application temperature – from -10 to +30 degrees.

2. For outdoor work .
   The material intended for outdoor work has slightly different characteristics. It is made on the basis of acrylic and is intended for sealing plastic, wooden, aluminum windows, balconies and stained glass windows. Used to create the outer layer of the assembly seam at the junction points of window systems. Suitable for heated industrial and civil buildings. The properties of this sealant are vapor permeable, protect against freezing, getting wet and blowing, and can protect polyurethane foam. Provides durable sealing and an attractive appearance thanks to its white color.

Important ! You can use external sealant even in bad weather and at a temperature of -15 degrees.

By composition

According to their composition, window sealants can be divided into several options.

Silicone based

This composition is considered universal and contains organosilicon compounds . It is designed to seal cracks inside and outside. To increase the adhesion of the product, the surface must be cleaned of debris. The composition has high elasticity, so it will quickly and easily fill even small cracks. Over time it does not turn yellow or change color.

Today, manufacturers produce 2 types of silicone sealant: acidic and neutral. Acid is also called acetate, as it has the smell of vinegar and contains special substances. It is best used for smooth surfaces; it is not suitable for stone and metal.

Neutral sealant is suitable for metal windows as it does not cause corrosion . It also adheres well to plastic, glass, concrete, and has a higher cost. Silicone compounds are good because they have increased elasticity, are resistant to moisture and tolerate low and high temperatures well. Their disadvantages include that they cannot be painted and can shrink and peel off the film.

Acrylic

In most cases it is used for outdoor work, and after hardening it forms a porous surface.
If used indoors, due to excess moisture, such material may darken, but at the same time it can be easily painted. Pros :

• good adhesion to almost all materials;
• easy to remove excess;
• resistant to moisture and ultraviolet radiation;
• frost resistant;
• has no smell;
• paints and plasters well.

Among the disadvantages, users highlight the loss of whiteness over time and easy removal with water.

Liquid plastic

This is the name of a polymer sealant, which contains dissolved PVC granules. It is so similar to window plastic material that it is indistinguishable. The cost exceeds even silicone analogues.

The advantages of liquid plastic are safety, easy application , service for about 15 years without changing color, odorless, as well as rapid hardening and resistance to ultraviolet radiation. But this composition does not withstand tensile or compression loads, and is also suitable only for PVC windows.

Polyurethane

This composition has an additional function - gluing. It can firmly bond surfaces made of concrete, wood, plastic, brick and metal. It is a little similar to polyurethane foam in that after it gets into a humid environment it hardens after a short period of time. Polyurethane sealant can be used for both external and internal work. Its advantages:

• 
  resistant to moisture and vibration;

• tolerates painting and varnish very well;
• high strength and durability;
• no shrinkage;
• safety;
• relevant for winter work;
• has the highest elasticity compared to other sealants.

The composition also has excellent adhesion, but is not without its drawbacks. For example, it hardens very quickly, so before applying it is important to immediately outline the scope of work .

Butyl

The composition contains polyisobutylene, which is similar in consistency to rubber. It seals windows and cracks in double-glazed windows well. They are used mainly indoors, but they also show excellent performance outdoors. Not suitable for processing joints of slopes and frames. This composition is durable, plastic and vapor-tight.

Suitable for all types of surfaces, resistant to moisture and safe for humans. Serves up to 20 years. The disadvantages are black or gray color and a small range of applications.

Thiokol

Viscous and fluid two-component composition. It can even repair microcracks. You can add a hardener to it yourself, thereby adjusting the speed of hardening. Excellent for tide junctions . Can be used at sub-zero temperatures. The advantages of this product: strength, resistance to aggressive chemicals, resistance to moisture and temperature changes. The downside is that the price is too high.

Rules for applying sealant

The technology for sealing plastic windows is approximately the same for different types of compounds. When using mounting compounds, it is necessary to follow safety rules and protect the skin from contact with the chemical product. It can lead to the progression of allergies. Before applying the sealant, it is forbidden to degrease the PVC system with products that contain acetone. They will contribute to the formation of stains on the surface of the frames and window sills.

How to seal cracks on a horse, the step-by-step procedure for sealing a window space is as follows:

1. The window surface from the outside and inside is thoroughly cleaned of dirt with a stiff brush; after removing the dirt, construction dust is removed with a rag. If the structure was previously sealed with polymer compounds, then they will need to be removed using specialized chemicals (for example, Tytan Remover).
2. Treat the window structure with a damp cloth, then degrease it with B-70 gasoline.
3. Painting tape is glued along the edges of the slopes.
4. A sealing compound is applied to the cracks and holes. When processing the window surface, you will need to ensure that all cracks are completely filled with sealant. Installation work must be carried out at an air temperature of 5 to 40 degrees Celsius. In other cases, you should refrain from sealing and wait until the temperature stabilizes.
5. The seams must be applied evenly, otherwise during operation they may begin to mold or become covered with fungus (with increased humidity or temperature changes).
6. After applying the gel layer, it must be moistened with clean water and soap (after 10 minutes).
7. After finishing the work, remove the masking tape and wait until the installation mixture hardens.

