What’s the difference between Elastomeric Caulk and Silicone?
Elastomeric caulk has superior flexibility and can bridge wider gaps, while silicone caulk has higher waterproofing ability and performance in extreme temperatures. Elastomeric caulk is easier to tool and paint over. Silicone provides higher heat resistance.
- Elastomeric Caulk Vs. Silicone: Specs & Uses
- Best Elastomeric Caulk
- My Hands-on Test of DAP 100% Silicone
Elastomeric Caulk Vs. Silicone: Specs & Uses
🌡️Application Temp
Elastomeric Caulk: 40°F to 120°F
Silicone: -35°F to 140°F
🆚Flexibility
Elastomeric Caulk: 500% elongation, remains flexible in extreme temps
Silicone: +/-25% joint movement capability
🛠️Common Uses
Elastomeric Caulk is an ideal choice for sealing subflooring beneath carpets; fills redwood fence post holes; and can be used around the perimeter of a deck, between the floor and the wall, or around posts.
Silicone is 100% waterproof and suitable for sealing around underwater return line outlets in the pool; seals a plastic outdoor shed; seals around outdoor light fixtures attached to a concrete block wall.
Technical Info
Best Elastomeric Caulk
✅Pros: Best Caulk for Elastomeric Roof
First and foremost, Big Stretch is an exceptional choice for sealing subflooring under carpets. Its strong adhesion and flexible nature make it the ideal sealant for this application. However, it’s crucial to allow the caulk to cure completely before laying the carpet, as an incomplete cure can leave it feeling “squishy” indefinitely.
Elastomeric Caulk for Stucco
Caulking the cracks with an elastomeric caulking: That job was done 2 years ago and still looks brand new.
Big Stretch matches a variety of colors, including the rich tones of redwood. Whether you’re working on a redwood fence post or siding with a redwood stain, this caulk blends seamlessly, creating a cohesive and natural-looking finish. It’s a game-changer for those seeking a seamless and aesthetically pleasing result.
We fully caulk exteriors with Elastomeric caulk for a perfect sealed-in surface for duration satin paint.
Curing time is always a concern when working with sealants, and Big Stretch doesn’t disappoint. While I can’t recall the exact curing time, I vividly remember staining over it on the same day without any issues. This quick curing process allows you to tackle projects efficiently without unnecessary delays.
Big Stretch is an excellent choice for sealing the perimeter of decks, around posts, or any area where a flexible and durable sealant is required. However, it’s important to note that this caulk is not designed for walking surfaces, as it may not withstand the wear and tear of foot traffic.
Outdoor environments can be harsh, but Big Stretch is up for the challenge. It’s perfectly suitable for use on outdoor fences, even those exposed to rain and snow. The key is to ensure a clean, dry surface and allow the caulk to cure properly for 48-72 hours before exposure to moisture. Once cured, it will withstand the elements with ease, providing long-lasting protection for your fence.
Dap Kwik Seal Vs. Dap Silicone: Waterproof for Pool Repair, Plastic Outdoor Shed on Marble, Quartz, Glass & Wood
While Big Stretch shares some similarities with Sashco’s Conceal product, they are distinct offerings. Big Stretch is a smooth acrylic sealant, while Conceal has a textured finish designed to blend with woodgrain. Both products offer excellent performance, but the choice between them depends on the desired aesthetic.
Can Elastomeric Caulk Be Painted?
Yes, Big Stretch Elastomeric Sealant is Paintable. For Interior and exterior use.
Brick Cracks
Speaking of brick, like many brick house owners, I had small cracks and holes throughout. This caulk came to the rescue, offering a fantastic solution. I went around the house, filling in holes and chips, and the color matched my bricks flawlessly. It was easy to apply with a standard caulk gun, and the end result was impressive. It even worked well for sealing around the wood in my crawlspace.
❌Cons: Elastomeric Caulk
The product may contract and creat some visible gaps as it dried. Although this can be easily addressed by applying another layer, it’s something to keep in mind if you’re looking for a caulk that requires minimal touch-ups.
