Silicone solutions for sealing and bonding building facades

Increasingly, facades are added to the structural elements of buildings to improve their appearance, but also to provide functional advantages. For example, in new buildings, which are most often built in concrete, facades made of different materials, such as stone, marble, wood or polymers are needed to give them a more aesthetic appearance. In addition, these facades protect the underlying structures and add functional advantages, such as better thermal installation and soundproofing. This principle also applies to renovation, where bonded and sealed facades serve both aesthetic and functional purposes. For example, from a functional standpoint, added facades can improve thermal insulation and reinforce the underlying structure. Aesthetically, some architects are using very innovative techniques, such as the use of glass facades, which allow us to see the restored stone or brick structures, but protect these from further deterioration from climatic conditions and pollution.

To achieve these results, professionals in the construction sector require high-performance and cost-effective bonding and sealing materials and solutions to satisfy the demands of both commercial property developers and homeowners. Silicone sealant and bonding products are the material of choice because of their combined fastening power and flexibility to adjust to fluctuations between the façade or cladding (sometimes referred to as curtain walls) and the underlying structure caused by changes in environmental conditions, including resistance to natural disasters, such as earthquakes or severe storms. 

What are the main advantages of Elkem silicone-based materials for sealing and bonding building facades? 

Elkem Silicone façade sealants are formulated with different functional group structures in the organic silicon polymer main chain to provide strong adhesion, flexibility, and reliable long-term performance to deliver their initial specifications for many years. Our façade and cladding sealants work with the full range of structural and decorative building materials used in contemporary architecture or to modernize older buildings, such as steel, PVCs, glass, concrete, etc. 

These high-performance factors are particularly important as buildings around the world are exposed to an increasing number of climatic and environmental challenges, both natural and mand-made. Elkem Silicone sealants are constantly being adapted to meet these challenges and slow the ageing process of underlying structures by reinforcing the interface between building components.

From a processing and installation point of view, building facade silicone sealants offer the following advantages: 

  • Efficient extrudability for production efficiency
  • Sturdy mechanical properties for provide strong adhesion on all surfaces, including concrete, stone, bricks 
  • Long-term resistance to degradation 
  • Four packaging options for different construction practices, including drums, big bags, cartridges and tubes
  • Non-toxic substances to ensure safety for builders and installers.

For property owners, residents and end-users, facade silicone sealants feature:

  • Long-lasting sealant protection, elasticity and low shrinkage
  • Resistance in a wide range of temperature conditions to ensure weatherproofing 
  • Insulating power and, where required, flame-proof sealants to isolate different spaces from smoke and toxic fumes
  • A wide range of color additives for better aesthetic effects

Our product offering

Elkem Silicones provides three types of technologies for use as façade and cladding sealants: Acetoxy, Alkoxy and Oxime (the latter is available exclusively in Asia). Our experts and sales force can determine which of these is best suited to facade sealants.

Acetoxy technology

This original family of silicone sealants remains the most widely used in multiple construction applications, including façade sealants. This technology, because it creates acetoxy acid in the curing process, can only be used in applications where there is no risk of corrosion in the surrounding environment.

Alkoxy technology

This technology is based on an alcohol curing mechanism and is therefore (like Oxime technology) completely neutral and odorless. It is used in the same range of construction applications as acetoxy technology, but also in areas where corrosion is to be avoided, such as near electrical installations, in contact with sensitive metals (such as copper and its alloys) or in structures that may be exposed to hazardous chemical or environmental pressures.

Oxime technology (available only in Asia)

This technology, based on a ketoxime curing mechanism is used to produce highly efficient sealants that, like alkoxy technologies, are completely neutral and can be used in applications where there is a risk of corrosion. It can be used in the full range of construction applications.

Why choose Elkem Silicones as your partner for silicone window & door sealing applications?

Elkem was the first silicone manufacturer to introduce a sealant cartridge in 1957 and since then, the company’s R&D, working closely with builders, has continued to develop new silicone-based applications for construction generally and facades in particular. Our products are versatile, customizable, safe and easy to process, provide innovative and robust performance features and guaranteeing safety for manufacturers, building professionals and end-users.

Elkem Silicones can help meet your material specifications for façades and cladding through our custom silicone rubber compounding solutions provided by our Mix & Fix™ Centers.

We are also available to work collaboratively upstream on R&D to develop customized products that meet evolving market needs and regulatory changes.