Silicones. Building endless possibilities for construction.

Silicones play a key role in many aspects of construction.
Silicone materials have revolutionised construction since they were first introduced on the market in the 1960s.

They reduce lifecycle costs

Silicone products offer substantial savings  over the lifetime of a product. A published example evaluates the potential savings silicone sealants could bring as opposed to urethane based sealants. It shows that by using silicone to re-caulk an 8-storey building can help save up to €112,000 in addition to providing additional durability.

Silicone sealants last three times longer than organic materials used in the same applications. Silicone additives are vital for insulating materials. Studies have shown that filling a brick façade with silicone additives instead of alternative masonry water repellent techniques, emits 13 times less Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. These additives are vital for insulating materials to work effectively.

They protect buildings

Silicone coating reduces degradation and helps lengthen the operational lifetime of the material. This prolongs the lifetime of buildings and façades and avoids or delays maintenance  and repair costs arising from water or damp  damage. The colourless silicone treatment applies flexibility and durability as well as improved UV resistance.

They improve energy efficiency

Using silicone additives in construction emits 13 times less GHG emissions. By using products made with silicones, you generate on average 9 TIMES LESS GREENHOUSE GASES than were emitted during manufacturing and disposal of that product.

A selection of construction applications using silicones:

COATINGS

STRUCTURAL GLAZING

RESTORATION

THERMAL INSULATION

WATER REPELLENCE

A total of

metric tons

of silicone products were sold
to the sector in Europe

With a direct sales value of

million euro

Silicones bond with most materials from concrete, glass, granite and marble to aluminium, steel and plastics. They are extremely durable and can resist decay caused to other materials by rough weather conditions, moisture or sunlight. Silicone sealants can prevent humidity and hot or cold air from coming through joints and cracks, thereby making buildings more energy efficient.

Their flexibility can also reduce damage from small to medium-scale earthquakes. Even very small amounts of silicone contribute to great energy savings. For example, silicone used in insulated glass units has an impressive benefit in terms of green-house gas emissions.

How silicones help our lives