Sealants & Caulking

Caulk and adhesive sealers, can be utilized in a variety of ways to ensure that leaks or heat will not transfer out of a structure. Staples carries a number of caulking and sealing products from manufacturers such as Loctite, Permatex, Red Devil and many others. Learn more about sealants and their various uses below.

What Are Sealants?

Sealant is a substance that is used to block fluids from passing through exposed surfaces, joints or openings. For example, when it comes to faucet repair with replacement parts sealant can be very handy. In construction projects, it is interchangeable with caulking, which also serves to block liquids, dust, sound and heat from escaping an enclosed area.

Sealants have an incredibly wide range of helpful applications. While some are great for gluing or taping smaller items around your home and office, others are effective in large scale repair jobs related to water and heat insulation. Depending on the project, there are different types that can be used to effectively get the job done.

Sealants come in packages with built-in applicators that make them easy to use. Caulk, silicon adhesive sealers and asphalt or roof repair compounds come in tubes designed to work in tandem with a caulking gun or in squeeze tubes for smaller scale jobs. Sealant products meant for plumbing fixtures, sink repair parts or electrical connections often come in a liquid form that can be brushed or sprayed on to provide all surfaces with full and even coverage before they are joined.

Where Can You Use Sealants?

Sealants can be helpful both indoors and outdoors. Inside you might use them in bathrooms, kitchens, garages, basements and attics. They are always great to have on hand because you never know when you might need them to seal, glue or tape something in your home or workplace.

Outdoor uses typically involve roofing or window repairs, but is not limited to these types of jobs. Any exterior part of a home or business can be in need of sealant or caulking, so it’s good to have a heavy duty variety readily available to tackle these jobs.

What Is the Difference Between Caulk vs Sealant?

Caulking and sealant are often used interchangeably when it comes to repairs and maintenance, but there are actually some differences to consider.

Caulk

Caulk is typically made from a mixture of latex and acrylic materials, which makes it more rigid and prone to shrinking once cured. Caulk is water-based and provides excellent adhesion to most common building materials. General purpose caulk becomes paintable once cured and, because it’s only moderately water resistant, it can be easily cleaned up using soap, water and paper towels rather than a chemical solvent.

Sealant

Sealants offer superior elasticity and water resistance because they primarily contain silicone. The silicone material allows it to expand and contract as temperatures fluctuate without losing its watertight seal. Sealants are a great choice for areas that experience frequent weather fluctuation and high moisture levels like kitchens, bathrooms and around doors or windows.