Chemlink Sealant has a large variety of options, and it may be overwhelming to choose the right one.
Let’s discuss all the distinctive characteristics a Chemlink Sealant can have so we can better understand which is most efficient for our application.
Firstly, let’s look at the Types, Grades, and Classes associated with Chemlink products.
All these descriptors will be visible on the packaging for each sealant as well as on the Data Spec Sheets for each.
Chemlink Sealant "Types"
There are 2 "Types" of Chemlink caulk.
- Type S – this is a single component that is typically air or moisture cured. There is no mixing required and it has a long cure time. It is usually more expensive as well.
- Type M – this is a multiple component product; it has a faster cure time and is more consistent than Type S products. However, it is more labor intensive.
Chemlink Sealant "Grades"
There are also two different "Grades" to consider when choosing the right caulk for you.
- Grade P – P stands for “pourable”, which means it is a self-leveling sealant. Gravity will affect this product and level it out after it is applied. For this reason, Grade P sealants are used for horizontal applications.
- Grade NS – NS stands for non-sag, which means the product will not level out after application and can be used on vertical or sloping joints or surfaces.
Chemlink Sealant "Classes"
Classes are specifications of how capable of handling “movement” a sealant is. Another way to describe this is the product’s elasticity. For example, Class 25 means that the sealant is capable of handling movement, either by contraction or expansion, of 25% of the original joint width.
There are five different classes in Chemlink products that you may run across. 12-1/2, 25, 35, 50, 100/50
12-1/2 is used for nonmoving-type joints whereas 50 is used for joints designed for a large amount of movement such as façade systems.
Other Chemlink Sealant Descriptors
There are a few other tags of note to look for when choosing a sealant as well.
Exposure Descriptors: T, NT, and I stand for “Traffic”, “Non-Traffic”, and “Submersible", respectively.
Sealants with a traffic rating mean they can be used in high traffic (vehicular or pedestrian) areas. Non-traffic sealants are used in places not exposed to traffic. Submersible sealants should be used in places that may be exposed to water immersion.
Material Descriptions: M, G, A, and O stand for if this product can be used with mortar, glass, aluminum, or other materials, respectively.
Understandably, this might be overwhelming.
Top Chemlink Sealant Products
Now, let’s look at a few practical examples with our Top Chemlink Sealants
Chemlink M-1
First up is our top-selling M-1 Universal Sealant. M-1 is a multi-purpose structural adhesive/sealant designed for use in difficult construction site conditions. It will bond and seal a wide range of materials including roofing materials.
Specs:
- Type S (Single Component)
- Grade NS (Non-Sag)
- Class 35 (allows for 35% movement from original joint width)
- Uses: T, NT, M, G, A, O
Specs Explained:
M-1 is a single compound that requires a longer cure time, but it can be used vertically and allows for moderate movement in the joint it is being used on. It can be applied in traffic and non-traffic areas and can be used in contact with mortar, glass, and aluminum.
M-1 Applications include masonry, foam, roofing, skylights, most metals, wood, glass, and HVAC surfaces. It comes in multiple color options as well.
Chemlink Duralink 50
This sealant is extremely elastic and bonds to Kynar 500 PVDF coated metal and will not shrink.
Specs:
- Type S (Single Component)
- Grade NS (Non-Sag)
- Class 50 (allows for 50% movement from original joint width)
- Uses NT, T, M, G, A, O
Specs Explained:
Duralink 50 is a single compound that requires a longer cure time but can be used vertically and allows for quite a lot of movement in the joint. It can be applied in traffic and non-traffic areas and can be used in contact with mortar, glass, and aluminum.
Duralink 50 Applications include window and door frames, weather sealing, pre-cast concrete, block and masonry, cove joints, curtain walls, parapets, and expansion joints. It comes in multiple color options.
Chemlink Novalink SL
Novalink SL is a self-leveling sealant designed for concrete construction.
Specs:
- Type S (Single Component)
- Grade P (Pourable)
- Class 25 (allows for 50% movement from original joint width)
- Uses T, M, O
Specs Explained:
Novalink SL is a single compound that requires a longer cure time and must be used only on horizontal application, as it will level out after application. It does not allow for a lot of movement in joints and can be used in Traffic areas and in contact with Mortar.
Novalink SL is used in block and masonry repair, patios, walkways, driveways, concrete decks, parking structures, fountains, and swimming pools. We offer this sealant in two colors.
Conclusion
There are many different options of sealants, and each job might require a different sealant for the best results. Hopefully, this has given you a better understanding of Chemlink sealants and how to determine the correct one for your job.
It also does not hurt to have the right tools when performing sealant applications. Our #60019 No Drip Caulk Gun is a great applicator!
If you are still having trouble deciding or would like to speak with someone, please feel free to reach out today!