Seam sealing in humidity

[Heidi M]

Hi all, hoping for some insight on seam sealing. I have a solomid to seal, but am currently living in the keys where the humidity rarely gets below 85%. I’ve read that under 80% is ideal: could anyone tell me how higher humidity will affect the process? Will it still cure?

[Ken Thompson]

Well the silicone cures just fine in the rain and high humidity. It cures better the higher the humidity in my experience.

 

[Colin Krusor]

Hi Heidi. The silicone sealant cures by reacting with moisture in the air. Manufacturers recommend that the sealant is applied when the RH is below 80% because more moisture can cause the silicone to cure fast on the surface, creating a skin that makes it more difficult for the atmospheric moisture to reach the uncured silicone below if it is applied as a thick bead. In your case, you’ll be applying a very thin layer with your finger or a spreading tool, which will ensure that the silicone will have plenty of access to atmospheric moisture. In your area, you should get good results sealing the seams on your solomid, I think.

[Ken Thompson]

FWIW I use Permatex flowable windshield sealant straight from the tube.

[Roger Caffin]

Permatex flowable windshield sealant straight from the tube.
+1

Cheers

[Heidi M]

Colin, that was the perfect explanation, thanks for that! For the permatex fans: I already have silnet on hand, is it significantly easier to go with the permatex?

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