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Sealant And Adhesive Buying Guide

From putting up wall panels to applying the finishing touches to a flooring project, this sealants and adhesives buying guide explores the different solutions available and how best to use them for all areas of the home. Featuring information on different applications, including those solutions that create a tight seal against water and those that are fire resistant, this article will ensure a kitbag is topped up for the job ahead, saving time during installation.

Adhesives

Providing a strong bond between two pieces of material, an adhesive is essential in a toolkit and can be used for many building jobs, from repairs to flooring.

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Adhesives

An adhesive sticks together different materials, such as tile, stone, metals, or wood and can be used for a wide variety of jobs, from constructing window frames to laying floorboards. Different formulas ensure there is the right adhesion for the job at hand. For example, high-strength types can be used for heavier materials and offer a good alternative to nails or screws when fitting lighter fixtures. There are also waterproof adhesives for use in washrooms and wet areas, and wood solutions can be used for a range of woodworking tasks.

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Fillers

Great for quick repairs, such as cracks in plasterboard, or filling in gaps between surfaces, these solutions allow for a smooth finish ready for decorating.

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Fillers

Supplied ready to use in a soft putty or in a powder form that needs to be prepared with water, a filler is designed for patching gaps or cracks in hard surfaces. After filling a hole, the excess is smoothed over with a tool for a flush finish and then sanded ahead of priming and painting. An all-purpose option is a trade go-to, as they are versatile enough for a variety of materials and means you only need a single tub on board. Timber-specific types are also available, offering a filler tailored for wood materials.

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Foams

Easy to use, foams are a handy addition for filling gaps around windows, doorways and other structures, providing insulation, stopping draughts, and minimising noise.

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Foams

Serving as an insulator, foam solutions can help prevent draughts and minimise noise between rooms, and are often used inside wall cavities or to fill gaps around doorways. They are soft and easy to apply, and once cured, offer a solid and durable application. Fire-rated mixes are designed to expand when exposed to heat, improving safety by slowing down the spread of smoke and gases in the event of a fire.

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Sealants

From window frames to countertop joins, sealants protect against dirt or water ingress that can penetrate the join where two fixures meet.

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Sealants

Concealing small gaps between adjacent surfaces, such as countertops and wall panels, sealants offer a strong and watertight seal that will protect features over the long term. They are a crucial part of protecting against wear and tear, dirt, and water damage, especially in wet areas. They are also a vital finishing touch when fitting a bowl or basin, as the seal protects permeable surfaces, like the inside of cupboards, from water ingress.

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Hybrid sealants

Combining sealing and bonding properties in a single tube, these hybrid products are a great choice for quick, everyday tasks and are a must-have for any trade toolkit.

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Hybrid sealants

A handy, all-in-one option that can cope with most day-to-day tasks, a hybrid sealant is a multi-purpose option that keeps your toolkit light. The versatility means it can be used to bond together two materials and, at the same time, cover gaps to create a hardwearing seal. Some hybrid solutions offer UV and weather protection, which means they can be used externally, while water and mould resistant formulas make them an excellent fit for wall and floor tiles in washrooms.

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Tapes

From electrical insulation to decorating, keeping a solid selection of tapes close at hand means you are ready for any task – big or small.

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Tapes

No trade kit is complete without an ample supply of tapes. Different materials, strengths, and thicknesses are designed for specific jobs, so it is vital to pick the right type for the task ahead. For example, insulating or electrical tape is made from a robust and flexible uPVC material that is non-conductive, so it will prevent shocks or shorts from electrical wiring. Building rolls are an excellent for holding surfaces together while waiting for adhesives to dry.

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Making features watertight

Tile adhesive and grout

For a strong hold and tight seal between tiles and the wall, grout and tile adhesive is essential.

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Tile adhesive and grout

With mould-resistant properties, tile adhesive is designed to fix tiles to floors or walls with ease. It firmly holds them in place, ready for grouting, and is unaffected by moisture, offering a robust and long-lasting fit. Grout is then applied to fill the gaps left by tile spacers which vary from 1mm to 3mm depending on the tile chosen. Soft on application, it dries hard for a rigid and hardwearing finish. It can then be customised in a shade of choice to match the tiling feature and will protect walls from water.