If polymer composition gets on double-glazed windows or slopes, it should be immediately wiped with a wet cloth to eliminate drying. If after 1-2 weeks the layer of mounting mastic began to peel off and allow moisture to pass through, this indicates that the layer was too wide.

Also, when using a thick insulating seam, its structure may be damaged and cracked during operation. In this case, the sealing will have to be carried out again, after first removing the old layer of the polymer product.

Examples of manufacturers

To understand what window sealant to choose from, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the manufacturers of each type of product in more detail. A small list - top with manufacturers:

1. 
   Ceresit .
   Offers silicone products for sealing seams and voids. The base also contains antifungal substances, which is considered a plus. The compositions adhere well, are easy to clean, but the downside is that there is no adhesion to rubber surfaces.

2. Belinka Belsil . It seals cracks and voids in windows well. It lasts a long time and does not appear black plaque, has antifungal additives. Available in 500 ml volumes, they have good viscosity and are universal.
3. Germent moment . Can be used both indoors and outdoors. Cures in 24 hours and is non-corrosive when used on aluminum windows. It has a neutral odor and heat resistance up to +30 degrees.
4. KRASS . This manufacturer's compositions do not cause shrinkage during operation. They adhere well to the surface, do not spread, and can be used to create stationary seams. Fire resistant.
5. CIKI FIX . The compositions “tightly” hold together various surfaces, which will be a plus. The sealant from this company is considered multifunctional, has good elasticity, does not wash out and does not spread. It also does not emit any odor.

Each manufacturer tries to produce a line of universal sealants, but there are also those who specialize in only one type of material.

TOP best

To understand which sealant is better and more relevant, it is recommended to consider a selection of the most popular materials:

1. Acrylic . Among the sealants of this type, we can highlight the products Makroflex FA131. The composition is frost-resistant and covers even small cracks, cost from 128 rubles. KRASS Universal also performed well, its cost starts from 190 rubles.
2. Liquid plastic . Compositions with this purpose are suitable for plastic windows; Weiss Chemie Cosmofen 345 at a price of 600 rubles and Cosmofen at a price of 700 rubles have proven themselves best.
3. Silicone . There are many candidates for consideration in this category, since most manufacturers necessarily have a composition with silicone in their lines. These are Penosil Universal Silicone for 239 rubles, PENOSIL HIGH Temp for 400 rubles and Soudal fix all high tack for 598 rubles.

These three types of sealants are considered the most versatile and functional. When selecting, it is still worth considering the type of work - external or internal . For example, the Sazi company produces 2 types of sealant: Stiz A and Stiz B. The first is intended for outdoor use, it is available in packaging from 400 grams to 7 kg. Stiz A has an average cost of 40 to 315 rubles. Stiz B sealant is used for interior finishing work. Its average cost is from 250 rubles per 1 kg.

Rating of high-quality silicone sealants

Moment Germent silicone

A popular product that is immediately ready for use after purchase. Designed for sealing and eliminating various seams and joints outside or inside the room. It also guarantees effective adhesion to smooth surfaces.

Sold at a price of 335 rubles.

sealant Moment Germent silicone

Advantages:

• Efficiency;
• Chemical resistance;
• High service life;
• Suitable for sealing outside and inside.

Flaws:

• Not found.

Econ silicone

The product will seal glass structures and doors without any problems. Forms a durable seam that can withstand various deformations. It is also resistant to various vibrations and temperatures.

The average price is 245 rubles.

Econ silicone sealant

Advantages:

• Durability;
• Reliability;
• Vibration resistance;
• Price.

Flaws:

• Not found.

Kudo KSK 220

A good model, sold in convenient packaging. The color is transparent, which allows the composition to be used on almost any surface. The main component is silicone. It improves performance and durability. The rate of formation of the initial film is 10 minutes. Withstands temperatures up to 180 degrees.

The average price is 250 rubles.

sealant Kudo KSK 220

Advantages:

• Resistance to UV rays;
• Does not deteriorate from chemicals;
• Drying speed;
• Withstands deformation up to 25%.

Flaws:

• Not detected.

Why is it important to choose the right one?

