Gutter Sealant Vs. Silicone: How does a homeowner know which is the right product for the job?
Gutter sealant and silicone have distinct qualities that make each suitable for different applications. Gutter sealants are designed to adhere and maintain flexibility even on wet surfaces prone to mildew and mold, making them ideal for areas like rain gutters (See also best adhesive for wet areas). Silicone provides strong adhesion for dry areas and remains flexible without shrinking or cracking over time, useful traits for caulking and weatherproofing. So For any leak repairs, gutter sealant is a better option. And for any gap-filling process on dry materials, silicone sealant is more than good.
BUT! That is an outdated view. I’ll explain further in this article.
Let’s review the distinguishing characteristics to determine which sealing solution is best for your needs.
Gutter Sealant Vs. Silicone: What’s The Difference?
Traditional opinion about the difference between Gutter Sealant Vs. Silicone is
- Gutter sealants like polyurethane are thick and meant to fill gaps and holes in gutters; Silicone is more flexible and often used for sealing joints between materials.
- Gutter sealants resist weathering and stick to various gutter materials like metal, vinyl, and aluminum; Silicone can withstand temperature extremes, making it good for high-heat areas near engines or ovens.
- Gutter sealants cure slower, allowing you to tool them into gaps before they set; Silicone sealants cure faster and can be used vertically without sagging or dripping.
- Gutter sealants insulate against noise and vibration while silicone allows for movement.
That list is true until a new hybrid type of product appeared: Silicone Gutter Sealant
As we can see from the info table: the new form of silicone gutter sealant “Red Devil Silicone Gutter Sealant” combines the advantages of both silicone sealant and gutter sealant. It repairs leask as well as dry areas!
📝 My Hands-on Test of Red Devil Silicone Gutter Sealant
✅Pros: Red Devil Silicone Gutter Sealant
I’ve used this sealant for various applications, not just for HVAC purposes. For instance, I had to build a custom exhaust ducting for a range hood in a tight space. It required attaching several pieces together, and this sealant worked wonders for the transitions and filling in any gaps. I even used it when installing glass in a bookcase frame and sealing a plywood panel in an exterior door. It has truly become my go-to option instead of using silicone caulk.
What impressed me the most about this sealant is its durability. It has kept its form throughout the winter, even with daily fires. I also used it to seal around a pellet stove pipe that had a poor installation, and it went on smoothly, sealed well, and looked good.
The drying process of this sealant is noteworthy as well. It dries to a metal color, and if you apply it carefully, it leaves a neat and professional look. Give it an overnight drying time, and you’ll be pleased with the results.
❌Cons: Red Devil Silicone Gutter Sealant
I have to mention that the delivery of this product was a little slow, but it was worth the wait. I used it on my stove pipe outside, and it performed exactly as described.
To sum it up, everything about this sealant is good. It’s perfect for sealing gaps, whether it’s around a chimney, in HVAC vents, or even for repairing an outdoor wood stove. I highly recommend this product for any gutter repair or sealing needs.
FAQ of Red Devil Silicone Gutter Sealant
Q: Can I utilize Red Devil Silicone Gutter Sealant to seal gaps between the boiler and chimney in existing cement?
A: Certainly! This Red Devil silicone sealant is suitable for that purpose. If you require a higher heat rating and don’t mind the red color, we also have a Hi Heat Red Silicone available, which can withstand temperatures up to 600 degrees.
Q: Is this sealant suitable for sealing around the wall where the dryer vent hose is installed?
A: Absolutely! It can be used for that application. However, please note that Red Devil Silicone Gutter Sealant is not paintable.
Q: I won’t be using this in an automotive environment; instead, I plan to seal the edges of a metal box to make it leak-proof when filled with antifreeze. Will Red Devil Silicone Gutter Sealant be suitable?
A: Yes, it will work for your DIY project. I just wanted to confirm that you’re not using it in a car engine.
Q: Will it adhere well to wood?
A: Yes, it adheres very well to wood.
Q: Can I use this to seal the water that comes from the wall sleeve when using an AC duct?
A: Yes, it will effectively seal the water coming from the wall sleeve when using an AC duct. Thank you!
