Silicone Sealants FAQ

An RTV (Room Temperature Vulcanization)  silicone sealant is a sealant that begins to cure immediately upon being exposed to air (specifically the moisture present in the air), as opposed to water-based sealants such latex.

“Extended” silicone sealants are mixed (or cut) with various types of oils & solvents, to varying degrees (sometimes up to 35%!). “Cutting” silicone with these materials is often done to increase the number of individual resale units a manufacturer can produce from a single raw material unit which can reduce the cost/unit, resulting in decreased performance.

100% Silicone sealants such as our TruSil100 Silicone Sealant are, as the name suggests, comprised of 100% silicone and are not “cut” with any oils or solvents. The result is increased performance over “extended” formulations in the form of greater adhesion, less shrinkage, higher temperature performance, and lower temperature application.

Silicone sealants are very versatile and are great solutions for a wide range of applications. Various types of silicones or those with certain certifications or performance characteristics are more suited to certain applications than others.

• NSF Certified Silicone Sealants, like TruSil 100, are the ideal caulk to use in the manufacture, installation, maintenance, and repair of food service equipment, or applications where food contact may occur.

1. Residential, Commercial, and Industrial sinks, counters, walls, and backsplashes.
2. Foodservice appliance manufacture and repair
3. Residential, Commercial, and Industrial refrigeration units such as meat lockers, walk-in-coolers, automatic ice machines
4. Other applications where contact food may occur such as food display cases, transportation devices, etc

• High Temperature Silicones such as our Hi-Temp Silicone are specially formulated for high temperature performance.

1. Sealing and encapsulating heating elements
2. Industrial seals
3. High temperature ductwork

• High Temperature Silicones with an NSF Certification are used in foodservice applications (or applications where contact with food may occur) and high temperature performance is required. Our Hi-Temp Silicone is formulated for performance up to 600°F and is NSF certified.

1. Sealing stove and furnace vent pipes
2. Oven and wood stove window seals
3. Industrial ovens
4. High temperature ductwork that may come into contact with food such as range, vent, and exhaust hoods.

• Mildew Resistant silicone sealants are specially formulated to inhibit the growth and spread of mildew – a type of mold characterized by a dark color & offensive musty odor. Mildew can pose a host of health concerns, and so inhibiting its growth is important.
  • Tub, tile, sinks, and counters
  • Shower stalls
  • Floor drains
  • NSF Certified sealants with Mildew Resistant properties can be used in applications where food contact may occur and where mildew resistance is required.
  • General silicone sealant applications:

1. HVAC/R applications such as penetrations through the exterior of a construct
2. Electrical applications such as service entrances
3. Roofing applications
4. Plumbing applications
5. RV, trailer, and specialty vehicle manufacture and repair

Our TruSil 100 Silicone sealant is NSF Certified, and comes in mildew resistant options making it a very versatile product. Our Hi-Temp Silicone is also NSF Certified, and is approved for exposure to temperatures  up to 600°F. You can view our listing on the NSF website here.

Although silicone sealants are very versatile in their applications, there are a number of applications they are not recommended for, including:

• Joints where physical abuse or abrasion is expected to be encountered
• Prolonged water immersion
• Building materials that might bleed oils, plasticizers, or solvents – materials such as impregnated wood, green or partially vulcanized rubber, etc
• Totally confined spaces, as silicone requires atmospheric moisture in order to fully & properly cure.
• Use in the manufacture of insulated glass units unless specified.

If you have any questions regarding your specific application, and whether or not silicone would be an effective solution – contact Everkem Diversified Products. We would be happy to assess your need and help you select the product(s) that are the best fit for your application.

Silicone sealants are not paintable. For a paintable solution we recommend our latex based caulks (EcoTex 25, SilTex 40, or AcuraSeal), or our EvoSeal MS high performance sealant.

TruSil 100 is available in Clear, White, Black, and Aluminum. Mildew resistant formulations are available in Clear, White, and Translucent White.

TruSil 100 can be applied in a temperature range of -25°F to 120°F. However, for best application results the caulk itself should be at room temperature. Regardless of temperature, it is important to ensure the surface be clean, dry, free of frost (for cold weather applications) for proper adherence to occur.

Yes. Caulks differ in their formulations, and their intended use. Properties like adhesion, flexibility, elasticity, and durability vary substantially from product to product so it is important to select the right product for each job.

If you need to know the best caulk to use for your application, contact Everkem Diversified Products. We will be happy to help you select the best product(s) for your application.