The choice of sealant must be approached responsibly, otherwise problems will arise in the further application of the material and its operation.
For example, if you choose the wrong product that is not compatible with different types of surfaces, it simply will not grip two planes.

After hardening, such a composition will move away from the surface and will not perform its stated functions.

Note ! Liquid plastic adhesives are only suitable for plastic windows.

If you choose a white sealant, which may turn yellow over time, the windows will take on an untidy appearance or the material will have to be painted. When choosing compositions with a smell, it is worth taking into account the characteristics of the people living in the room.

To choose the right sealant, you should consider:

• appointment;
• adhesion;
• life time;
• resistance to deformation;
• heat resistance.

It is important to decide for what work the composition will be used - external or internal. It is also necessary to choose sealants with high adhesion. The product must last at least 15 years , must not deteriorate, break or fall off, and must also be heat resistant.

Criterias of choice

In order to avoid problems with the operation of windows, you need to immediately select a high-quality product and apply it correctly. It is worth choosing a sealant from a well-known brand, without saving and without looking for the cheapest composition.

Here are the main criteria by which sealant should be purchased:

1. Composition color. Selected according to the basic tone of the window. White is most often used. If the desired shade is not on sale, it is recommended to buy a transparent composition.
2. Availability of antiseptic additives. It is better if such substances are present in the sealant, even if it is planned to be used only for external use.
3. Elasticity. Low-elastic compounds should only be used in old houses that no longer shrink.
4. Good adhesion. The sealant must reliably adhere to precisely those base materials on which it will be applied, as well as to PVC.
5. UV resistance. If this property is absent, then the sealed seam will quickly turn yellow and take on an unaesthetic appearance.
6. Thixotropy and viscosity. A good sealant is quite thick and does not run off vertical surfaces, because most often it is applied to such surfaces.
7. Chemical neutrality. You need to make sure that the sealant does not contain substances that could damage the material of the glass unit or base.

When purchasing, be sure to take into account the time of year in which the cracks will be sealed or slopes secured. For autumn and winter, it is better to use polyurethane or thiokol sealants; in case of sudden temperature changes, you can buy a butyl composition. In order to save on sealing external seams, acrylic products are used, but for internal work it is worth choosing a different composition.

How to properly silicone after installation?

To seal the mounting seam of a window after its installation, it is recommended to follow the instructions:

1. Prepare tools and consumables: a syringe for the sealant itself, a container of water and construction tape.
2. Prepare the slopes: stick masking tape on them.
3. Clean the work area from dust and dirt: if there is debris on the surface, the adhesion of the sealant will decrease.
4. Slowly squeeze the sealant from the syringe into the seam area. You need to hold the syringe so that the nozzle smoothes the product from the tube when applied.
5. Coat irregularities and defects in the seam with a finger dipped in water.
6. Remove excess material with a damp sponge before it hardens.

It's best to work in stages and apply sealant to areas gradually.

The video explains how to seal window seams:

Possible difficulties and errors

The first mistake that craftsmen make is incomplete cleaning of the surface from contamination . Another nuance is that some installers do not remove the remaining glue after applying it. As a result: when the sealant sets, it can only be removed with a knife, and such an impact can damage nearby surfaces.

If you make even a small mistake, the window structures will subsequently become leaky.

Detailed scope of use

In almost every area, sealants are in demand. Some people buy it for home use, others for cars, others for underwater use, etc. There are thousands of options for using such a product, so there is always a use for it.

However, there are places where it is impossible to imagine work without this element:

• Strengthening the structure and eliminating seams;
• Isolation of the device from exposure to atmospheric phenomena;
• Ensuring tight fixation between the frame and glass;
• Insulation of window parts;
• Elimination of the air gap and fastening of window sills;
• Repair of furniture structures;
• Use in walls and facades;
• Installation of ventilated elements.

Pros and cons of use

The main advantages of using sealed compounds:

• availability;
• possibility of independent use;
• the ability to choose the composition of the glue;
• ensuring thermal insulation properties;
• ease of use;
• resistance to temperature conditions.

Among the disadvantages, we can note the high cost of some compositions , for example, liquid plastic, as well as the tendency to gradual loss of color and yellowing.

Average prices for window seam sealing services

On average, window companies offer the same range of seam sealing services; the cost will vary by region and type of compounds used:

• sealing seams from the outside - from 600 rubles per meter;
• sealing internal seams - from 300 rubles per meter;
• seams between frames and slopes - from 300 rubles;
• tightness of double-glazed windows - from 900 rubles.

Some companies offer sealing of facade glazing: such a service will cost 700 rubles per linear meter.