Q: Can I use this to seal around a furnace-mounted humidifier? Are there any concerns about cure time and odor?
A: Yes, you can use it for sealing around a furnace-mounted humidifier. The product will cure within 1 day. During application, there might be a slight vinegar-like odor, but it will dissipate.
Q: What is the minimum temperature at which I can apply this sealant?
A: According to the Red Devil website, it can be applied on clean, dry surfaces within the range of 10°F to 100°F.
Q: Will this sealant adhere to epoxy?
A: Although I haven’t personally used it with epoxy, it seems like the sealant would bond well to materials like epoxy.
Q: Can I use it as a gasket on an inducer motor?
A: Yes, you can use this sealant as a gasket on an inducer motor. Thank you!
Q: Can I utilize this to seal the HVAC bathroom fan damper shut?
A: Personally, I wouldn’t hesitate to use this sealant for that particular application.
Q: Does Red Devil Silicone Gutter Sealant have a flash point?
A: Yes, it has a flash point of 200 degrees Fahrenheit. However, at that temperature, it is not flammable.
Q: Can I use this to seal a wood-burning stove chimney where it comes out of my roof? It’s currently leaking.
A: Yes, definitely.
Q: Can this be used as an adhesive? I need to bond 1/4 cement board to the metal surrounding the fireplace opening.
A: Yes, once cured, Red Devil Silicone Gutter Sealant has strong adhesive properties and can be used for bonding 1/4 cement board to the metal around the fireplace opening.
Q: Can I use this in a chimney with direct exposure to fire?
A: It is not recommended to use this sealant in a chimney with direct exposure to fire.
Q: Will this sealant cure in low temperatures, specifically under 30 degrees Fahrenheit?
A: Yes, it will cure even in temperatures as low as 10 degrees Fahrenheit.
Q: I need to seal a pro grill set on an outdoor granite top. The surface temperature of the grill can reach up to 700°F. Will this sealant work, or do you have any other recommendations?
A: This particular sealant is only suitable for temperatures up to 400°F. However, we do have a Red High Heat Silicone that can withstand temperatures up to 600°F. If you require a higher temperature rating, you can explore other options available on the market.
Q: How long does it take for this sealant to fully cure?
A: The curing time for this sealant can vary depending on factors such as temperature and humidity. Generally, it takes about 24 hours for the sealant to fully cure.
2 reviews
📣🔥 Share it to easily keep track of the answers!
Leave a Reply
📝 My Hands-on Test of Dap Silicone
✅Pros: Dap Silicone
One of the key aspects I noticed was the caulk’s ability to adhere easily and become water-resistant immediately. I had to fix the drain in my shower, and this caulk did the job seamlessly. It formed a strong bond and provided the necessary water protection.
Moreover, I found that this caulk was ideal for small projects. I used it to seal gaps around my kitchen sink, preventing water from entering the cracks caused by years of vibration from the nearby door. The results were excellent, and the white color matched my kitchen window frame perfectly.
In terms of application, it’s worth noting that this caulk is easy to work with. Unlike other sticky and hard-to-apply silicone caulks I’ve used in the past, this one proved to be much more user-friendly. I learned a fantastic tip from a YouTube video that made it as easy to apply as a water-based caulk. After laying the bead of caulk, I sprayed both the caulk and my fingertip with a non-ammonia window cleaner. Using my finger, I evenly spread the caulk, allowing it to dry with the window cleaner on it. The end result was a smooth and professional-looking finish. I must say, this caulk surpassed my expectations and is superior to water-based alternatives.
Read More: best adhesive for undermount sink
❌Cons: Dap Silicone
Now, let me address the issue some users mentioned about the difficulty in applying this caulk. Initially, I struggled with it too, but I discovered a couple of game-changing tricks that made the process much smoother. Firstly, I used painter’s tape to create clean lines around the area I wanted to caulk. Then, I applied the caulk and used a wet finger to create a smooth finish. Surprisingly, the caulk didn’t stick to my wet finger, making it way easier than using any other tool. After waiting for about 5 minutes, I carefully removed the tape, revealing perfectly straight lines. This trick worked like a charm, and I highly recommend it.
