What is the main advantage of using an elastomeric sealant over other types?

The main advantage of using an elastomeric sealant is its ability to recover after deformation. This characteristic is essential in applications where movement may occur, such as in building joints or around penetrations. Elastomeric sealants possess a high degree of flexibility and can stretch and compress without experiencing permanent deformation. This means that they can maintain a seal even after experiencing stress from environmental factors like temperature fluctuations or structural movement.

This property makes elastomeric sealants particularly valuable in firestopping applications, as they help to ensure that gaps through which smoke and fire could spread are effectively sealed, even when the materials around them expand or contract. This recovery capability helps enhance the overall integrity of firestop systems, contributing to building safety and compliance with fire codes.

While ease of application, color options, and low cost may be beneficial aspects of certain sealants, they do not provide the critical long-term performance advantages that the ability to recover after deformation does. This recovery property is fundamental to ensuring ongoing effectiveness in maintaining firestopping and other protective functions in construction applications.