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Adhesives And Gap Fillers Comparison Chart ...or... Preparing,Applying,Clean up Of Adhesives ...or... Glues,Adhesives,Sealants And Gap Fillers Intro
Recent advances in chemical technology have led to the development of a wide range of materials which can be grouped broadly under the term 'gap fillers'. Many are available in small squeeze tubes as well as in rigid cartridges; the latter are used with a cartridge gun.
Gap fillers fall into three main categories which can be described as acrylic, silicone and solvent based compounds.
Acrylic-based, gap filling sealants are made in several colours to match timber, brick, roofing metal and tiles, as well as in white. They are made for external as well as internal applications.
These materials are not adhesives, but an elastic type filler which sets hard on the surface while remaining flexible underneath.
Acrylic sealants will keep water out of gaps in masonry and timber, but they are not effective in making watertight joints when repairing gutters and downpipes.
Most acrylic based, gap filling sealants can be painted over with all types of paint. If none of the colours is a close match for the repair you want to make, use white and paint over it.
Silicone based, the use of silicone based gap fillers as adhesives is one of the more common mistakes among builders as well as handymen. Silicone does not stick two surfaces together - it forms a gasket between them.
Silicone filler must be used in conjunction with mechanical fixings, such as rivets or bolts, if a watertight seal is to be effective.
A special, clear silicone is made for sealing joints in gutters and downpipes. When joining two pieces of metal, follow these simple steps.
Bring together the two parts to be joined and mark where the joint will finish.
Drill the necessary holes for mechanical fixing with rivets or bolts.
Separate the parts and apply the appropriate sealant to the area inside the marked out sections. Make sure there is an unbroken ring of silicone all around the holes but do hot apply sealant in or over the holes.
Bring the parts together (some silicone will ooze out of the joint but try to keep it to a minimum) and fix with rivets or bolts.
Apply silicone to the tops of rivets for a completely watertight joint. Wipe off excess silicone. Clean up with turps.
Solvent based gap fillers perform the twin function of gluing two surfaces together while, at the same time, filling gaps between the mating faces.
One of the best uses for this material is as a flooring adhesive. One of the main problems leading to squeaky floors can be avoided if this type of adhesive is applied to the tops of joists before floor boards are laid.
These fillers dry quickly so wipe up spills and any tools with thinners as quick as possible.
