Common Sealant Problems and Solutions

Sealant products are an essential part of in-home maintenance, especially in the colder months. Providing the ability to keep heat in, they reduce the amount of wasted energy escaping through small gaps.

A good sealant can last many years, but even the best-applied sealant can encounter issues over time. Knowing what these common issues are, and how to resolve them, can ensure your sealant products last as long as possible.

Below, we outline common problems sealants can face in their lifetime, and practical solutions to avoid and overcome them. An awareness of these possible issues can prolong the life of your sealant, so read on to ensure your sealant products stand the test of time.

Over time, sealants can shrink and crack. This happens particularly to lower-quality products but is also heavily impacted by large changes in temperature and consistent variations in environmental conditions.

The key to this is prevention. Opting for a premium-quality sealant with flexibility, such as a silicone or polyurethane based sealant product will minimise the risk of shrinking or cracking. If your sealant has already begun to suffer from this, remove it and reapply a more durable product, such as Everbuild Puraflex after thoroughly cleaning the area.

If a surface is not prepared adequately prior to the application of your sealant products, they can lose their adhesion. This can also occur if the surface and conditions aren’t suitable for the type of sealant used.

This can be easily avoided by properly preparing your surface before applying your sealant. This, choosing the right sealant for your area and purposes, and applying the sealant products in suitable conditions can all significantly improve the adhesion and effectiveness of your sealant.

Mould and mildew can grow in sealants due to their exposure to the cold and damp parts of a building, which can not only cause clear aesthetic issues in your home but can also cause serious health problems if not treated properly.

However, mould and mildew resistant sealants like Everbuild Tecnic Silicone S50 are available to purchase and can prevent these issues. Proper cleaning and maintenance of sealants that are in areas which may be exposed to damp and mould is also an effective preventative method.

Sealants, especially those used in windows, doors and joints of a building can suffer for, both cracking and loss of adhesion due to the movement of the building over time. Joints can expand and therefore leave gaps in the sealant.

To prevent movement from affecting your sealant, you can apply flexible product such as Everbuild Technic Silicone to ensure that your sealant will continue to function effectively over time, despite any movement within the home. It is also exceptionally effective in glazing uses for the same reasons.

If the incorrect sealant product is used, it may not fill the gap as needed which can then lead to inadequate sealing and the need to remove and reapply sealant sooner than necessary. This not only leads to reapplying sealant, but also allows more heat to escape during colder months, which will raise your energy usage and bill.

Ensuring your sealant is applied correctly is crucial in preventing this. Make sure to choose the right sealant for the gap size and apply it evenly, filling the gap fully. Should the gap persist, apply the sealant again and ensure full coverage.

Sealants are reliable and invaluable in keeping your home warm during the winter months. However, they do require proper selection, application and maintenance to perform effectively for as long as possible. Solseal have a range of sealant products available to prevent all of these common issues, and to keep your home warm and running smoothly. Check out our full range here.