Silicone sealants are utilised as a sealing or bonding material in a range of building applications, including residential, commercial, industrial, and infrastructure.
UV stability, high movement and elongation, tenacious adhesion, and remarkable weatherability are all characteristics of silicone sealants. Expansion and control joints, perimeter caulking, structural glazing, and Insulated Glass (IG) units are all common uses for silicone sealants. Silicone sealants have qualities that allow them to be used both indoors and out, and they stick well to a wide range of substrates, including aluminium, glass, steel, painted metal, plastic, stone, concrete, and brick.
The raw material needed to make silicone sealants is in short supply as a result of recent global supply chain disruptions. As a result, a growing number of building suppliers are providing alternate types of sealants to industry professionals in order to keep their businesses running without sacrificing quality.
Why are Silicone Sealants becoming more expensive?
In 2021, a massive worldwide supply chain disruption resulted in significant raw material shortages and a 300 percent price increase in less than two months. This disruption in supply is expected to extend through the first half of 2022.
There are several factors that have contributed to the global silicone shortage:
• In 2020 and 2021, there will be prolonged outages at major silicone plants.
• Rationing orders in China have had a significant influence on silicon metal production, which is an energy-intensive process (China produces 70 percent of silicon metal globally).
• Outside of China, there have been few substantial investments in silicone manufacture, resulting in restricted global raw material production and supply.
• Tightened border controls in response to the COVID-19 epidemic have resulted in labour shortages due to the limited intake of migrant workers, directly driving up manpower costs.
• Extended transit times, insufficient transportation capacity (lack of drivers, ships, containers, etc.) and manufacturing lockdowns have caused manufacturers and suppliers to raise product pricing to mitigate these risks.
The combined effect of these issues has resulted in a significant reduction in the availability of silicone raw materials and a rise in manufacturing costs. As a result, providers are advocating the use of silicone substitutes in various building applications whenever viable or possible to ensure construction continuity.
What should I look for in a silicone sealant substitute?
Before selecting to use a silicone sealant instead, ask yourself the following questions:
- Is it going to be used for structural glazing?
- Will the alternative sealant have to be exposed to the elements or UV light?
- What is the anticipated movement capacity?
- Is the finishing going to be covered?
Without silicone, how can I fix a failing silicone sealant joint?
With polyurethane technology, there are a few options for repairing a failed silicone sealant junction. However, because polyurethanes do not adhere to cured silicones, the present silicone sealer would have to be removed completely. If the junction is in a porous substrate, mechanical abrasion will most likely be required to remove as much of the current sealant as feasible.
If the sealant joint is in a non-porous substrate, it should be cut out as near to the bond line as practicable. If any silicone remains in the joint, sanding with fine grit sandpaper may be required. It is recommended that the polyurethane extend 7-8mm onto the substrate on either side of the junction while applying the new polyurethane sealant joint. This ensures that the material adheres to the new substrate.
Is it possible to utilise polyurethane (PU) sealants?
For both new and renovation projects, polyurethane sealants are a popular choice. Polyurethane sealants come in single and multi-component formulations and are typically used in horizontal joints or non-sagging vertical applications. When considering using a PU sealant as a Silicone alternative, it's critical to speak with a professional who can guide you through the process.
What are Hybrid Sealants and How Do They Work? Is it possible to use these in place of regular silicone sealants?
High-performance polyurethane and silicone chemistry are combined in hybrid sealants. These technologies come together to form a hybrid sealant that combines the weathering and UV resistance of a silicone sealant with the durability and paintability of a polyurethane sealer. When looking for an alternative to regular silicone sealants, hybrid sealants are a great choice.
Tremco CPG Australia suggests the following silicone sealant options:
Disclaimer: This article is intended to serve as a guide for appropriate non-silicone alternative selection for typical applications. While this paper is intended to serve as a guide, the installer should always follow the product manufacturer's instructions, as well as carefully reviewing the products' published application instructions and datasheets.
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