What are Waterproof Sealants?
Waterproof sealants are specialized compounds used to create a barrier that prevents water from penetrating surfaces, thereby protecting materials from water damage. They are commonly used in construction, marine, automotive, and plumbing applications.
Types of Waterproof Sealants
Silicone Waterproof Sealants
- Best for: Bathrooms, kitchens, and exterior surfaces.
- Features: Excellent adhesion, flexibility, and resistance to temperature fluctuations and water.
- Applications: Sealing gaps around windows, doors, bathtubs, showers, and sinks.
Polyurethane Waterproof Sealants
- Best for: Roofing, foundations, and outdoor applications.
- Features: High durability, strong adhesion, and UV-resistant.
- Applications: Waterproofing joints, seams, and cracks in walls, roofs, and floors.
Acrylic Waterproof Sealants
- Best for: Indoor use on concrete, masonry, and wood.
- Features: Paintable, easy to apply, and fast-drying.
- Applications: Sealing small gaps around windows, doors, and baseboards.
Epoxy Waterproof Sealants
- Best for: Heavy-duty, industrial applications.
- Features: Strong bonding, chemical resistance, and high-performance in harsh conditions.
- Applications: Sealing cracks in concrete and metal surfaces that are exposed to high moisture.
Bitumen-based Sealants
- Best for: Roofing and waterproofing foundations.
- Features: Ideal for waterproofing under high-pressure water conditions.
- Applications: Sealing large joints, cracks, and roofing systems.
When to Use Waterproof Sealants
- Bathrooms and Kitchens: Protect tiles, sinks, bathtubs, and showers from water damage.
- Windows and Doors: Seal gaps around windows and doors to prevent water infiltration.
- Basements and Foundations: Waterproofing exterior and interior surfaces of walls and foundations.
- Roofs and Gutters: Ensure roofs and gutters are waterproof to prevent leaks.
- Concrete and Masonry: Seal cracks and joints in concrete structures that are exposed to water.
Benefits of Waterproof Sealants
- Protection Against Water Damage: Prevent mold, mildew, and structural damage.
- Durability: Withstand weathering, temperature changes, and prolonged exposure to water.
- Energy Efficiency: Reduce water leaks that could lead to energy loss.
- Easy Application: Most waterproof sealants are user-friendly and come with application tools.
How to Choose the Right Waterproof Sealant
- Surface Compatibility: Select a sealant suitable for the material you’re working with (wood, concrete, metal, etc.).
- Durability Requirements: Consider how long you need the sealant to last—indoors vs. harsh outdoor conditions.
- Curing Time: Choose a sealant that suits your project’s timeline, as some may need several hours to cure.
- Flexibility: For surfaces prone to movement (like joints), choose a flexible sealant like silicone or polyurethane.
Waterproofing Sealant for Exteriors
No matter what the scale or purpose of your exterior construction project, waterproofing your installation is crucial to the longevity and durability of your build. From large bridge structures and underground tunnels, to roofing a building, selecting the correct waterproof sealant that addresses the demands of your exterior construction is an important decision.
At Supex, we design and manufacture a variety of smart products to assist you with your project, helping you to prevent the ingress of moisture and degradation that often occurs over time to installations that are open to the elements.
If you would like technical support on the optimal solution for your exterior waterproofing needs, contact our experienced and knowledgeable technical support team for professional consultation.
Waterproof sealant applications
If you are working on foundations or works below the ground such as tunnels and bridge footings, defending your installation from water ingress is crucial. Choosing the right waterproof Supex sealant can prevent structural damage caused by the freezing, thawing and cracking of moisture pockets.
In order to achieve the highest compatibility with brickwork, blockwork, expansion and construction joints, our waterproofing technologies are specially designed to work with a multitude of substrates. Concrete, sand, cement, timber, metal and cement board are just some of the materials you can strengthen against weather and water with Supex products.
Most of our sealants designed for exterior application are low modulus solutions, providing good levels of flexibility and elasticity. We also manufacture solutions that can bond to already wet surfaces, or sealants that are cured by the moisture in the air.
Some products specific to roof sheets, gutter sealants and similar applications possess fantastic slump resistance and boast a minimum lifespan of up to 10 years. In addition, all our sealants are highly durable, minimize shrinkage and odour output, and allow for carefree overpainting.
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