Tape for sealing pipes. Sealant for sewer pipes: types, overview of manufacturers, which are better and why. Depending on the area of use, the tapes are

Protecting the surface of pipes from moisture, chemicals from groundwater, ultraviolet radiation and overheating helps to extend the life of the line up to 30-50 years. Tape for sealing pipes must be used in all areas where a pipeline branch is laid underground, in the open air, in damp basements. Sewer, water systems are protected with waterproofing materials. Pipelines with hot (water, air), hazardous (oil products, gas, chemicals) carriers require additional thermal insulation. Tape insulating materials are used both in the processing of new pipes and on existing pipelines, their sections, to protect joints, bent, uneven surfaces, tie-in points for stop valves, element connections.

Ready-to-lay piping elements

Waterproofing materials: types and selection criteria

There are ready-made solutions for waterproofing cast iron and steel pipes of any diameter and purpose on the market. The quality and durability of the insulating layer depends on the correct determination of the required type of tape. The choice of insulating material depends on several criteria:

Manufacturing material.
Carrier temperatures inside the system.
Installation sites of the insulated section, exposure to high temperature pipe.
Operating pressure, media characteristics.

Depending on the initial data, tapes for pipe waterproofing, material for primary surface treatment, and an additional protective film layer are selected.

The tape is suitable for waterproofing difficult areas: folds, expansion / contraction areas, joints

Heat shrink tapes: scope

Two-layer heat-shrinkable tape is produced in rolls, designed for waterproofing pipes and pipeline sections of complex shape. Winding is carried out on a preheated surface. Setting temperature: 80 - 100 ° C. Laying features require special tools, skills for safe work with heated metal. For this reason, heat shrink tapes for wrapping long pipes are mainly used by professionals.

Pre-installed bent sections with heat shrink tape

For processing joints, seams, areas for attaching reinforcement, special heat-shrinkable cuffs are used. They are used for the current repair of leaky areas.

Cuffs for repair heat-shrinkable

The material consists of two inseparable layers - the base and the adhesive composition. The protective outer part is made of polyethylene. The inner adhesive layer of vinyl acetate and ethylene melts easily when heated. The service life of the line treated with insulation is increased by 3 times.

The tape is used for sealing pipes made of heat-resistant materials: copper, steel, cast iron. Not suitable for use on PVC, plastic surfaces.

Tapes based on bitumen and PVC for sealing pipelines

Three-layer insulating roll material consists of a bituminous composition, a base and an anti-adhesive film. The protective polyethylene film protects the material inside the roll from sticking. Asmolny mastic is firmly glued to the surface, creating a reliable waterproofing layer. The top layer is a PVC film that protects the bituminous mastic composition from moisture.

PVC based bituminous tape

The main advantage of bituminous tape is the absence of restrictions on the use on different materials. Used for waterproofing pipes:

Made of plastic, PVC.
Steel, copper.
Cast iron.

The maximum diameter of insulated pipelines is up to 1.5 m. The minimum service life of treated surfaces is from 35 years. The temperature regime for carrying out work is from 10 ° C. It is used mainly for sealing underground systems - bitumen does not tolerate overheating, therefore, its use for pipelines in the open air is limited. The composition of the cold set mastic requires pre-treatment of the surface. Before winding, a primer must be applied.

Bitumen tape is used for sealing and insulating underground tanks, cisterns, cable shafts

Couplings and membranes for insulating individual sections of pipes

Difficult sections of pipelines - joints, welded protruding seams, points of attachment of narrower and wider pipes - are insulated with heat-shrinkable sleeves and cuffs.

The heated surface of the film tightly compresses uneven areas, the molten adhesive composition penetrates into microcracks, cracks, which ensures complete sealing. Insulation does not lose its properties from exposure to precipitation, ultraviolet radiation. It is used to seal and isolate chimney outlets.

Joint insulation with a heat-shrink sleeve

Primers and protective films

Heat-shrinkable tapes are wound directly on the surface without prior preparation. Self-adhesive bitumen, asmol materials for pipe waterproofing are used only in combination with priming with mastic or primer.

Asmol primers are applied to the cleaned pipe before wrapping with asmol-bitumen or bitumen-polymer waterproofing film. The primer provides better adhesion of the insulating layer to the substrate.

Bituminous mastic is used before gluing the tape. Available in ready-to-use form, does not require heating. Mastic can be diluted with solvents.

