tiivistemassat

Tiivistemassat, Finnish for sealants, are sealing products used to fill joints and gaps to prevent air and water infiltration and to accommodate movement between substrates. They’re widely used in construction and industry, including installations of windows and doors, façades, bathrooms and kitchens, as well as in automotive and industrial applications.

They come in several chemistries: silicone, polyurethane, acrylic, polysulfide, epoxy and MS polymer hybrids. Silicone sealants are highly elastic and weather resistant, commonly used on windows, façades and bathrooms; polyurethane sealants offer strong adhesion and durability for exterior joints; acrylic latex sealants are often used indoors and are paintable; polysulfide and epoxy sealants provide chemical resistance or rigid bonding where needed; MS polymers combine properties of silicones and polyurethanes and are used widely.

Curing and handling: most sealants cure by exposure to moisture in the air; curing times vary with product and ambient conditions. Substrate preparation and priming may be required for optimal adhesion. Sealants are available in cartridges and sausages, in various colors, and movement capabilities that specify how much joint width they can accommodate.

Applications: tiivistemassat seal joints in windows and doors, architectural façades, kitchens and bathrooms, expansion joints in floors and roofs, and in automotive or industrial assemblies.

Standards and safety: sealants marketed in Europe typically conform to standards such as the EN 15651 family for construction sealants, with product-specific classifications. Safety data sheets cover toxicity, skin irritation, VOC content and handling instructions. Proper ventilation during application and use of PPE are recommended.

Storage and disposal: store sealed in original containers in a cool, dry place; unused product should be disposed of according to local regulations.