While they can appear inconsequential to the untrained eye, mastics, coatings, and sealants are all part and parcel of an efficient insulation system. Without them, the lifespan and efficacy of your insulation materials can be greatly reduced. Think of it like skipping the caulking on your shower renovation. You may think you’ve saved a couple of bucks and some time, but you’re just asking for water damage, leaks, and even mould. In the same way, skimping out on mastics, coatings, and sealants for your mechanical insulation just isn’t worth it!
Don’t You Forget About Me
Before we dive into why these fluid coatings are so important, let’s break down some terminology here. In some cases, you’ll find that manufacturers will use all three of these terms interchangeably. At the end of the day, they all have relatively similar functions based on the application.
- Mastic: These typically refer to a high-viscosity coating applied by trowel or brush. Think goopy and thick like peanut butter.
- Coating: Coatings are low-viscosity and tend to be applied with a brush or spray. These fluids would be more akin to hairspray.
- Sealant: This final term falls in between the other two, with a viscosity that lends itself to being dispensed in a tube, like white glue.
Let’s Get Physical
The thick nature of mastics allows them to physically protect the material they’ve been applied to from the battering of the elements. This is most obvious in the form of weather barrier mastics. This special material acts as a “breather”, preventing moisture from entering the above ambient system, while at the same time allowing moisture to escape. This offers an advantage over other types of jacketing as they will seal in residual moisture that ultimately leads to corrosion. In addition, adding in a reinforcing mesh layer reinforces the mastic, providing excellent resistance to cracking as contraction and expansion of the system naturally occurs.
Blister in the Sun
Another concern for outdoor applications is the damage caused by UV radiation. Over time, most insulation materials will degrade and become less effective the longer they sit in the sun. According to CurrentResults.com, Calgary is the sunniest spot in all of Canada, boasting an incredible 2,396 hours of bright sunlight a year. While that is amazing for our mental health and outdoor sports, it’s not so good for our industrial processes. Many mastics, coatings, and sealants are designed to prevent UV damage and thus extend the lifespan of your insulation system.
Here Comes the Rain Again
Finally, one of the most important components of a mastic, coating, or sealant is to keep water of any form out of the system. Moisture can result in mould growth, corrosion, and a whole host of other problems. The ambient temperature of your system will determine what direction the moisture will flow. In cold systems, vapour will travel from the ambient air toward the pipe or equipment. A vapour retarder mastic is essential to stopping or slowing the rate of transmission and protecting your pipes.
Mastics, coatings, and sealants are small features that offer big benefits to your insulation system. If you’re missing them or they are due for maintenance, don’t wait for equipment failure to get them sorted! Reach out to our team of insulation professionals today at Westcal Insulation.