Pipelines that are exposed to aggressive environmental influences are additionally insulated wrapping film polyethylene or PVC. A thin layer helps to maintain the integrity of the insulation, prevents the appearance of gaps, cracks, chips.

Bituminous primer is applied cold

Pipe waterproofing: work performance technology

Tape for sealing sewer and water pipes is a material that is easy to apply. It has sufficient elasticity and flexibility for uniform winding. Pipes of small diameter can be insulated independently without the use of special tools.

Of the tools you will need:

Rigid metal brushes for surface cleaning.
Synthetic brushes, rollers.
Trays and containers for primer (mastic).
If a pipeline section is being repaired using heat shrink tape, a gas burner should be prepared to heat the surface.

rust free pipe

How bituminous tape is applied

Regardless of the type of tape chosen for the work, the material can only be applied to the prepared surface. The pipe must be completely free of scale and rust. In the conditions of specialized workshops, special machines are used. At home, you can get rid of corrosive deposits with a metal brush, a drill with a nozzle.

A layer of primer or mastic is applied to the prepared surface. To facilitate the process, a thick liquid can be diluted with the amount of solvent indicated in the instructions.

Important! It is necessary to use a primer, mastic recommended by the waterproofing manufacturer and compatible with the selected tape in terms of chemical composition. Incorrect choice of primer leads to rapid delamination of the winding.

The primer is applied with a wide synthetic brush, roller

A bituminous tape is wound diagonally onto the treated pipe. It is necessary to carry out the winding, constantly monitoring the condition of the web: there should be no folds, creases. The edges of the turns are not aligned, but the tape is wound with an overlap of several centimeters. Waterproofing a small diameter pipe can be done by hand, after installing it on spacers for easy access to the entire surface.

The tape is wound, controlling the degree of tension of the material and the uniformity of overlapping edges

It is much more convenient to work with the tape if you have a manual machine. A simple mechanical tool will help insulate a pipe of any diameter in a couple of hours.

The ends of the pipes are left free, waterproofing is carried out after installation and welding. Joints and seams are cleaned and sealed with a cuff or sleeve. The material is heated with a burner to 110 ° C, the film is heat-shrinkable and compresses the pipe.

Heat-shrinkable sleeve at the junction of pipes

Sealing with heat shrink materials

Hot applied materials are mainly used on large diameter pipelines. Perform work in specialized centers. The pre-cleaned pipe is heated. Tape is wound on a hot surface. The adhesive layer softens, sticks to the base. The top film wraps around the softened adhesive layer. In terms of performance, the waterproofing layer, made of tape heat-shrinkable material, is not inferior to the factory monolithic fabric.

Pre-insulated with heat shrink tape

Seams, joints of reinforcement, joints are insulated with cuffs or couplings.

Installation of the cuff on the installed pipeline

Cold applied sealing tapes are excellent for insulating individual small diameter pipes. Collectors, water supply systems, sewerage, gas pipelines are best isolated in special conditions, and the work is entrusted to specialists. High temperature, evaporation of the insulating layer require compliance with safety rules and the use of protective equipment. Large diameter pipes can be sealed immediately after purchase from the workshop. Masters will select materials in accordance with the initial data and the purpose of the pipes.

Adhesive tape size: length - 3m/10ft, width - 25mm/1”, thickness - 0.5mm/20mil.

Degree of electrical insulation: 800 Volts.

Material: silicone.

Permissible temperature range: from -60 to +260 degrees Celsius.

Withstands the maximum allowable pressure: up to 5 bar.

The tape does not support combustion. Differs in water tightness and moisture resistance.

Silicone adhesive tape is designed for emergency repair of hoses, pipes, insulation of electrical connectors and terminals.

Once wrapped around the hose, the tape vulcanizes and becomes part of the hose, making the repair site resistant to repeated damage.

Can be applied and fixed on wet, dirty and greasy surfaces.

In case of unforeseen emergencies, it can be used for medical purposes - as a tourniquet to stop bleeding, or fix limbs in case of injury.

Designed to be stored in a vehicle or as part of a hose and pipe repair kit.

Possible order options

Latest reviews from Aliexpress

46 days to Moscow time from the date of payment! Packed in a cellophane envelope. We have such a tape in Leroy costs 450-500 ?. After winding around the hose, it vulcanizes and becomes part of the hose! The perfect solution for home and garden! I didn’t remove the star for the delivery time, because the price tag is good and the tape itself is of excellent quality!)

