Sealants are often viewed as a staple of construction and automotive industries, providing essential bonding, sealing and protection. However, their applications extend far beyond these traditional sectors.
From marine and aerospace to food manufacturing and even creative arts, sealants play an indispensable role across various industries. Here, we will uncover some of the surprising and lesser-known uses of sealants, demonstrating their incredible versatility and innovative applications.
Traditional applications
Sealants are most commonly used in the construction and automotive industries, where their ability to bond, seal and protect is critical. In the construction sector, glass and glazing applications are a major area of use. This includes traditional putty glazing for bedding windows, perimeter sealing of windows (the most common application of sealants), and weather sealing joints in glass facades to prevent air and water infiltration.
In general construction, sealants are used around kitchens and bathrooms to prevent moisture damage and enhance hygiene. They are also applied to skirting boards and flooring joints, providing a neat finish and preventing gaps that could compromise structural integrity.
Additionally, expansion joints in buildings are now standard practice; new build houses are designed with gaps sealed by sealants to allow compression when bricks expand due to heat and moisture.
Sealants are also essential in specialised environments like prisons and healthcare facilities. Anti-ligature products are a major focus, designed to be tamper-proof and reduce the risk of harm to oneself or others. Healthcare facilities similarly rely on sealants to ensure safety, hygiene and structural soundness.
Marine and aerospace
The marine and aerospace industries are two of the most demanding sectors when it comes to sealant performance. In marine environments, vessels are constantly exposed to water, salt and varying temperatures.
High-performance sealants are essential for maintaining watertight integrity, preventing corrosion and ensuring structural stability. They are used in applications ranging from sealing hulls and decks to protecting critical components like windows and doors from moisture ingress.
In the aerospace industry, the requirements are even more stringent. Aircraft are subjected to extreme conditions, including rapid changes in pressure, temperature and mechanical stress. Sealants are essential for maintaining an air-tight shell, reducing vibration, and enhancing structural integrity. They are applied to fuel tanks, fuselage joints, windows, and even critical areas within the cabin to ensure both safety and efficiency.
Moreover, sealants used in these industries must be highly durable, flexible, and resistant to chemicals and environmental degradation. Without reliable sealing solutions, the safety and operational efficiency of marine and aerospace structures would be severely compromised, making them indispensable in these high-performance sectors.
Food and beverage industry
Sealants play an important role in the food and beverage industry, particularly in the construction of food manufacturing and storage plants.
During a visit to a leading potato chip facility in Lincolnshire, the Hodgson Sealants team saw first-hand how crucial sealants are in keeping food-safe rooms securely sealed. Sealants help prevent contamination and maintain cleanliness in areas where hygiene is critical.
Sealants in automotive applications are essential for ensuring structural integrity, weatherproofing, and safety. However, they are also used specifically in food delivery vans which rely hugely on sealants to provide reliable hygiene solutions. They provide a durable bond that can withstand challenging conditions, including temperature changes and moisture exposure. Sealed units stop harmful bacteria entering food so that it can arrive safely and hygienically with customers.
Energy and renewable sectors
The energy sector, particularly renewable energy, also relies on sealants for a variety of applications. Wind turbines, for example, require reliable sealants during the manufacturing process.
Sealants are also vital in the construction and maintenance of solar panels, where effective sealing ensures efficiency, longevity and weather resistance.
Unexpected consumer uses
While sealants are most commonly associated with industrial and commercial applications, their use in consumer projects is surprisingly widespread. DIY enthusiasts often use reusable tack and sealants for home improvement projects and fixing minor household repairs.
The fashion industry also employs sealants for tasks such as waterproofing clothing and weatherproofing industry-specific gear.
Additionally, artistic creators have found unique uses for sealants, such as making stained glass art using our leaded light cement. One conservation website highlights how adhesives, silicone and putty can be used on stained-glass restoration.
Whether you’re in construction, automotive, food manufacturing, or another industry, the versatility of sealants can enhance your processes and improve results. Contact Hodgson Sealants today for expert guidance on choosing the right sealant for your needs.