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- Sanitary sealants
  
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  Sanitary sealants
  
  The key difference between sanitary and all-purpose sealant is its resistance to mould and damp build-up. While an all-purpose solution is excellent for most tasks, opting for sanitary varieties is an absolute must in wet areas. They are designed to protect gaps in WCs and washrooms, such as where wall tiles and baths or showers meet.
  
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- Grab ahesives
  
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  Grab adhesives
  
  For fixtures that require a stronger hold, such as wall panels, a grab adhesive is the way to go. With a high-strength formula, it will offer a secure and lasting fit, with the added water-resistant benefits that is required in a WC or washroom.
  
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Boost fire safety

- Fire and heat sealants
  
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  Fire and heat sealants
  
  Suitable for vertical and horizontal joins, such as between walls and floors, fire and heat resistant solvents create a flexible seal that copes with high-heat areas. Also known as an intumescent sealant, a fire seal creates a durable and effective join that helps prevent smoke from spreading through gaps in a fire. Heat sealants are a great option for hot areas, such as near stoves and other cooking equipment, as they are durable even in high temperatures – making the seal more effective and longer-lasting.
  
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- Expanding foams
  
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  Expanding foams
  
  When applied to fill a gap, these foams expand to ensure cavities are properly filled and insulated. Expanding when applied and exposed to the air, they do not require any additional solutions to harden or cure. Overfilling gives better results, as excess can be removed and sanded down for a neater finish. Be sure to work quickly, as the foams cure fast and are hardwearing once dried.
  
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Fire-rated foams

These foams expand in cavities when exposed to heat, safely slowing the spread of smoke and flames.

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Fire-rated foams

A foam is excellent for insulating and dampening loud noises, but those with a fire rating offer added protection in the event of fire. Expanding when exposed to heat, they slow down the spread of smoke and gases. Extremely hard wearing when cured, they are also more resistant to fire, which means it is less likely to suffer damage. If you are working in areas that require fire safety, such as HMOs and emergency exit routes, then these foams need to be in your arsenal.

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Opt for specialist solutions

Flooring sealants

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Flooring sealants

Creating a reliable seal for timber or artificial floors, this specialist solvent is the best choice for protecting surfaces from damp and wear, and replaces general-purpose options. Unlike other sealant types, these solutions have a clear finish so they leave the design unchanged and can be finished or painted once dry. The flexible seal is designed to cope with traffic and movement, meaning it will be unaffected by long-term use in busy areas of the home.

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Flooring adhesives

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Flooring adhesives

Most floor tiles or boards will need glueing to the sub floor for a firm hold. Applied to the flooring before it is laid down, a thin layer of adhesive keeps each piece firmly in place while still creating a level and flat finish. Designed for everyday floor jobs, the join stays strong - even under heavy traffic or in fluctuating temperatures and humidity, making it a great addition in hallways and conservatories

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Glazing and frame sealants

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Glazing and frame sealant

Offering added protection from the elements than an all-purpose alternative, these sealants cover the gaps between glazed panels, windows or frames for a secure fit that ensures a home is weather tight. Standing up to wind, rain, and cold, they prevent energy from being wasted, making a home more sustainable, and prevent damage to the frame and cavity that can occur when weather penetrates external fittings like windowpanes.

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Worktop joint sealants

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Worktop joint sealants

Moisture, grease, and food debris are easily trapped within joins, so worktop sealing solutions are essential to prevent just that. When multiple pieces of counter are joined together, such as long runs or angled joins in U or L-shaped layouts, the gaps need to be sealed for a professional and long-lasting finish. Applying specialist joint sealants to the core of the board is particularly important for synthetic materials as well as the cabinetry underneath. Doing so prevents internal water damage and protects the contents of cupboards.

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High-strength adhesives

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High-strength adhesives

A great way to secure or hold up materials, high-strength agents are the best option when dealing with heavier objects or materials, such as metals or stone. The added strength means the bond will hold in both internal and external settings, making it versatile for indoor and outdoor projects and can be used instead of nails or screws where it would be difficult to drive in a secure fit. Whether it is in wet areas, exposed areas outdoors, or high-impact zones, high-strength adhesives are the go-to for heavy-duty use – such as commercial environments.

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General purpose sealants

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General purpose sealants

These solutions are suitable for a wide range of different tasks making them a must-have in any trade kit. If you are working with smooth or non-porous materials, then general-purpose varieties are a great go-to. Keeping this in your toolkit, or close by in your van, means that a versatile sealant is always at hand.

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