Very surprised by the quality of the film. They thought that she would be barely alive, but it turned out that she stretches very well and accepts quickly former form. Very soft. We did not even expect that for such money we would buy a high-quality film from leaks.

A good thing! For those who do not understand how to use it, you just need to understand how this tape works. The tape is designed for winding with an overlap, in two or three layers. Do not forget to degrease the surface on which we apply the tape. With stretching and subsequent heating (the warmth of the hands is enough), the polymerization process is activated and after 10 minutes, we get an almost monolithic, rubber structure. It will be impossible to separate the layers after that. Follow all these principles and you will succeed)

The goods came exactly 2 months to Kazakhstan! In general, the tape is similar in appearance and to the touch - like double-sided tape. . . I don't know how it will work. . . The protection was already ending, I wrote to the seller to extend it, but he ignored it. . . Minus 1 star for that!

and so the delivery from the seller is fast in 20 days, I took 2 at once, just in case, the price for 2 pcs 3. $ 14 stretches well, somewhere 3 times it sticks to itself well, so I think that it should fulfill its functions

The order came in two weeks, everything is fine, I have not tried it yet, I think everything will be fine. Thank you seller for fast shipping and well packaged item!

Delivery was very long, almost two months. Package torn, one clip was lost. The seller needs better packaging. The tape itself has not yet been tested for leak retention. I'll write back later.

The packaging is good, the product is not damaged, it seems larger in the description, the width is 1.3 cm. Haven't used yet. Thank you seller.

everything according to the description has not yet been tested in practice, it’s better not to come in handy, and let it be at hand

Delivery is fast - reached Kyiv in 16 days. Haven't used it in practice yet. Thanks to the seller for the efficiency.

The water supply system is present in almost every modern house. The water supply system works under pressure, the weakest sections of the pipeline include various connections, it is for this reason that you need to be puzzled by the choice of sealant for the water supply pipeline.

When laying water supply systems, the joints are sealed in various ways, based on the material of the pipeline.

Types of sealants

There is a huge amount of sealing materials on the modern construction market. Do not use the same sealant for joints of steel and polypropylene pipelines. Therefore, in order to exclude leaks at the joints, it is necessary to carefully study the properties of the sealant used. This information is especially useful for a novice beginner.

Linen Sealant

The oldest sealing material for threaded connections, the history of its use has more than a dozen years.

The work of flax as a sealant is based on the swelling of its fibers under the influence of moisture. It should be used with great care for sealing threaded connections in water pipes made of thin-walled materials. Swelling and then expansion of the flax fibers can cause a rupture at the junction of the pipeline. The disadvantage of the connection is the destruction of the organic fibers of flax under the action of moisture and the weakening of the connection and the leakage of moisture through it. In addition, from constant moisture, metal parts begin to corrode, and when the site is disassembled, they fail.

It is unacceptable to use dry flax as a sealant for high pressure water supply pipes. In this case, the infiltration of water will occur very quickly.

As an alternative, flax fibers impregnated with paints and varnishes are often used. This is a more reliable option, but not without flaws. Since it is impossible to saturate 100% flax with paint, there remains the possibility of organic decay and seal failure over a longer period of time. Dismantling such a site is even more difficult.

It is more optimal to use flax in conjunction with silicone sealant for water pipes. In this case, the flax fibers are treated with silicone material. Assembly of pipes and connections is facilitated. Such connections may be tightened if necessary. The use of silicone sealant ensures tightness of the plumbing connections, even when the elements are not fully tightened.

fum tape

This is a thin polymer tape made of fluoroplast-4, wound on a plastic spool. She replaced sanitary flax, although she did not displace him.

In most cases, plumbers prefer fum tape as a sealing material (read also: ""). Thin tape winding at the junctions protects the water supply pipeline from leakage at the junctions.

Advantages of FUM tape

Temperature range of application from -70⁰С to +200⁰С;
Plastic;
Small thickness;
Does not rot, there are no corrosion damage to the metal in places of insulation;
Resistant to aggressive environments;
Improves the assembly quality of threaded connections by reducing the friction of the connected parts during installation;
Non-toxic in the observed temperature range of application.

There are special cases when the advantages of a fum tape turn into its disadvantages.

Disadvantages of fum tape

Not suitable for sealing large diameter joints
Reverse during installation is not allowed, as the tape is damaged
Full sealing is not provided in joints operating under vibration
Temperature fluctuations that expand the tape can cause the seal to fail.

plumbing thread

This is a synthetic material, the fibers of which are impregnated with a special non-drying compound. It has all the benefits of linen impregnated with sealant. It is not subject to rotting, better protects against corrosion.

