Choosing the Right Sealant: A Guide to Sika and Tremco Products

When it comes to sealing joints, waterproofing surfaces, or tackling construction projects, picking the right sealant can make or break your results. With so many options out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s why we’re breaking down eight top-tier sealants from Sika and Tremco, industry leaders known for quality. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or a seasoned contractor, this guide will help you understand what each product does, where it shines, how to use it, and why it might be the perfect fit for your next job.

Sikaflex®-1c SL: 

• What It Is: A single-component, self-leveling polyurethane sealant with accelerated curing.
• Where to Use It: Perfect for horizontal expansion joints in flat or slightly sloped surfaces like sidewalks, balconies, warehouses, plazas, or even water treatment facilities.
• How to Use It: Apply it with a caulking gun or pour it directly into joints (up to 1/2” deep). It flows naturally to fill horizontal cracks. Works on green concrete (24 hours after pour) or damp concrete (60 minutes after water displacement) between 40-100°F.
• Why Choose It: This is your go-to if you need a fast-curing sealant for traffic-heavy horizontal surfaces. It’s ideal when you want a smooth, even finish without fuss, and it can handle water immersion with a week’s cure and primer.

Sikalastic® HLM 5000 GC: 

• What It Is: A liquid-applied, bitumen-modified polyurethane waterproofing membrane.
• Where to Use It: Designed for exterior below-grade or between-slab waterproofing like parking garages, plaza decks, foundation walls, planters, or culverts.
• How to Use It: Spread it with a roller or brush over concrete (72 hours after pour), plywood, or masonry between 40-90°F. It’s not for joints but for coating large surfaces to block water.
• Why Choose It: This isn’t a sealant; it’s a waterproofing beast for static surfaces needing crack-bridging. Choose it when water penetration is your enemy, not joint movement.

Sikaflex®-1A: 

• What It Is: A non-sag, moisture-cured polyurethane sealant and adhesive.
• Where to Use It: Great for vertical or horizontal joints (up to 1/2” deep) in windows, doors, roofing details, or reservoirs. It bonds materials like concrete, metal, or wood.
• How to Use It: Apply with a caulking gun between 40-100°F. It sticks to green concrete (24 hours post-pour) or damp concrete (60 minutes after water displacement). For potable water use, cure it for a week.
• Why Choose It: With ±35% movement and NSF certification for potable water, it’s a versatile champ for sealing and sticking. Pick it for flexibility, adhesion, and reliability across construction projects.

Sikaflex® NP 1 (Formerly MasterSeal NP 1): 

• What It Is: A gun-grade polyurethane sealant with sound-damping properties.
• Where to Use It: Use it for interior/exterior joints in panel walls, window frames, roofing, or soundproofing partitions (STC 44 dB). It’s also great for wet areas with a 21-day cure.
• How to Use It: Gun it into joints at a wide temperature range (even below freezing if dry). It works on green concrete (up to 72 hours) with primer; dry substrates are best otherwise.
• Why Choose It: Its ±35% movement and 800% elongation make it super flexible, but the real draw is noise reduction. Choose it for quiet spaces or weatherproofing with a bonus acoustic edge.

Vulkem® 45SSL: 

• What It Is: A semi-self-leveling, moisture-curing polyurethane sealant.
• Where to Use It: Ideal for horizontal expansion joints with slopes up to 6%. The best application areas can be sidewalks, pool decks, plazas, or high-traffic floors.
• How to Use It: Gun it into joints between 40-100°F. It adheres to green or damp concrete without outgassing, perfect for early application.
• Why Choose It: With ±35% movement (up to +100/-50% in tests) and jet fuel resistance, it’s built for tough, sloped horizontal jobs. Use it for durability and immersion in non-chlorinated water.

Dymonic® 100: 

• What It Is: A non-sag, medium-modulus polyurethane sealant.
• Where to Use It: Perfect for expansion joints, precast panels, windows, doors, or as a fluid-applied flashing around fenestration. It’s also immersion-friendly.
• How to Use It: Apply with a caulking gun between 40-100°F. It sticks to green or damp concrete.
• Why Choose It: Boasting ±50% movement (up to +100/-50% in tests) and 800-900% elongation, it’s the king of flexibility. Choose it for dynamic joints or UV-heavy environments, as it won’t crack or yellow.

Dymonic® FC: 

• What It Is: A fast-curing, low-modulus hybrid sealant with silane end-capped technology.
• Where to Use It: Use it for expansion joints, precast panels, or perimeter caulking in EIFS, aluminum, masonry, or vinyl siding.
• How to Use It: Gun it onto dry surfaces. It skins in 1 hour and is tack-free in 3-4 hours.
• Why Choose It: Speed is its superpower, ideal for projects needing quick turnaround. With ±35% movement and low dirt pickup, it’s great for aesthetics and moderate flexibility.

Vulkem® 116: 

• What It Is: A textured, gun-grade polyurethane sealant for exterior use.
• Where to Use It: Seal poured/precast concrete, masonry, window/door perimeters, or construction joints outside.
• How to Use It: Apply with a caulking gun to dry surfaces. It’s exterior only.
• Why Choose It: With ±25% movement and a 30-year adhesion track record, it’s a reliable, textured option for exterior joints. Pick it for durability and a classic finish.

Why Does It Matter?

Choosing the right sealant depends on your project’s needs:

• Joint Type: Horizontal? Vertical? Sloped? Sikaflex 1c SL and Vulkem 45SSL work for flat/slight slopes, while the Sikaflex 1A, Dymonic 100, and Dymonic FC are suitable for vertical or precise applications.
• Movement: High-movement joints need Dymonic 100 (±50%) or Sikaflex NP 1 (±35%, 800% elongation); moderate ones can use Vulkem 116 (±25%).
• Curing Time: Need it fast? Dymonic FC (1-hour skin) or Sikaflex 1c SL (1-2 hours tack-free) are the best options.
• Environment: Wet areas favor Sikaflex 1A (potable water) or Vulkem 45SSL (continuous immersion); acoustics call for Sikaflex NP 1.
• Waterproofing: Sikalastic HLM 5000 GC is your surface coating solution, not a joint sealant.

Tips for Success

1. Prep the Surface: Clean and dry is best, but Sikaflex 1c SL, Sikaflex 1A, Vulkem 45SSL, and Dymonic 100 handle green/damp concrete like champs.
2. Check the Weather: Most apply between 40-100°F; plan accordingly, but keep in mind that Sikaflex NP 1 excels in colder conditions if the application area is dry.
3. Tooling: Self-leveling options Sikaflex 1c SL and Vulkem 45SSL need none; non-sag ones might benefit from smoothing.

Whether you’re tackling a pool deck that needs sealing, a basement crying out for waterproofing, or a room that could use some peace and quiet, Sika and Tremco have you covered. These sealants bring something unique to the job, whether it’s fast curing, the flexibility to handle big movements, solid adhesion, or a distinctive feature tailored to your project. Figure out what your job needs, line it up with these options, and you’ll end up with a seal built to last.

Not sure which one’s the best fit? Contact us; we’d love to help you figure it out and walk you through every step!