Tips for Big Stretch Water-Based Elastomeric Caulk
Always use elastometic caulking for stucco cracks…use a wet brush and brush it off (instead of using your finger like me)
SAVE YOUR FINGERS ! ; dabb with disposable paint brush ( don’t brush ) . Except on corners , use stucco patch and dabb with damp sponge !
FAQ of Big Stretch Water-Based Elastomeric Caulk
Q: Is it suitable for sealing subflooring beneath the carpet?
A: Big Stretch is an excellent choice for sealing subflooring as it adheres well and provides a strong seal. However, it’s important to allow it to cure completely before laying the carpet to avoid any “squishy” texture.
Q: Can it be used to fill redwood fence post holes and match the color?
A: Big Stretch is likely to work for filling redwood fence post holes, although the color match depends on the stain or paint used on the fence. They can also provide a color chart with live product sample dots for comparison.
2 reviews
📣🔥 Share it to easily keep track of the answers!
Leave a Reply
My Hands-on Test of DAP 100% Silicone
✅Pros
I had a cracked RV fan cover that got damaged during a tornado warning in Kansas, and it got hit with hail repeatedly for almost an hour. Weather tape and this caulk fixed it and it has held up for several months now with no leaking.
Water Leak Just Above the Seam
I also had a water leak just above the seam where the left side of the side sliding door connects. It leaked water into the van every time it rained. I got on top of the van, applied this to the cracked seam, and it’s held up for several months now with no leaking.
When I needed a great watertight seal for a fountain that I made and needed to seal a glass lampshade to a glass block, Dap Silicone worked great! Even when temps have gone below freezing it still holds water.
Sealing Water Leaks in a Toilet Tank
The screws that hold my toilet tank in place had rusted away and fallen out completely. To use this sealant, I put on a vinyl glove and applied it in layers over the top of the screw holes. I needed to apply several layers since the sealant was not easy to apply in one coat.
Read More: adhesive for undermount sink to granite
❌Cons
It does have an intense vinegar smell that burns your nose hairs and remains on it after it’s cured, so I recommend wiping the finished products with a bit of alcohol and spraying with no-oil alcohol-based fragrance spray to cover the stink.
FAQ of Dap Silicone
Q: Will Dap Silicone work effectively with Vinyl, such as in a pool? I need to seal around underwater return line outlets.
A: Absolutely! This silicone sealant is 100% waterproof, so it will work well for sealing around underwater return line outlets in a pool. Just make sure it dries completely before adding water.
Q: Can Dap Silicone be used for making DIY silicone molds?
A: While you can try using this silicone sealant for DIY silicone molds, it is quite flexible after drying. If you’re looking to create firm and hard DIY items, this may not be the most suitable option.
Q: Can Dap Silicone be used to seal a plastic outdoor shed?
A: Yes, you can use this silicone sealant to seal a plastic outdoor shed. It has strong adhesion, which makes it suitable for such applications. However, keep in mind that it is only water-resistant, so if you want to rely solely on silicone for sealing, you may need additional protection.
Q: Have you tried using Dap Silicone for making decoden phone cases?
A: Why not give it a try and share your review with others? This silicone sealant becomes very soft once it’s cured and adheres well to various materials, including plastic, wood, metal, and even paper.
Q: How long does it take for the silicone sealant to cure?
A: The silicone sealant takes approximately 24 hours to cure, similar to other silicone products. The good thing is that it doesn’t produce any odor, so you don’t need to leave windows and doors open during the curing process.
Q: Can this silicone sealant be used on concrete? I need to seal around outdoor light fixtures attached to my concrete block wall.
A: Yes, you can use this silicone sealant on concrete. The General Purpose version is even stronger than the Kitchen & Bath version for weatherproofing. It can also be used on marble, quartz, glass, metal, and wood.
I’m Ronald Stevens, a Mechanical Engineer obsessed with adhesives, glue, and all things sticky! My passion began in childhood when I’d always be the one playing with glue during arts and crafts. And I’d spend hours researching and experimenting. Happy reading, and remember: stick with the best, and you’ll never be stuck in a mess!
Feel free to contact me and join our discussion:
How long does the Elastomeric Caulk take to cure?
The curing time for Big Stretch is typically around 3-5 days, which may vary depending on factors such as bead size, temperatures, and humidity levels.