Coatings are overlayings applied to the surface of items called substrates for the purpose of decoration, function, or both. The coatings sometimes may only cover some parts of the substrates, or completely covering every part. Lacquers and Paints are good examples of coatings that serve a dual purpose of protecting the substrates, as well as decorating it.
Coatings that are basically functional may be applied to change the surface properties of the substrate, such as resistance, wettability, adhesion,corrosion, or wear resistance. An effective coating process requires that coatings are applied at a controlled thickness, with a number of different tools to achieve this control, which range from a hand brush to a roller for painting a wall, and to some very expensive machinery applying coatings in the electronics industry (e.g. spraying machine). Coatings can be in solid, liquid, or gaseous forms for application.
Sealants on the other hand, are types of mechanical sealing substances used in blocking the passage of fluids through the surface of a material. Sealants may sometimes be synonymous to caulking in building construction, which serve the purposes of blocking dust, sound and heat transmission. Sealants may be strong or weak, rigid or flexible, permanent or temporary. Sealants are mostly not adhesives but some have adhesive qualities and they are therefore called “structural sealants” or “adhesive-sealants”. Despite been fragile, sealants possess numerous properties, as in, sealing the top structures of the substrate, and keeping moisture away from penetrating into the components in which they are used.
They can also provide thermal and acoustical insulation, and may serve as fire barriers. Caulking sealants usually have three basic functions: they can fill gaps between two or more substrates; they can form barriers through the physical properties of the sealants themselves by adhesion to the substrate; and they maintain sealing properties for the expected lifetime service conditions, and environments. In construction, sealants are used to seal expansion joints, cracks, joints in concrete roads and to fill gaps between concrete. As early noted, the sealants perform the outlined functions by way of correct formulation to achieve specific application and performance properties.
In lieu of the explanations above, we shall therefore consider some of the items under coatings and sealants category.
Alpha Systems Self-Leveling Sealant is the ideal sealants for flat surfaces, and it's good for EPDM Rubber Roof in sealing off cracks and leaks from vents and pipes. This sealant provides flexibility that resists vibrations, shocks, and and stress.
Heng's Butyl (Putty) Tape is a non-hardening, elastic, and an easily trimmable tape that provides great sealant for metal, wood, rubber roof, glass, plastic, and cement. Butyl tape is very easy to work with, and can equally be used for moldings around windows, doors, and vents.
Alpha Systems 8010 is an advanced technology that contains water based adhesive designed to create a strong bond adhesion to single ply roofing membranes. This adhesive is a major factor in applying RV roofs and commercial roofs, and it is ideally used when quick dry time application is needed. With or without weather changes, Alpha Systems 8010 retains it's unique quality, it doesn't depreciate.
ExternaBond Roof Seal is a great solution for any form of roof repairs. This item seals any rip, tear, or open seam in surfaces with the Roof Patch. It can be used on any types of roof to include TPO, Hypalon, PVC, all metals, copper and Kynar coated metals, tile, wood, concrete, and so on.
Alpha Systems 1021 is a sealant that is ideal for applying EPDM RV rubber roof or Alpha Systems Superflex RV Roof. This sealant can equally seal off cracks and fix leaks around pipes and vent, and it brings forth a best outcome if used on a flat surface. Due to it's flexibility, it can resist shocks, vibrations, and stress, as well as weather conditions like snow, cold, rain, heat, ice, and sunlight. This sealant is therefore recommended for vertical surfaces.
Duraself RV TPO/EPDM Water-Based Adhesive for Rubber Roofing is an Elastomer coating that provides flexibility, UV resistance, adhesion, and superior weather. This coating has an excellent protective elastomeric barrier for extending the life of your rubber roof membrane. Much more, Duraself Rubber Roof Coating System is a fire retardant.