Find a contractor Buyer's guide Partner with us
MCAA Logo
Log in Sign up Join Hi, there Account
World of Concrete 2027 registration is LIVE
Find a contractor Buyer's guide Partner
Log in Sign up Join Account

Polyether-Based Sealants and Adhesives Offer Performance, Safety and Low VOCs

Words: Dan Kamys/Public/News/20110705111000-1.jpg" width="600" height="338" border="0" alt="NovaLink is a moisture curing, polyether sealant designed for application in damp, dry or cold climates." />
NovaLink is a moisture curing, polyether sealant designed for application in damp, dry or cold climates.
Polyether-based sealants and adhesives, the advanced formulation polymers that have overtaken urethane and silicone products in Japan and Europe, are now becoming the new standard among some U.S. architects and contractors for use throughout the entire building envelope from foundation to roof.

Since being designated by the Adhesive Sealant Council as a unique product category last year, the use of polyether-based sealants has nearly doubled for both new construction and repair work. The driving forces behind this increased popularity are the superior performance and environmental compliance characteristics of polyether based sealants and adhesives, compared with many urethane- and silicone-type products.

Another important factor: Because these advanced sealants and adhesives contain no solvents, they produce few Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC). This is not only an environmental benefit, but also it makes polyether-based products compliant with increasingly stringent local and state VOC regulations.

VOCs are substances that evaporate into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change, chronic respiratory disorders and cancer. Many sealants that produce VOCs are also flammable, produce irritating odors and tend to degrade over time.

Rewriting the Book

Once a polyether-based sealant or adhesive is applied, it reacts with moisture in the air and cross-links to form a tough, long lasting, flexible chain. It cures rapidly, adheres to a wide range of materials, meets the toughest standards for joint movement, won’t shrink and won’t suntan.

Chem Link Advanced Architectural Products in Schoolcraft, Mich., has developed and popularized the use of polyether compounds throughout the United States, and the developed of a variety of products that address assorted adhesive and sealant requirements throughout the building envelope.

No More Shrinkage

Polyether-based adhesives and sealants are cured by water it draws from the air, so there are no solvents to evaporate and cause shrinkage. Because these products cure from the top down and the bottom up, they are watertight and fairly durable within 10-20 minutes, though they typically take two to three weeks to completely cure when, as Graham notes, they become hard as a hockey puck but remain “remarkably” flexible.

The Power of Green

Although the polyether adhesives and sealants were initially popular because of superior performance properties, its no-solvent chemistry has added to sales more recently. In using these products, contractors don’t have to worry about confined spaces, flammability or that they will contaminate some other material.

For more information, visit www.chemlinkinc.com.
 0
How I plan to live to 130
November 2026

While talking with one of our mechanics about the importance of changing the oil and keeping equipment greased, a thought occurred to me. These simple maintenance habits keep equipment running smoothly and help prevent breakdowns when you can least afford

Damian Lang
Contractor Tip of the Month
Read More
The Frustration Of Firefighting
November 2026

I find it fascinating what happens when an owner or executive leader walks into a struggling project. Morale picks up. Production improves. People communicate better. Meetings get sharper. Problems that have been sitting around for two weeks suddenly get

Corey Adams
Building More
Read More
Motivate With Money!
November 2026

I get asked about employee incentive and profit-sharing programs with every contractor I coach. Construction business owners seem to be looking for the magic bullet that will motivate their people to work harder and produce more. Some hope that providing

George Hedley
Business Building
Read More
Manufacturer Relationships
November 2026

As a contractor, the last person I wanted to see in my office was a salesman or a sales representative. Now that I better understand being a manufacturer, I see it in a different light. As a contractor, you can control the purchasing of material, understa

Steve Fechino
Fechino Files
Read More