[Guide] 5 Types of Sealants You Should Buy Yourself for Home Renovation

Selecting the right adhesive is crucial for ensuring quality and durability in home renovations and daily repairs. The market offers various types of adhesives—such as glazing sealant (often called "glass glue"), structural sealant, expanding foam, weather-resistant sealant, and nail-free adhesive—each with distinct properties and uses. While they can be collectively referred to as "sealants," their specific names vary based on their functions and chemical compositions.

Glazing sealants primarily fall into two categories: silicone sealants and polyurethane sealants.

Silicone sealants are the most common type of glazing sealant and are further divided into acidic and neutral varieties. Acidic sealants are suitable for general bonding between glass and other building materials. Neutral sealants, however, overcome the issues associated with acidic sealants—namely, the tendency to corrode metals and react with alkaline materials—making them more versatile. They are widely used for weather-resistant sealing in curtain walls, particularly for glass curtain walls, aluminum-plastic composite panels, and dry-hung stone facades; their only downside is a slightly slower curing time. Neutral sealants are further categorized into specialized types such as stone sealants, anti-mold sealants, fire-resistant sealants, and pipe sealants. Acidic glazing sealants release pungent gases during curing that can irritate the eyes and respiratory tract; while they cure quickly, they are somewhat corrosive. Therefore, it is essential to keep doors and windows open after application and wait until the sealant has fully cured and the fumes have dissipated before occupying the space. Polyurethane sealants are primarily used for waterproofing and sealing in construction; they are generally more expensive than silicone sealants and are mainly used for sealing insulating glass units.

For most home renovation needs, neutral silicone sealant is sufficient.

Glazing sealant (often referred to simply as "glass glue"): This is actually a general term for a product primarily composed of sodium silicate, acetic acid, and organic silicone. It encompasses two main categories: silicone sealants and polyurethane (PU) sealants. These sealants are suitable for weather-resistant sealing in various curtain wall systems—specifically for glass curtain walls, aluminum-plastic composite panels, and dry-hung stone facades—as well as for sealing joints between materials such as metal, glass, aluminum, ceramic tile, acrylic (Plexiglass), and coated glass. Silicone sealant offers exceptional weather resistance—including resistance to ozone and UV radiation—ensuring a long service life. Depending on specific requirements, it can also provide features such as high-temperature resistance, corrosion resistance, and mold resistance (specifically, Grade 0 mold resistance).

Structural adhesive: A high-strength adhesive capable of bearing significant loads. It is resistant to aging, fatigue, and corrosion, maintaining stable performance throughout its expected lifespan. It is suitable for bonding similar or dissimilar materials, such as metal, ceramic, plastic, rubber, wood, and insulating glass. Structural adhesives are ideal for bonding structural components subject to high stress and can partially replace welding or riveting.

Expanding foam (PU foam): An adhesive that expands upon application and cures via moisture. It is used to fill gaps and channels, serving as both a sealant and an adhesive. As expanding foam may contain harmful substances like formaldehyde and is prone to tearing or separating under sustained stress, it is advisable to purchase eco-friendly products from reputable brands.

Weather-resistant sealant: A silicone sealant specifically designed for weatherproofing curtain walls, offering excellent weather resistance. It is suitable for sealing joints in glass, aluminum panel, and enamel curtain walls, as well as concrete structures. Primarily used for sealing gaps in harsh outdoor environments, it is currently most commonly used to seal the gap between window profiles and the wall.

Nail-free adhesive: A versatile, high-strength adhesive that can replace nails for fastening. It is compatible with various substrates—such as wood, drywall, metal, and glass—without damaging the surface. It dries quickly and forms a very strong bond that does not easily come loose.

In summar, the choice of adhesive depends on the specific application scenario and requirements. For instance, choose structural adhesive for bonding structural components subject to high stress; opt for silicone sealant (or anti-mold sealant) to fill small gaps for aesthetic purposes; consider "nail-free" adhesive for quick-fix applications; for large gaps, use expanding foam first, then cover it with another adhesive or material; and select weather-resistant sealant for outdoor sealing needs. Proper selection and application ensure quality and durability.

Furthermore, since the adhesives supplied by vendors or installers are often cheap and perform poorly—including in terms of eco-friendliness—homeowners are advised to purchase reliable adhesives themselves. It is recommended to buy from official websites or flagship stores to avoid counterfeits.

There are also "aesthetic sealants" (often marketed as "beauty glue") on the market; these are essentially upgraded versions of standard silicone sealant available in a wider range of colors. They are primarily used for finishing edges—such as the joints where skirting boards, door frames, or cabinets meet the wall.

Additionally, pay attention to the ingredients list on the back: if the product contains "white oil," it will shrink as it dries and cures, potentially causing the surrounding latex paint to crack.

In short, for interior home renovation sealing needs, simply choosing an anti-mold silicone sealant is sufficient.