Dow Corning Innovates Structural Silicone Sealant to Overcome facade Construction Challenges

Dow Corning Corporation ? a global leader in developing silicon-based technologies for the building industry ? has introduced a new structural silicone sealant as a high-performance solution to some of the glazing challenges currently faced by facade contractors and manufacturers. Easy-to-use, fast-curing Dow Corning 121 Structural Glazing Sealant can potentially simplify installation and reduce repair time.

Supplied in a two-part cartride complete with a static mixer,Dow Corning 121 Structural Glazing Sealant is a neutral-cure RTV silicone sealant with a unique 1-to-1 ("121") mix ratio. With easy mixing; simplified dispensing; and a fast, 24-hour cure, this new structural glazing option can eliminate the need for specialized mixing equipment. It also minimizes quality assurance issues, offering excellent adhesion and structural strength on many substrates without using a primer.

Ideal for repair or replacement of structurally glazed glass and other substrates, Dow Corning’s latest innovation for high-performance glazing combines user-friendly dispensing with the recognized performance advantages of silicones. Dow Corning 121 Structural Glazing Sealant is equally suitable for on-site structural glazing ? including storefront systems or attachment of panel stiffeners ? as it is for in-shop structural glazing.

Compared with typical one-part sealants, Dow Corning 121 Structural Glazing Sealant offers increased installation efficiency and productivity as well as performance improvements. Repairs that previously took 14 to 21 days can be completed in 24 hours, and swing stage rentals can be reduced from up to a month to just a couple of days. This new sealant leverages silicone benefits for better performance than organic weatherseals and structural tapes, offering durable, UV-resistant, long-life performance and excellent movement capability.

Dow Corning 121 Structural Glazing Sealant provides an alternative to using slower-curing one-part sealants, investing in two-part mixing equipment, installing fasteners and gaskets, or accepting the limited movement and load capability of tapes.

"Whether for repair, restoration or new construction, this innovative sealant for structural glazing and weathersealing combines superior long-term performance with potential up-front cost savings," said Dow Corning High Performance Building Marketing Manager Jim Stange. "And with more than 50 years of construction industry experience, Dow Corning High Performance Building Solutions offers a wide range of proven materials and technical expertise to support our customers’ project needs."