With so many products to choose from, making sure you select the proper sealant is especially important. Selecting the wrong industrial sealant, or applying the correct sealant in the wrong manner, can have serious consequences. Keep the eventual application of your sealant in mind, and also make sure it has the following characteristics.
Once fully cured, high-quality sealants perform across a wide range of temperatures. The best sealants can withstand temperatures ranging -85° to 599°F (-65° to 315°C). Select a sealant that functions reliably at temperatures outside the performance range to accommodate unexpected temperature changes.
UV rays, radiation and weather can cause low-quality sealants to crack, crumble and become brittle, compromising the seal over time. Look for sealants with good resistance to these and other erosive factors. Also, some organic sealants react to atmospheric pollutants or chemicals much like iron reacts with water to produce rust. Use a sealant that does not readily degrade after prolonged contact with common elements and industrial chemicals.