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While caulk and sealant can sometimes be used for the same purposes, some key differences set them apart from each other. They each have their pros and cons and are best for different areas of the home.
The main difference between caulk and sealant is that sealant has higher elasticity, while caulk is less flexible. More elasticity means that sealant can expand to form a tighter seal, making it a great choice for high-moisture areas like tubs, showers, and plumbing.
In most of the cases, the caulk and the sealant are the same things. But there are some exceptional instances also, when these two terms define different things. Caulking is traditionally done to fill gaps in the joints of ceramic, metal, or plastic plumbing pipes that prevent leaks from happening.
However, the biggest difference between caulk and sealant is elasticity. Caulk is more rigid than sealants when dry. Sealants hold up better in spaces that are prone to a lot of expansion and contraction. For example, the best caulk for windows is usually a “sealant” instead of a true “caulk.”.
Today, some manufacturers use caulk as an all-purpose term and sealant to describe their high-performance products. Most often, though, the terms are used interchangeably, and the products serve the same purpose: to fill gaps between building materials and to keep water and air out.
Caulk and sealant are commonly used for renovation projects around the home. When the bathroom is getting remodeled or the kitchen is having a new backsplash installed, caulk is used to seal the gaps and keep moisture from creating problems inside the walls.
The main difference between a caulk and a sealant is elasticity. Caulks are fairly rigid when dry, and are intended for use in areas with minimal expansion and contraction. Sealants are made from flexible material–most commonly silicone–making them ideal for areas prone to expansion and contraction.
Learn the difference between sealant vs caulk, including the pros and cons of each one, and discover where you can save time and money with the best product.
Caulk. If you need a tight seal when repairing something, caulk may be an option. When you use acrylic latex caulk to seal something, the gap is watertight and airtight, ensuring the tightest seal possible. When it dries, however, it is more rigid than 100% silicone sealant.
Is there a difference between caulk and sealant? “Caulk is made from latex and acrylic materials which is prone to shrinkage when cured,” says Cantor. “Sealant is primarily silicone, making it elastic and water resistant.”