The use of plumbing thread as a sealant for connecting water pipes allows the positioning of elements with a reverse stroke of up to 180⁰ (when using flax - only 90⁰). Incomplete tightening of the elements is allowed, while sealing is maintained. Due to the fact that the thread is very thin, a large consumption of material occurs. The only negative is the high cost of the sealant.

Liquid sealants

Produced in the form of a suspension. They are not used independently, only in conjunction with fiber materials. It will simply be forced out of the connection, this is especially noticeable in pipelines operating under high pressure. They are used as a lubricant for connections of water supply elements. When choosing a drying agent, you need to pay attention that when it dries, it shrinks.

Anaerobic sealant is an exception.

This plumbing pipe joint sealant dries in the absence of air without changing volume, protecting metal joints from corrosion and water pipes from leaking joints. There is a high-quality fixation with a minimum consumption of sealant.

Advantages of anaerobic sealant

Hardening occurs as a result of polymerization. Excess is well removed, as it does not harden in air.
Good adhesion, allowing the connection of plastic and metal pipelines
The ability to use not only for sealing water pipes, but also pipelines with aggressive agents due to the inertness of the sealant.
Successful application for pressure pipeline sealing.
It is possible to automate the sealing process.

disadvantages

Disassembly of threaded connections sealed with anaerobic sealant requires a special tool or preheating of the connection.

Features of using anaerobic sealant

When performing work below the required level, preheating of the elements is necessary for high-quality sealing. The sealant must be applied as evenly as possible, distributing it over the entire surface of the thread. It is allowed to apply sealant to both external and internal threads. Clean and degrease threaded connections before performing sealing work.

Typically, anaerobic sealant is available in tubes with droppers, which ensures its accurate and quick application, high-quality filling of thread gaps.

Anaerobic sealants differ in the composition of the components. Therefore, when choosing an anaerobic sealant, one must be guided by its technical characteristics and the operating conditions of the sealed elements.

Sealing of cast iron pipeline

Cast iron pipes are usually socketed. That is, there is an extension at one end of the pipe. Therefore, their sealing has its own characteristics. One pipe is inserted into the socket of the other, and the joint is minted. Usually a cable is used as a sealant. Kabolka is a vegetable fiber impregnated with mineral oil. The joint is sealed using a hand tool - chasing. The winding with a cable is made in several turns and is hammered tightly into the joint. After sealing, the joint is sealed with mortar. Experienced plumbers recommend adding PVA glue to the solution to increase plasticity.

There is another old, but not completely forgotten way of sealing socket joints. It is based on the strait of the joints of cast-iron pipes with hot sulfur. This method is very dangerous for health, because in the process of extinguishing burning sulfur with water, concentrated sulfuric acid is released.

Recently, sanitary sealant for pipe joints has been increasingly used to seal cast iron pipes. A rubber cuff is inserted into the socket connection for sealing. After the joints of the pipes, a sealant for polypropylene pipes is additionally used.

Sealing water pipes with tow

This is the easiest way to seal joints. Even experienced professionals use it in their work. Flax is very easy to use, you can twist a thread of any thickness from it, and depending on this, perform the number of winding turns.

For a quality connection, you need to follow some rules:

Tow for sealing should be soft without various inclusions.
Carry out the impregnation of tow carefully, as traces of impregnation are difficult to remove.
Protruding tow fibers from the place of sealing are removed to give aesthetics to the connection.

Divide the tow into strands, the thickness of the thread is about 1 mm, it is determined depending on the characteristics of the thread.
Apply a small amount of impregnating compound to the thread itself, distributing it evenly. This substance will serve as glue for the tow.
Wind the tow onto the thread. For right-handed threads, the fibers are wound clockwise; for left-handed threads, the fibers are wound counterclockwise.
Soak all wound tow with the composition
Connect pipeline elements

You can determine the amount of winding tow by experience. To do this, it is necessary to perform a test inclusion of water. Water seeping through the connection indicates that the tow is not enough. Do not try to wrap too much tow. Excess will create excessive stress, which can lead to thread failure, the connection will become unusable.

Regardless of which pipe sealant was used, wait for it to dry completely. The instructions for use will help you with this. Experienced plumbers are advised to start operating the water supply after two days from the date of assembly. This time is sufficient for any plumbing pipe sealant to dry.

