Silicone provides a very strong adhesive bond and can be used in a variety of applications. You may be asking yourself the following question before starting a major project: is silicone waterproof?
Silicone sealants are in fact waterproof. They are often used for underwater projects, semi-submerged aquatic settings and other projects with water and weather exposure. Since they are waterproof, they can also be used to repair cracks in many different types of outdoor surfaces or in various kitchen, bathroom and home sealing applications.
Most waterproofing processes require the use of silicone to some extent, but its waterproofing properties are not immediate. Here is more information regarding two important questions.
How long until silicone is waterproof?
Silicone sealants need to cure fully before they are waterproof. Keep in mind that dry time is not the same as cure time. It may be dry to touch in 30 minutes, but it can take 24 hours to several days to cure depending on the thickness of the sealant.
A few things can influence curing time, including the type of silicone sealant you are using. The ambient temperature also needs to be between 5°C and 37°C with a humidity level between 5% and 95%.
This is not a difficult task but it requires patience. This is worth the wait since waterproofing is a crucial step in projects that are likely to be exposed to water and moisture, such as outdoor sealing, plumbing, bathroom renovations and more.
Make sure not to expose your seal to moisture before cure time is up to avoid any mishaps.
How long does silicone waterproofing last?
Silicone sealants can stay waterproof for around 20 years, but this varies according to different factors including temperature, UV exposure and the chemical properties of the sealed materials.
Other than being waterproof, silicone has many other benefits, such as flexibility, low toxicity and weather and chemical resistance. Its elasticity and flexibility mean that even following product application, the sealed materials do not lose porousness and remain very breathable. Overall, since it is a synthetic material, it does not deteriorate as quickly as other types of sealants in many different of conditions.
All of these properties make silicone sealants ideal for long-term applications.
Finding the right silicone sealant with Adfast
In short, silicone is waterproof as of 24 hours to a few days after its application and can last around 20 years depending on different factors. It also has many other beneficial properties that make it ideal for many long-term uses.
Are you looking for a high-quality silicone sealant for your home project? We can help you find the one most suitable for your needs. Contact us for more information on silicone sealants or our products!
