DWM - 2008 - December

Volume 9, Issue 11 - December 2008

Guest Column

Tips for Selecting a Door and Window Sealant
by Ken Rubis and Lori Enszer

With a variety of door and window sealants from which to choose, it is important that fabricators keep their manufacturing needs and environment in mind. There are four main factors door and window manufacturers should consider when selecting the proper sealant.

1. Cost/Output Ratio
Larger manufacturers may use hot-melt sealant technology and automated equipment that increases productivity, while retaining the high quality of traditional silicone sealants. This more efficient and time-saving technology is ideal for manufacturers who require large volume outputs due to increased demand. In contrast, smaller manufacturers may prefer more traditional silicone sealants that are suited for their manufacturing processes, giving them longer bonding times for a lower-volume output.

2. Bond Time
Adhesion speed and manufacturing time vary with the type of sealant used. While traditional wet sealants can take eight to 24 hours to set, silicone hot melts have much shorter hold times of one to five minutes. A low-heat capacity allows for the sealant to cool quickly, allowing for instant adhesion and increased production levels. Turn-around time and the level of output needed are important factors to consider.

3. Climate
The durability and performance of a sealant is impacted greatly by weather, so choose one designed to withstand local conditions. High-quality silicone sealants are flexible enough to resist a wide range of temperatures, including below zero degrees Fahrenheit, which can cause organic sealants and tapes to crack or become brittle over time. Silicone sealants have also been used as part of window systems passing code requirements in hurricane or extreme wind regions.

4. Performance Life and Versatility
Good sealants are able to maintain high levels of productivity and durability while being exposed to a range of environmental factors, such as ultraviolet exposure and other pressures created from atmospheric chemicals. They will also exhibit compatibility and excellent adhesion to a variety of other construction materials, such as PVC, aluminum, painted and treated wood, performance paints and other glass substrates.

Given the wide range of factors that can influence the performance life and quality of a sealant, it is important to choose one that will best fit your business needs, while maximizing the performance of the final product.