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Fixings, Flashings and Sealants: What You Need To Know
With so many types of fixings, flashings, sealants, and tools available, it’s hard to remember
which product can be used for a task. Here we have answered a few of the most frequently
asked questions and provided some additional information to help you out.
Sealants and adhesives
What are the advantages of using silicone?
It’s sturdy, easy to work with and reliable. Silicone keeps its shape and strength in all weathers
and conditions.
How expensive is silicone?
The price of silicone depends on a few factors, such as type or colour. However, in general,
silicone is usually within the range of £5-19 a tube.
Check out our prices!
Can you submerge silicone in water?
Yes! Silicone is very strong and waterproof, it’s often used in aquatic projects and other projects
involving water or rain exposure. This makes it an extremely versatile material that can be used
in a whole range of different scenarios. With customisation available, you can adapt silicone to
meet the exact specifications of your project.
What silicone colours are available?
To name a few,
● Black
● Clear
● White
● Rosewood
● Anthracite Grey
● Chartwell Green
● Irish Oak
● Toffee
● Brown
● Grey
….and many other RAL colours! Check out our range to find more colours available.
What’s the difference between mastic and silicone?
Mastic (MS polymer) has a similar appearance to silicone, however, when it dries it looks less
flexible. It’s also odourless as it doesn’t contain any solvent (cured by water in the air) whereas
silicone does. Some argue that it’s nicer to use as it has a non-staining property and doesn’t stick
to your fingers. Mastic takes a lot longer to cure than silicone.
Fixings and Fasteners
What are fixings and Fasteners?
These are seemingly small objects, but hardly any products on a building site would be any use
without fixings and fasteners as they hold pretty much everything together. They are available in
various forms including woodscrews, concrete screws pins, nails and adhesive chemicals.
What is the difference between a fastener and a fixing?
Although there are plenty of exceptions, it is generally thought that the difference is that a
fastener joins two objects together, while a fixing binds a moveable item to a fixed one.
Fixings for uPVC windows
Baypole screws – For fixing uPVC to another uPVC object
Concrete screw – For fixing uPVC to brick or concrete.
Flashings
What are flashings?
Flashings are basically a sheet of metal folded over a joint in a building to protect it from the
weather or water penetration. They are usually made from galvanised sheet metal – lead,
aluminium, copper – or butyl (a synthetic rubber).
Where are flashings used on a roof?
Usually, flashings are applied around chimneys, air vents, skylights and any other area where
water could penetrate the roof. Flashings can also be used around window cills and sliding
doors.
What are the advantages of butyl flashing?
● Fast and excellent adhesion to many substrates
● Waterproof
● Flexible even when cold
● UV and weather-resistant
● Self-adhesive
● Moisture vapour tight
(Flashings construction, flashings building, flashings on houses, flashings roof)
Speak with a member of our team today
To find out more about any of the fixings, flashing and sealants we have on offer, feel free to
speak with a member of our team today. We can talk you through a range of products and
answer any questions you may have about our building products.
Call us on 0345 021 3333 or pop us an email at [email protected]