Preparing your home for the changing seasons takes you down the sealant section of your local home improvement store, where you’re faced with countless options.
Your mission is to pick a strong sealant against any weather challenge. The spotlight falls on Lexel Sealant and Silicone, two rivals competing to become your trusted sealant.
This decision goes beyond just stopping leaks; it’s about picking a dependable sealant to protect your home through any weather.
What is Lexel Sealant?
Think of Lexel Sealant as the superhero of sealants. It’s not just any sealant; it’s a co-polymer rubber-based formula designed to flex, stretch, and stick like no other.
Lexel claims it can adhere to almost anything: wet, dry, oily, or porous surfaces are no match for its might. Its clear color and paintable nature make it a chameleon, blending in wherever it’s applied.
Whether you’re dealing with a leaky window or a gap in your shower, Lexel Sealant steps up to the plate, promising to hold its ground in rain, shine, or freezing temperatures.
What is Silicone?
Silicone, on the other hand, is like the reliable old friend you’ve known for years. It’s a tried-and-true sealant used in various applications, from automotive to household projects.
Silicone is renowned for its durability, flexibility, and water-resistant properties, making it ideal for moist areas like bathrooms and kitchens.
It’s also heat resistant, which means it can withstand high temperatures without degrading. Silicone sealants are available in various colors but are limited, especially regarding paintability and adhesion on certain surfaces.
How Are They Different?
Flexibility and Strength
• Lexel Sealant: Think of Lexel as the gymnast of sealants. It’s incredibly flexible, stretching up to 400% of its original size without cracking. So, if your house moves and grooves with the seasons, Lexel is your go-to.
• Silicone: Silicone is like a reliable friend that is strong against mold and water, making it perfect for use in wet areas such as bathrooms and kitchens. However, it may not be as flexible as other materials.
Paintability
• Lexel Sealant: Ever try to paint over something that refuses to cooperate? That’s not Lexel. It’s like a primed canvas, ready to blend into your decor because you can paint over it.
• Silicone: Silicone is the non-conformist of the group. It refuses to hold paint, insisting on staying true to its original form. If matching your sealant to your wall color is necessary, Silicone might not be your first choice.
Application Surfaces
• Lexel Sealant: Lexel doesn’t play favorites. It sticks to almost anything: wet, dry, smooth, or rough. It’s the social butterfly of sealants, making friends with various materials.
• Silicone: Silicone is a bit pickier, preferring non-porous friends like glass, metal, and tile. It’s like that person who has a specific type of coffee shop they’ll go to—no deviations accepted.
How Are They Similar?
Water Resistance
Both Lexel and Silicone are like the raincoats of the sealant world. They laugh in the face of water, providing excellent waterproofing capabilities. Whether you’re sealing a shower or a window, both have you covered—literally.
Durability
They’re the tortoises in the race for longevity. Lexel and Silicone boast impressive lifespans, resisting weather, aging, and sunlight like champs. Choosing either means you’re setting yourself up for years of worry-free sealing.
Chemical Makeup
Here’s where things get a bit sciencey, but stick with me. Both sealants are made from polymers, which is a fancy way of saying they’re plastic, but not the kind you’re considering. These are special, designed to seal and protect, making them cousins in the big family of sealants.
Application Process
Grab your caulking gun because both Lexel and Silicone come in tubes that require a bit of muscle to apply. It’s like icing a cake, but you get a waterproof, airtight seal instead of a delicious dessert. Both might test your patience, but the payoff is worth it.
What’s better about Lexel Sealant?
Lexel Sealant shines in its versatility and durability. Its ability to adhere to various materials, including those tricky oily or wet surfaces, sets it apart from the crowd. This means fewer limitations on where you can use it, ensuring a lasting seal.
Lexel’s elasticity is another standout feature; it can stretch up to 400% of its original size without cracking or tearing, ensuring it keeps up with the movement and settling of different materials.
Its UV resistance ensures it won’t yellow or deteriorate over time, making it a reliable option for indoor and outdoor projects.
Lastly, being paintable, Lexel allows for seamless integration into any décor, offering functionality and aesthetics.
What’s better about Silicone?
Silicone excels in environments that demand water resistance and thermal stability. Its unparalleled ability to repel water makes it the go-to choice for wet areas like showers, bathtubs, and exterior windows. This makes it indispensable in preventing mold and mildew growth in moisture-prone areas.
Silicone’s resilience to extreme hot and cold temperatures ensures its integrity, making it ideal for use in kitchens, near engines, or outdoor settings exposed to the elements.
Its longevity and ease of use make it a reliable choice for those who want a dependable seal without frequent reapplications.
Who should get Lexel Sealant (and why)?
If you’re the type of person who values a jack-of-all-trades sealant that can tackle a wide range of projects, Lexel Sealant is your best bet.
Ideal for DIY enthusiasts or professionals dealing with diverse materials and conditions, Lexel offers the flexibility, adhesion, and durability needed for both intricate and heavy-duty tasks.
Whether you’re sealing a drafty window or waterproofing a bathroom, Lexel’s paintable and versatile nature ensures a clean, professional finish that lasts. It’s perfect for those who demand a sealant that adapts as much as they do.
Who should get Silicone (and why)?
Silicone is tailor-made for individuals who need a reliable, moisture-resistant sealant for areas exposed to water or extreme temperatures.
It’s the ideal choice for homeowners focusing on bathroom and kitchen renovations or maintenance and those in climates with significant temperature fluctuations.
Silicone’s proven track record in providing a durable, flexible seal makes it a wise investment for projects where water resistance and temperature resilience are non-negotiable.
Silicone is your go-to solution if your project list includes creating waterproof barriers or sealing areas subjected to high heat.