Selecting The Best Pipe Sealants For The Job

A sealant is a material that is most commonly used to prevent the penetration of air, gas or liquid from one location through a barrier into another, in this case from the interior to the exterior of pipes. With such a wide range of products to choose from, making sure you select the proper pipe sealants is especially important. Selecting the wrong pipe sealants, or applying the correct sealants in the wrong manner, can have serious consequences, especially when dealing with large industrial applications. There are some general guidelines to follow when trying to choose the right pipe sealants to get the job done.

Once fully solidified, high-quality pipe sealants perform across a wide range of temperatures. The best sealants can withstand temperatures ranging from minus-85 to 599 degrees Fahrenheit (minus-65 to 315 degrees Celsius). Select a pipe sealant that functions reliably at temperatures outside the performance range to accommodate unexpected temperature changes.

Ultraviolet rays, radiation and weather can cause low-quality sealants to crack, crumble and become brittle, compromising the seal over time. Look for pipe sealants that have good resistance to these and other erosive factors and do not readily degrade after prolonged contact with common elements and industrial chemicals.

Make sure that your pipe sealants of choice have good bond strength. A variety of factors contribute to the bond strength of individual sealants, including chemical composition, cure type and substrate penetration. In fire conditions, some pipe sealants are more burn-resistant than others. Silicone pipe sealants, in particular, are especially reluctant to burn and many comply with UL flammability standards. Most importantly, make sure you select pipe sealants that can perform at the highest temperature you require, but is also ones that offer a secure and flexible hold at lower temperatures. When in doubt, consult with a qualified expert.

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