July 25, 2016
Specialization: philological education. Experience as a builder - 20 years. Of these, for the last 15 years he led a brigade as a foreman. I know everything about construction - from design and the zero cycle to interior design. Hobbies: Vocal, psychology, quail breeding.

Greetings, my dear readers!

Many people know that when creating and repairing various engineering communications, it is important to reliably seal all elements. The reliability and efficiency of systems depends on this. Today I will tell you how to choose a sealant for pipes for water supply, sewerage, heating and smoke removal.

Category No. 1: materials for sealing water and sewer pipes

For sewer and water pipes, there are several types of seals.

Sealing tapes

Self-adhesive tapes specially designed for sealing pipe joints are a modern means of sealing. They have such merit.

Self-adhesive films are easy to use and have high efficiency.
Sealing tapes on a durable polyethylene base have good performance characteristics.
They are universal, they can be used to seal different types of pipelines (sewer and water), because they have anti-corrosion and dielectric qualities.
Tapes can be used not only for sealing pipe joints, but also for sealing system elements: tie-ins, plugs, corners, etc.

Prepare its surface for winding sealant: it must be cleaned of dirt, dust and dried.
When applying the tape to the pipe, make sure that it is constantly stretched, in addition - do not allow the formation of wrinkles and folds.
Wind the film, creating an overlap of 50 percent in a spiral. As a result of this, the entire surface to be sealed should be under the two-layer protection of the tape.

Plumbing tape does not resist UV light well. As a result, if the sealed section of the pipeline is exposed to the sun, it should be additionally protected from ultraviolet radiation over the film.

Silicone compounds

Silicone-based plumbing pipe sealant is another common sealant. Rubber silicone compounds are a composite of different substances that provide a high quality seal. They have good adhesion to the surfaces to be sealed and do not require pretreatment with a primer.

I want to warn you that according to the type of hardener, silicone sealants for sewer pipes are divided into the following types:

acid compounds. Their price is relatively low. However, they cannot be used to seal certain surfaces that may come into contact with acids.
neutral counterparts. They are universal and can be applied to all types of materials from which pipes are made.

With the help of silicone sealants, both metal and plastic pipes are sealed, but only sewer pipes.

Following the vulcanization of the silicone gel, after its application, it is converted into a material similar in quality to rubber. This process is directly affected by the moisture content in the air.

At the moment, they are of the highest quality, which is why sealants of the Tytan, Moment and Sinicon brands are popular. They are used not only for sealing joints of metal and plastic pipes, but also for repairing fistulas and cracks.

Let me show you how to use them:

Make sure the surface is dry and clean before sealing.
Next, carefully distribute the silicone gel along the junction of pipes or elements of the system.
The composition should not be smeared additionally. Apply it in 2-3 layers, slightly going beyond the borders of both sides of the joint.
It is highly undesirable to moisten the pipe not only before and during work, but also until the polymerization of silicone is completed.

Squeezing and distributing the sealant is extremely simple - using a special mounting gun. If not, you can use a regular hammer.
Insert its handle into the tube and press this kind of piston.

Epoxy resin

It serves, as well as adhesives based on it, the most used means for water and sewer pipes:

In water supply and wastewater systems, epoxy resin is used for cast iron and ceramic piping, which require a stronger mating than plastic counterparts.
The advantages of this sealant include its long service life and resistance to more than fifty chemically aggressive compounds.
"Epoxy" is not resistant only to sulfuric and nitric acids, hydrogen peroxide, methyl ethyl ketone, acetone and fluorine compounds.

Hemp, jute rope

Another common sealant for water pipes made of metal and sewer analogs made of ceramics and cast iron is a jute or hemp rope, as well as a resin strand (kabolka). They are used to seal network sockets. I want to give you advice - the use of resin-impregnated rope is the preferred option.

Previously, only jute impregnated with resin was used to seal household communications. The principle of its operation is the same as that of self-adhesive tapes, but they are fixed in different ways.

Jute is an ordinary twine, tow. However, if it is impregnated with bitumen or resin, it is converted into a durable and strong sealant for sockets of ceramic and cast iron sewers.

Other funds

Cement is a common element in some sealants. It is most often used for the manufacture of asbestos-cement mixtures and for caulking sewer sockets made of cast iron.
Asphalt mastic and an analogue from petroleum bitumen are used for the production of casting compounds. They are needed to seal the joints and sockets of ceramic networks. For different types of pipelines, the following mastics are used: talc-bitumen, asbestos-polymer-bitumen, rubber-bitumen, polymer-bitumen, etc.

