If you are currently working on several home improvement projects, you must be wondering when to choose a sealant and when to opt for expanding foam. Typically, you should choose a sealant for moisture resistance and filling in small joints, such as the small areas around sinks. On the other hand, an expanding foam is suitable for insulation or filling in large gaps that cannot be filled with a sealant.
Read on to learn more.
When Is It Better To Opt for A Sealant
If you detect drafts coming from your windows, you should certainly choose a sealant, such as caulk, to fill the potential small gaps and non-moving gaps. Using a sealant is also ideal for the areas around bathtubs and sinks. You can also use a sealant for baseboards. You should know that sealants are great for moisture resistance, which is why you can use sealants for areas that are prone to moisture, such as windows.
Compared to expanding foam, a sealant is ideal for projects where you require a smooth finish and precision in your application, such as tile grout. When using sealant, make sure that the surface is dry, clean, and at the right temperature.
When to Not Use A Sealant
You should know about places and spaces where it is in your best interest to avoid sealants. For instance, you should not use sealants on frozen or wet surfaces. Similarly, you should avoid using sealants on incredibly hot or porous surfaces, such as limestone. You should avoid using sealants on a metal roof, as metal can serve as the primary barrier alone.
If you are confused about whether or not to use a sealant, you might want to contact a professional expert who can recommend where to use a sealant and where to use caulk, as sometimes caulking is more appropriate, especially in low movement areas.
When Is It Better to Opt for Expanding Foam
Now, when it comes to the application of expanding form, you should know that form is ideal for filling large voids and gaps, especially for filling gaps in between irregular spaces that you cannot typically fill with a sealant. Apart from filling large gaps, expanding foam is great for insulation, as foam can block air leaks, which is why it is ideal for sealing the areas around doors and windows.
By using expanding foam for insulation, you can control your energy bills while improving overall energy efficiency inside your house. Besides, expanding form provides great structural support due to its hardened and rigid nature.
When to Not Use Expanding Foam
You must keep in mind that you cannot use expanding foam near heaters, radiators, fireplaces, or lamps that are high heat sources. The underlying reason is that foam is essentially combustible, which is why it can catch fire and burn down your entire house in dire situations. Apart from avoiding expanding foam in high-heat sources, you must also avoid expanding foam around electrical boxes, such as electrical sockets or any other electrical components, where the expanding foam can potentially cause damage.
