Say you’ve already had polyurethane installed and thereafter realized that silicone would have been a better decision, what options do you have? Existing polyurethane sealant can be removed and replaced with silicone. However, caution must be taken to ensure that all the polyurethane is removed before the silicone can be installed. If any polyurethane is left behind, it will cause deterioration of the silicone over time.

If you are about to get sealant for your new house, or wish to repair some emerging cracks in your current house, go for the best sealant to avoid the recurring troubles of choosing cheap sealant that will cost you more in future repairs.

A silicone joint will last for 20 years and beyond, while a polyurethane joint can only do ten years at maximum. It is not just the UV light that affects sealants, the temperatures play a significant role as well. Temperatures induce contraction and expansion, and this means that a sealant needs to be flexible enough to accommodate these frequent changes in size. Silicone tends to allow greater movement compared to polyurethane, and as such you will not have to worry about cracks in your joints when you go for silicone.

In terms of cost, silicone tends to attract higher prices than polyurethane. But the initial cost should not push you towards the cheaper option because even there lies a caveat. While polyurethane might cost you less during the initial installation, the maintenance needs thereafter tend to be higher when compared to silicone. You must therefore choose carefully which bet you are willing to place.