Technical sulfur is used to seal the sockets of cast iron sewer pipes. Before using, it must be crushed, then heated until melted. It should be said that this method is now rarely used, because. sulfur has a very pungent and unpleasant odor.

Category No. 2: seals for the heating system

We all have to install a new heating network, change radiators and threaded joint seals shortly before the heating season. Find out from my article which sealants can now be used for this.

Linen tow

At the moment, there are many seals for radiators and pipes of heating systems that belong to different generations. One of the oldest sealants is linen tow, planted on paint.

However, this material was good many years ago, now it is of little use. I'll explain why:

Flax is natural, i.e. degradable, hence short-lived sealant. Previously, cast-iron radiators were quietly operated for 40 years. However, now the conditions for the service of heating networks have become different. This sealant will have to be changed after 3-4 years.
The current paints have a composition that is different from what the Soviet counterparts had. They are absolutely not suitable as impregnation of flax fibers. Silicone doesn't work for this either. It contains vinegar, which will corrode the threads.

Modern high-rise buildings are not Khrushchevs with 2-5 floors. During pressure testing (testing pipelines for strength and tightness) and operation of the network of such a building, pressure up to 16 atmospheres is turned on. Linen sealant can be used at pressures up to 8 atmospheres.

As a result, the connections on the linen seal burst due to its swelling or cannot withstand the operating pressure in the heating system.

For apartments in a 1-5-storey apartment building, linen sealant can be used. There are only a few connections in the dwellings.
In your own house, cottage, the number of threaded mates on pipes can approach several hundred. It is highly undesirable to use linen sealant in them.

More modern means - polymer threads and anaerobic sealants

The photo shows the sealing of a pipe fitting with a polymer thread.

Linen, planted on paint, is gradually becoming a thing of the past. Now there is a more modern, reliable, safe and durable method of sealing pipes and elements of heating systems. It is based on the use of polymer threads and anaerobic gels.

The anaerobic sealant for heating polymerizes in conjunction when in contact with metal, completely filling the entire thread. The connection will last as long as the pipes, without replacements and leaks. He will not be afraid of high pressure and temperature, shock and vibration loads.
Polymer threads are also an excellent sealant for threaded assemblies of heating systems. They are suitable for sealing metal, PVC and polypropylene pipes, which are undesirable to be mated with gel materials. The operating temperature of the threads is not limited, and dismantling is easy.

In the table below, I present to you the technical characteristics of high-quality anaerobic gels from the Russian company PCT (Region Spetstechno).

Name	purpose	Characteristics
Gel "Santekh-master" (green)	Anaerobic sealant for metal flanges and threaded connections up to 1.5 inches.	Polymerization period: 20/30 min. Application temperature from +15º. Dismantling is easy. Volume: tube - 60 g, blister - 15 g. Fork operating temperatures -60/+150º. Ingredients: dimethacrylate polyglycol and modifiers.
Gel "Santekh-master" (blue)	Anaerobic sealant for metal threaded and flanged joints up to 2"	Polymerization period: 15/20 min. Installation temperature from +15º. Removal requires medium force. Volume: tube - 60 g, blister - 15 g. Ingredients:
Stop Master Gel (red)	Anaerobic sealant for metal flanges and threaded connections up to 3 inches.	The polymerization period is 5 minutes. Installation temperature +5º. For dismantling, heating is required. Volume: tube - 60 g, blister - 15 g. Ingredients: dimethacrylate polyglycol and modifiers. Fork operating temperatures -60/+150º.

Category No. 3: sealants for furnace equipment

Furnace equipment may crack due to temperature differences.

What are oven sealants for?

Through cracks can reach the chimney. Then soot on its walls and increased fuel consumption will not be all problems. Harmful combustion products will begin to penetrate into living rooms.
Chimney problems are not as common when made of quality ceramic or sandwich, but they are dangerous. For optimal traction, its channel must be sealed. This directly affects fire safety. Why?
Soot often settles on the chimney walls. If it is not cleaned in a timely manner, it can catch fire with the access of air oxygen. The ignition temperature will be quite high - up to + 1500º. If the thermal insulation of the heated pipe is poor, then the ceilings or the roof will light up.
Incomplete tightness of the chimney channel also leads to the fact that the fire of the gas burner goes out. This problem is widespread when using gas boilers.