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.
📝 DAP Gutter & Flashing Sealant – The Classic Gutter Sealant
✅Pros
The true testament to the effectiveness of this caulk lies in its ability to hold glass plates and other pieces together. I’ve used it for crafting garden glass flowers and totems, and it outperforms any other silicone caulking I’ve tried. Moreover, it dries quite clearly, if not perfectly clear, and I haven’t experienced any problems with pieces coming apart throughout the summer. Since I live in a cold and snowy climate, I haven’t tested its durability during winter months, but for fair weather conditions, it has proven to be outstanding. What’s more, I managed to find it at a much better price on Amazon compared to local stores.
In my pursuit of the perfect adhesive for my garden projects, I tried various silicone brands and types. However, this caulk proved to be the best option. Unfortunately, it became increasingly difficult to find in local big-box stores. Thankfully, I stumbled upon it on Amazon, which means I can now resume my crafting endeavors without any worries.
Among its various applications, I used this caulk to attach glass mosaic tiles to the inside of my door window, creating a stained glass effect. Not only did it dry within a few hours, but it also withstood single-digit cold weather without any signs of weakening. Additionally, the smell it emits is not overpowering, which is a relief.
❌Cons
However, it is worth mentioning that excessive usage can make it challenging to remove, and it does tend to yellow slightly as it dries. Despite these minor quirks, it served its purpose perfectly for the project I had in mind.
FAQ of DAP Gutter & Flashing Sealant
Q: Can I use DAP Gutter & Flashing Sealant to seal the joint between the wall and the floor of a dog kennel?
A: DAP Gutter & Flashing Sealant should work for sealing a dog kennel, but its effectiveness may depend on the material of the kennel.
Q: Two sections of my rain gutter have been hanging since the heavy snowfall. What can I use to fix it myself?
A: Without much information provided, if the parts are long, I would suggest replacing the gutter entirely. Gutter replacements are relatively inexpensive, whereas DAP Gutter & Flashing Sealant costs around $10. If the caulk doesn’t solve the problem, consider replacing the broken section with a new one.
Q: Will it stick together two pieces of glass?
A: Yes, it will adhere to two pieces of glass.
Q: Can DAP Gutter & Flashing Sealant be used to seal gutter seams?
A: Absolutely! In fact, that’s exactly why I purchased it. I used it for my gutters, and they haven’t leaked in the two years since.
Q: Is DAP Gutter & Flashing Sealant waterproof?
A: Yes, it is highly waterproof. I’ve used it for sealing exterior window gaps, as well as creating decorative garden art pieces from old glassware and dishes. It’s a fantastic choice for home improvement projects. However, keep in mind that extreme winter conditions, such as ice and snow, may cause the caulk to crack on various glass pieces.
Q: Can you paint the caulk used for gutters?
A: Yes, you can paint DAP Gutter & Flashing Sealant . Over time, it may wear off, similar to how paint on wooden house siding does. However, if applied properly and on clean surfaces, it can last for around six years or more. In my experience, it holds up even longer on decorative garden items that are brought indoors during harsh winters. If left unpainted, the caulk is hardly noticeable.
Q: Would DAP Gutter & Flashing Sealant be suitable for repairing large gutter holes, around the size of a nickel?
A: It might work, but there could be a risk of leakage around the edges. Achieving a proper seal may require multiple applications.
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:
Does Red Devil Silicone Gutter Sealant consist of 100% silicone?
While the tube itself doesn't explicitly state it, I believe it is made of 100% silicone. I personally used it to caulk around a new fireplace chimney cap, ensuring it could withstand the high heat from the fireplace smoke. It should work well since it's exposed to outdoor conditions year-round. You might also be interested in the best silicone adhesive…Read More
While the tube itself doesn’t explicitly state it, I believe it is made of 100% silicone. I personally used it to caulk around a new fireplace chimney cap, ensuring it could withstand the high heat from the fireplace smoke. It should work well since it’s exposed to outdoor conditions year-round. You might also be interested in the best silicone adhesive for undermount sink.
Show Less