Table 1. Characteristics of caulks and sealants used in pest exclusion.
| Material* |
Max. Joint Movement |
Surface Compatibility** |
(Years) Life*** Expectancy |
Service Temp |
Application Temp. |
Paintable |
| CAULKS | ||||||
| Oil Based | 2% | non-porous |
1-2 ext, 10 int |
-20 to 180F (-30 to 82C) |
>40 F (4 C) |
yes |
| Butyl | 7.5% |
most, esp. masonry, concrete |
7-10 |
-20 to 200F (-30 to 93C) |
>40 F (4 C) |
yes slow cure |
| Latex | 2% | most | 3-5 int |
-20 to 150F (-30 to 65C) |
>40 F (4 C) |
yes fast cure |
|
Acrylic Latex |
2% | most |
1-2 ext 3-10 int |
-20 to 180F (-30 to 82C) |
>40 F (4 C) |
yes |
|
Urethane Foam |
0% | most | 10-20, if protected |
-20 to 250F (-30 to 120C) |
>70 F (21 C) |
yes |
| SEALANTS | ||||||
|
Siliconized Acrylic Latex |
25% |
most, except plastics |
20-30 |
-20 to 180F (-30 to 82C) |
>32 F (0 C) |
yes |
|
Ethylene Copolymer (GeocelTM) |
25% |
most, except plastics |
10-20 |
-20 to 200F (-30 to 93C) |
>0 F (-18 C) |
yes |
| Polysulfide | 25% | varies | 10-20 |
-40 to 250F (-40 to 120C) |
>60 F (15 C) |
unknown |
| Urethane | 25% | most, except glass | 20-30 |
-40 to 250F (-40 to 120C) |
>40 F (4 C) |
unknown |
| Silicone | 12-50% | varies | 20-30 |
-65 to 350F (-54 to 175C) |
>0 F (-18 C) |
no |
* Except ethylene copolymer, materials listed in this column are manufactured and sold by several companies.
** How well the material adheres to different substrates. "Varies" indicates much variability in surface compatibilities among the products within a certain class of material. Manufacturers should be consulted for specific information on the suitability of their products for different uses.
*** ext=exterior use, int=interior use --- materials with shorter exterior than interior life are subject to accelerated breakdown by UV light, oxidation and weathering