To cover the cracks, as well as join the elements of the channel, it is best to use a pasty chimney sealant. The basis of such materials is different polymers that give different technical characteristics to the sealant.

They are packed in tubes of different configurations and volumes. There are packages that look like tubes of toothpaste. The sealant just squeezes out of them.

Tubes for mounting guns are also produced. In this case, on the cone of the lid, you need to cut off the spout, insert the sealant into the fixture and squeeze out the required amount of paste using the trigger lever.

Varieties of material

According to the release form, high-temperature seals are divided into two- and one-component.

The first of them must be mixed before use. In most cases, they are used by professional builders.
This is due to working conditions: when mixing components, you need to measure them very accurately. The maximum permissible error is only one gram.

In addition, with an accidental hit and a small proportion of the components into each other, the reaction begins, and the viability of the resulting mixture is only a few hours. Based on all this, for non-professional builders, I recommend using ready-to-use paste sealants.

Oven sealants are divided into two groups according to the area of application and maintained temperatures.

Heat-resistant seals are used for areas that are heated up to + 350º. The scope of their use: external surfaces of fireplaces and stoves, masonry joints (however, not between laying and casting the stove). They are also suitable for sealing joints between hot water and heating systems, sandwich chimneys and bricks with roofing.

Heat-resistant and heat-resistant analogues are able to resist extremely high temperatures - up to 1500º. The scope of their use in fireplaces and stoves is the interface between brickwork and furnace casting. In boilers, they are used in furnaces and combustion chambers. In chimney channels - at seams and mates, including those that go immediately after the outlet pipe.

These pastes can be used in direct contact with an open flame. However, then the sealant must have an additional characteristic on the packaging: “fire-resistant” or “fire-resistant”.

Heat resistant seals

This type of high temperature seals are silicone based. The temperature regime that the composition is able to withstand may vary, based on the exact composition of the paste. So, to increase the thermal resistance, silicone is modified with iron oxide.

Such a paste keeps the temperature well up to +250º, with a short increase to +315º. Iron oxide colors the sealant in a brownish-reddish tone.

Therefore, using a similar composition for a brick oven or fireplace, you will not spoil their appearance, it will not be visible. It can also be used to seal the joints of heating pipes. However, aesthetics suffer here.

Based on its composition, the silicone material can also be neutral or acidic. The latest analogues, drying, release vinegar. As a result, such seals must not be used for corrosion-resistant cements, concretes and metals.

In this case, a reaction occurs between the base and the seal, which leads to the appearance of a layer of oxides or salts, they destroy the tightness. Then the seams and joints cease to play their role, starting to let air and moisture through.

Cement, concrete and metal can be sealed with silicone-based neutral seals, as when cured, they release alcohol and water. The main properties of neutral heat-resistant sealants are below.

UV resistant. As a result, they can be used outdoors, for example for sealing roof penetrations.
Moisture resistance. This parameter makes it possible to use such a composition for chimney channels. For example, to seal the seams and cracks in the passages of the roof, at the junctions of its flooring, to seal the threaded joints when installing heating.
Good adhesion to the base of different materials: concrete, brick, glass, metal, plastic, ceramics, wood.
The seal after hardening retains some elasticity, therefore it does not crack with slight vibration and deformation. However, plasticity also has its drawback - paint is not retained on silicone sealant. She peels and cracks.
The drying period of the material can be equal to several hours and several days. This parameter is affected by the composition of the sealant and its storage time. The fresher the sealant, the faster it dries. The drying period is indicated on the packaging.

Manufacturers measure this parameter at a humidity level of 50 percent and a temperature of 23º. Changing their values shortens or lengthens the drying time. The lower the humidity and temperature, the longer the sealant hardens.

The polymerization of the sealant starts from its surface and continues inward, it requires air moisture. Based on this, do not make the seams deeper than necessary, the silicone at the bottom simply may not harden. In this case, the joint or seam will let water or smoke through.

In order for the sealant to have a good adhesion to the base, I strongly advise you to prepare it.

First, clean the surface to the very foundation: remove dirt, dust, salts and oxides.
Then wash it with water and thoroughly degrease.
Silicone-based seals must not be used on damp surfaces. Therefore, before sealing, wait until the base is completely dry.
Silicone seal holds well on a smooth surface. However, to improve the grip, I recommend that you sandblast it, sandpaper it, or some other abrasive. Then wash the base again, wipe with a solvent and dry. Next, you can work with sealant.

