Selecting the Best Sealant for Your Bathroom…
As a homeowner, you have the opportunity to dream up improvements and changes you want to make to beautify your house and property. Renovating your bathroom, redoing the decor in your living area or a major upgrade to the kitchen are all possibilities. If you are handy and good with tools, you’ll be able to take on many of these projects yourself instead of having to hire a contractor. Doing it yourself can save you a lot of money, and can give you a great sense of satisfaction too.
You may find yourself dreaming of home additions you want to make. If you make smart choices, these projects can add functionality and value to your home. There are also a number of inexpensive things you can do to improve your dwelling. It’s also important to keep up with all of the repairs or preventive maintenance that are required when you own a home. You’ll find that bathrooms, especially, require more attention because of the exposure to water and the possibility of potential water damage or mould.
Select a Sealant That Protects Your Bathroom
Choosing the right bathroom sealant for your DIY jobs is key to protecting areas of the bathroom from water damage. With sealant, you can create a moisture-resistant barrier around sinks, bathtubs and showers.
In addition to protecting those areas from leaks and water, new sealant will improve the aesthetic appeal of the fixtures in your bathroom. The right sealant also helps keep areas in the bathroom mould-free. If you would like to get great ideas for bathroom renovations, you can look online.
Different Types of Bathroom Sealants
Sealant types can range from silicone to acrylic or polyurethane. Silicon-based sealants are often preferred because of their flexibility and superior resistance to water. These qualities make them ideal for bathtubs, showers and sinks.
Acrylic sealants are easy to clean and are paintable, but tend to be less water-resistant and flexible when compared to silicone. Polyurethane sealants are durable and have strong adhesion, but are also more challenging to maintain and apply.
Durability and Water Resistance
The primary purpose of using a bathroom sealant is to prevent damage that would be caused by water penetration. Sealants that are silicone-based have an excellent level of water resistance, which is perfect for tubs and showers.
Latex and acrylic sealants are more suitable for lower moisture areas, but they can degrade faster when exposed to excessive humidity. If you choose a sealant that is long-lasting, you will save effort and eliminate the need for frequent replacement and repairs.
Resistance to Mould and Mildew
With hot showers or baths, bathrooms experience high levels of humidity. This can lead to mildew and mould growth. Fortunately, sealants may also have additives that are anti-microbial. These help inhibit fungal growth, thus ensuring a healthier and cleaner bathroom environment. The mildew-resistant qualities of a sealant can help avoid the health risks of built up mould.
Acrylic sealants, which are paintable, are also more susceptible to the growth of mold. Because of this, they require frequent cleaning and additional coatings that are protective.
Longevity and Curing Time
Curing time varies, depending on the type of sealant chosen. Expect a silicone sealant to require around 24 hours, or more, to be fully cured. Acrylic sealants, which dry faster, typically don’t offer the same level of resistance to water.
Longevity is also part of the equation. With proper maintenance, a silicone sealant might last more than a decade. With latex or acrylic-based sealants, you could find they need to be replaced in a few years. If you want to reduce your on-going maintenance efforts, it’s best to choose a high quality sealant that has a longer lifespan.
Look for Easy Application and Cleanup
If you are planning on working on a DIY project using sealants in the bathroom, it’s key to consider ease of application. The highly effective silicone sealants can be slightly more difficult to work with, because of the sticky nature of their texture.
Taking your time applying them, and using the caulking gun carefully will help produce a neat finish. If you make any mistakes, a cleaner that is solvent-based can be used for removal. Acrylic sealants are easier to apply and you can clean up using only water; they do require repainting and more maintenance though.
