Glossary
Check Out Metro Sealant’s Glossary For A Comprehensive Compilation Of The Definitions Of Building Construction Sealant Terms.
ADHESION
The state in which two surfaces are held together by bonding forces; where two materials stick together.
BOND
The union between materials with the assistance of adhesives. The adherence of an adhesive or sealant to a substrate.
BOND BREAKER
A material such as a bond breaker tape prevents adhesion of a sealant to an interface.
BOND STRENGTH
The amount of force required to rupture a bond. Measured in pounds per square inch.
BUTYL RUBBER
A synthetic rubber that is a copolymer of isobutene and isoprene. Used widely in adhesives and sealants. It has a slow cure but possesses good tensile strength.
CAULK (NOUN)
A sealant with a relatively low movement capability of less than 20%. Used in cases where little or no movement capability is required.
CAULK (VERB)
The act of filling a crack, joint, gap, or device with a sealant.
COHESION
The chemical bond within the sealant itself that holds it together.
CURE
A chemical reaction where the sealant or adhesive becomes a functional solid.
CURE TIME
The duration taken for a complete cure of the sealant to occur in specific conditions (given temperature and humidity.
CURING AGENT
A substance that is applied to a polymer to facilitate a cure.
ELASTIC
The quality of a material that permits it to be stretched and immediately return to its original shape and length upon release of the stress.
ELASTOMERIC
A rubbery material that is “elastic”. It has the ability to return to its approximate original dimensions almost immediately after receiving an amount of deformation.
EPOXY
A synthetic resin that is tough, durable, and highly resistant to chemicals and moisture. A class of resins that produces great adhesives.
EPOXY RESIN
A thermosetting resin that is a champion in toughness, strength properties, and corrosion resistance. Usually used as coatings, structural adhesives, and floor surfaces, amongst many other uses.
JOINT
The opening between adjoining surfaces or parts of a structure.
JOINT SEALER
The parts of a joint sealing system used to seal joints and openings. Such parts include sealants and tapes.
JOINT SEALING SYSTEM
A combination of joint sealers such as caulking compounds and fillers to close joints between materials.
NON-STAINING
The characteristics of a sealant to not cause staining or discoloration of the surface they are adhered to.
NON-VOLATILE
The solid part of a caulk, solvent, or coating that remains after the solvent evaporates.
OXIDATION
The action of oxygen or ozone to form an oxide. Results in the chalking and cracking of caulks and sealants.
POROSITY
A measure of pore volume; the ratio of void space to the total volume of the material. Generally expressed as a percentage or decimal.
PRIMER
A preparatory coating applied to surfaces prior to the sealant in order to improve adhesion.
RESIN
Solid, organic compounds of plant or synthetic origin. They are not soluble in water and can be transparent or translucent. Examples: Epoxy and acrylic.
SEALANT
The material used to accommodate joint movement, and seal openings against the intrusion of external elements such as water, dust, and insects.
SHELF LIFE
The duration a sealant can be stored and still be usable. Shelf life differs according to product and storage conditions.
SILANE
A silicone-like compound that is added to sealants to help improve adhesion.