All silicone-based oven materials are painted red or brown-reddish.

Heat-resistant analogues

Universal heat-resistant sealant is made on the basis of silicates. The operating temperature regime, which it withstands - up to +1300º, is able to endure short-term exposure to +1500º. This type of furnace sealant can be used in areas where there is direct contact with an open flame. In this case, the packaging of the sealant should be marked: "refractory".

Heat resistant seals are used:

for repair of leaks in heating boilers;
for sealing chimney pipes and sealing cracks in them;
for sealing areas of contact between brickwork and furnace casting;
for sealing fireclay masonry furnaces;
when installing a chimney from sandwiches, it is also highly desirable to coat their modular joints with a similar agent.

The exception is pyrolysis and condensing boilers, at the outlet their smoke temperature is up to +150º. Here you can use heat-resistant seals.

When it is planned to make a chimney channel or another element collapsible, apply sealant only at the joints. By loosening the two sections and crumbling the seal, you can separate them.
If you apply a layer of the agent to the entire surface, then the structure will become monolithic. You can't take it apart without damaging it.

Materials based on silicates have good adhesion to stone, brick, concrete, metal, cement mortar. However, I warn you that they are not firmly held on a smooth plane, as a result of which such surfaces require abrasive processing before applying the sealant.

I also want to note one point - it is possible to apply a sealant only at a range of positive temperatures: +5 / +40º. The best option is a temperature of at least + 20º, in which case the composition dries faster.

Once cured, the heat-resistant composition creates a strong and rigid, i.e. non-elastic seam. Based on this, silicate sealants can be used in areas that are not subject to vibration or are subject to it to a small extent. Otherwise, the material will crack.

However, non-plasticity has its plus - it makes it possible to paint the sealant. The silicone composition is distributed using a mounting gun and a thickness of not more than one centimeter.

I ask you to pay special attention to the fact that some types of heat-resistant sealants, once on the skin, can cause chemical burns. Based on this, when working with your own hands, wear rubber gloves on them and be careful.

Fire-resistant and heat-resistant oven sealants are painted in black or gray. They don't have any other colors..

They are not pure sealants, but a sealing adhesive.
These funds are transparent, they can withstand extreme temperatures up to + 200º.
Such compositions are chemically neutral, i.e. they do not react with salts and acids. The period of their drying is not affected by humidity and temperature. Thanks to this, they can be used outdoors and in the winter season.
Sealing adhesives are waterproof. Therefore, they can be used in rooms with a high level of humidity - in the shower, bath, bath, etc.
The relative disadvantage of such compositions is that they are not high-temperature.

Of these seals, I can recommend Soudal's "Fix All" sealing adhesive. It does not directly relate to heat-resistant counterparts, but it is perfect for repairing leaks, cracks in heating networks, as well as hot water supply, both in the pipes themselves and in fittings.

Popular brands of funds

Almost always, manufacturing companies write on the packaging of heat-resistant sealants their main purpose. For example: "sealer for chimneys, fireplaces and stoves." So, with a choice you will not be mistaken.

Soudal-C. The Belgian company Saudal manufactures a diverse range of sealing materials. Among them are heat-resistant analogues, there are also heat-resistant stove, fireplace seals "Soudal-Calofer". Such compositions are painted in black.

Penosil manufactures Penosil/+1500, a heat resistant oven sealant. It is black in color and can withstand temperatures up to +1500º. It polymerizes within 15 minutes.
The company also has heat-resistant analogues of red color, holding temperatures up to + 300º. They are acidic, so they cannot be used for concrete, cement and metal.
In the middle price segment, you can also find seals that are of good quality. For example, heat-resistant sealants of the Tytan and Bau-Master brands.

Under the Titan brand, the Selena-Group group of companies from Poland produces professional-grade building and finishing materials, including oven sealants. They are standardized and certified by DIN and ISO No. 9001.

Tytan's high temperature seal is modified with fiberglass to give the material a high degree of gas and smoke impermeability. It is able to withstand temperatures up to +1250º. This composition is suitable for chimneys and stoves.

Conclusion

Without pipe sealants, the effective operation of many engineering networks is impossible. Depending on the type of network, different types of seals should be used.

If you watch the video in this article, you will learn more information. Ask your questions in the comments.

So I say goodbye, and success to you in your endeavors!

July 25, 2016

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