To be able to differentiate between sealants and adhesives in simpler words, one could easily say that whereas sealants are used to seal, adhesives are used for bonding. Sealants are primarily used to fill or close (seal) smaller gaps between surfaces to avoid particles like dirt, dust, insects or water from passing through them. They are used in situations where timber or concrete can not be used. On the other hand, adhesives are naturally designed to join two separate surfaces together so that the surfaces can become one.
Sealants have so many properties ranging from strength, solubility, flexibility, the ability to resist corrosion, etc. With these features they can function properly, however, it is advisable to always match the most suitable sealant to the substrate material to ensure that sealants function properly.
Sealants have high and low viscosity, hence they are applied using a caulk gun with a plunger machine. Some of the caulk guns used are a Stamped-steel caulk gun; a Manual caulk gun; a Bulk caulk gun; and an Air-powered caulk gun.
Some of the popular types of sealants are Acrylic resins; Butyl rubber; Epoxy thermosets; Expanding foam; Hot wax; Latex sealants; Metal sealants; Paint sealants; Polysulfide sealants; Polyurethane sealants; Rubber sealants; Silicone sealants; Varnish; Urethane sealants.
Adhesives are glueing chemicals used in bonding materials together. After the bond, they serve as water-resistant to the bond, preserve the bonded materials from loosening subsequently as a result of strenuous weights, and reduce the chances of the bonds disintegrating due to oxidation and corrosion.
In construction, Adhesives can be used in several situations such as; Carpet laying; Ceramic tiles; Countertop lamination; Drywall lamination; Flooring underlay; Glulam; Heating, ventilation, air conditioning connections; Timber jointing; Manufactured housing; Prefabricated panels; Resilient Flooring; Roofing; Wallcoverings. Some of the major types of adhesive used in the construction industry are PVA (polyvinyl acetate); Phenol formaldehyde; Resorcinol formaldehyde; Urea-formaldehyde; Casein; Acrylic cement; Epoxy resin; Synthetic resin.