Where do I need to seal?
Here are some common places a sealant is needed: Windows and Doors: Check all windows and doors for air leaks (Tip: if you can see daylight around the door or window frame, then you have a leak.) Crown Molding: Check for gaps and cracks between the molding and wallboard. Plumbing: Check for air leaks where faucets or pipes penetrate the house. Basement: Check for cracks and leaks in walls and floors. Siding: Check for loose siding and cracks around the exterior siding of the house. Heating/Air: Check for leaks around all air vents and ducts. Electrical: Check for leaks around electrical wiring, recessed lighting, electrical outlets, phone and TV cables that penetrate walls throughout the house. Joining Materials: Inspect all areas where two different building materials meet. (Ex. Where siding and chimneys meet, the areas where the foundation and the bottom of the exterior brick and siding meet). Gutter and Flashing: Check for leaking gutters and cracks around flashing. Inspect kitchen and bath countertops, sinks, splashboards, tubs and showers for cracks that can allow moisture behind the tile or laminate.
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What tools do I need to apply sealant?
Squeeze tubes of sealant, such as our Silicone II brands, make it easy to do small sealing jobs. But for bigger projects, you may need to purchase sealant cartridges (usually 10.1 oz. tubes) and a good caulking gun. You also may want to have these other tools on hand:
Painter’s masking tape
A clean, dry cloth or (lintless) paper towels
A putty knife (to remove old sealant and debris)
A stiff wire brush (if repairing masonry or concrete)
A backer rod (if the gap is more than ½� wide or deep)
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How do I test for freshness?
Before you perform any kind of test on the sealant, simply check the “use before date” on the bottom of the silicone cartridge. This should tell you if the sealant is still fresh, and able to be used.
This is also a simple test that only takes 10-15 minutes. To test your sealant, run a small bead on a piece of cardboard. In about 15 minutes, the product should start to form a skin, and you should notice a strong ammonia (Silicone II) or vinegar (Silicone Household Rubber) odor.
If this doesn’t happen (skin doesn’t form on the sealant), then the product is probably too old and won’t ever fully cure (dry completely).
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How can I make the sealant cure faster?
Faster cure products are available in the construction line of products. Contact GE Sealants & Adhesives for detailed information.
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What can I use to make the curing time longer or thin the sealant?
DIYers: We do not recommend attempting to thin sealants at home. You should choose the product best suited for your application
Industrial customers: contact GE Sealants & Adhesives for detailed information.
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What sealant should I use around my fireplace?
Silicone sealant tubes specifically state: “Not for use on fireplaces or stovepipes” or ”Not for surfaces that will exceed 400°F (205°C). The only product that should be used around fireplaces is GE Fireplace Mortar. GE Fireplace Mortar can repair damaged interior mortar and withstand temperatures up to 1750 degrees F. It is NOT recommended for exterior use and is NOT a Firestop product.
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What can I use on my electrical components?
We recommend that consumers not use silicone in ANY electrical application. Contact GE Sealants & Adhesives for more information.
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Can I use silicone in my pool, whirlpool bath or boat?
We do not recommend any silicone for any constant underwater use because over time the silicone bond to the substrate can fail.
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Can I apply new silicone on old silicone?
For the best adhesion, we recommend removal of old silicone. New silicone will bond to old silicone, but the bond is not as strong as if it were adhering to a clean surface. If you choose to apply over old silicone, the warranty is void.
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Do I have to do anything to the surface material before I apply a sealant?
Some materials, such as concrete, soft woods, stone, specially treated metals, plastics, or other man-made materials with variable formulations may have unpredictable surface characteristics. Therefore, GE recommends that you test for adhesion by applying GE sealant to a small area before proceeding with an entire job. It is also very important to prepare surfaces properly. This should be done on the same day you apply the product.
The following are guidelines for preparing various materials:
Concrete, Masonry & Stone
Use a wire brush to remove all old sealant and dirt, dust and loose particles. All contaminants and impurities must be cleaned off, such as concrete form release agents, water repellents and other surface treatments and protective coatings.
Porous Surfaces
Use sandpaper or wire brush where necessary to provide a sound, clean surface.
Metal, Glass & Plastic
These surfaces should be cleaned with a solvent such as mineral spirits or lacquer thinner. When using solvents, always wipe the surface dry with a clean cloth or lintless paper towels. Never allow solvent to air dry or evaporate without wiping.
Caution: Only use these solvents in a well-ventilated area and follow all safety precautions and instructions listed on the product label. Material Safety Data Sheets for any GE consumer sealants and caulks are available upon request from GE Sealants & Adhesives. Similar information for solvents and other chemicals used with GE products should be obtained from your suppliers. When solvents are used, proper safety precautions must be observed.
General
Do not use GE silicone sealant products on any galvanized surface.
Cleaning with detergent or soap and water is NOT recommended.
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Do I have to use different GE Sealant products for different surfaces?
Yes, adhesion characteristics will vary from one surface to another. Some products have been designed to adhere better to certain surfaces. Below you will find a list of specific applications as well as our product recommendations.
Windows and Doors
- Recommended Product: GE Silicone II Window and Door
Crown Molding
- Recommended Product: GE Silicone II XST Paintable Silicone
Plumbing
- Recommended Product: GE Silicone II
Basement
- Recommended Product: GE Silicone II
Siding
- Recommended Product: GE SideGuard
Heating/Air
- Recommended Product: GE Silicone II XST Paintable Silicone
Electrical
- Recommended Product: GE Silicone II XST Paintable Silicone
Joining Materials
- Recommended Product: GE SideGuard or Silicone II Concrete and Masonry
Gutter and Flashing
- Recommended Product: GE Silicone II Gutter and Flashing
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