Sealants Archives

OSI installation guide

Written by Christopher Richmann on May 22, 2023. Posted in Construction, Sealants. Leave a Comment

OSI is one of the most trusted brands in construction! The company has a variety of materials (sealants, tapes, and foams) it produces that make it easier for anyone who builds, including prefab or offsite construction. Some of OSI‘s best products are used during the installation, repair, or replacement of windows and doors.

Not only is OSI known for its products, but the company is also known for the training it offers on its products. Training is useful for providing additional protections, such as their limited warranty, giving a specific guarantee for 15 years on work completed. OSI also provides clear documentation. The OSI Installation Guide, which can be downloaded from their website, has information to help you install windows and doors.

It’s rare that companies give this level of detail for constructing anything, which helps sets OSI apart from its competitors. For that reason, Elevated wanted to give a high-level overview of what you can expect from the installation guide.

Why are installation guides important?

Even professionals sometimes run into sticky situations where they need assistance. It can refresh your memory, help train newer or less experienced employees, and answer detailed questions you may not know off the top of your head. For example, in the OSI guide, you’ll get information about what temperature products need to be stored.

What’s in the installation guide?

Obviously, Elevated can’t cover everything, but we can give an overview of the highlights — information you may need to know.

Product review

After introductions and basic information, the guide gives a detailed review of available products. This includes information on their flashing tapes, liquid flashing, foams, and more. Reading this information can help your team understand which products to use for which jobs.

Product storage info

Understand how to store materials to ensure these foams and sealants get the job done and are under warranty.

The OSI Installation Guide describes how to properly store these materials, which is critical for their use. For example, it explains that the OSI Quad Max should be stored at room temperature for at least 24 hours before installation to ensure the best performance. Also, the OSI Quad Foam must be stored vertically and should not be kept in direct sunlight.

Surface preparation

Before installing the windows or doors, ensure you’re using a clean surface, free of debris or dust. The guide also provides details about removing ice and snow before door and window installation to prepare the surfaces. And when you use this installation guide, you’ll the procedures for installing with non-porous substrates and porous substrates.

The “five critical flashing objectives”

Flashing is where some construction contractors have trouble, especially when it comes to sealing the window. That’s why OSI lists the five critical flashing objectives, which help ensure a complete seal. The five objectives are:

Protect rough opening: The guide discusses two applications used to protect the rough opening. These include exterior/interior sealant applications and flashing membrane applications.
Drain at the sill: Proper drainage is critical for avoiding water damage. Points addressed in this section include the gap between interior and exterior sealant, as well as the foam sealant and backer rods that are applied between the window frame and flashed rough sill.
Drain at the head: This section describes the order of various components that are used to create a head seal. These components go from flashing tape to seal the rough opening to water-resistant barrier tape, which is applied at the top of the window.
Interior perimeter seal: This seal is not exposed to rough elements and weather conditions like the exterior seals, but it still plays a critical role. The function of this seal is, essentially, to support the functionality of weatherproofing.
Exterior perimeter seal: Finally, there is a discussion on the exterior seal, which must provide a barrier for water, moisture, and temperature.

Procedures

The guide also gives a description of various installation procedures. In this section, you can find step-by-step measures for sill flashing, rigid-head flashing, interior perimeter seals, and more.

For example, there is a description of the installation process for the standard “A1” self-adhered sill flashing tape. This section starts with cutting the seal into an hourglass shape for the corners and taping along the bottom edge.

Don’t want to wade through lengthy details? You can search for their specific applications and access the information required for a specific project.

Appendix – a glossary of terms

Finally, the appendix helps professionals understand the various terms used throughout the guide.

The appendix includes numerous terms, such as “air barrier,” which is multiple materials joined together to provide a barrier and restrict or prevent the passage of air. Terms like “back dam,” “house wrap,” “mounting flange,” and “weather resistive barrier system” are included in the appendix.

This is a useful section that can be consulted whenever you come across an unfamiliar term.

Elevated can help, too

OSI’s installation guide is helpful with procedures, a glossary, and more. Elevated Industrial Solutions can help, too. Our people are trained by OSI on how to use products. And we know when to bring them in to help you guarantee your work or if you need a different product. With Elevated, you’ll have access to a wide variety of adhesives, tapes, and sealants, including top-quality products from OSI as well as other leading brands.

Our team understands the needs of industry professionals and can provide the service and dedication you deserve!

OSI Quad Max stacks up against the competition

Written by Tami Matthews on April 6, 2023. Posted in Construction, Industrial, Industrial, Manufactured housing, Sealants. Leave a Comment

Elevated Industrial Solutions is proud to carry top suppliers, including OSI, as well as premier products, such as Quad Max. OSI has something to offer a variety of industries, including home construction, remodeling, window and door installation, and even modular or prefabricated building.

OSI stands out as a top supplier because they provide certification to ensure workers know how to use their products correctly and safely. They also partner with Elevated and our customers, recommending products and techniques.

Their ability to be a partner as well as provide innovative and trusted products makes OSI one of our favorites. Among their superior products, Quad Max stands out.

What is Quad Max?

Quad Max is a high-quality silane-modified polymer sealant that’s used on various surfaces: wood, metal, brick, concrete, and vinyl. It works for siding, windows, doors, and even roofing. The sealant can be found at just about any construction site.

Features

Quad Max has the following features:

200+ colors that match more than 9,200 finishes
Clear option available that’s non-cloudy and remains transparent, resisting yellowing
Can be applied in temperature range of 0º F – 140ºF
Will not shrink as it cures
Resists damage from UV exposure
Does not collect dust and dirt
Fast 24-hour cure and paintable in 1 hour
Resistant to bubbling
GreenGuard® certified

Benefits

We see a lot of sealants, but Quad Max is one of the best. Here are a few reasons why we think it’s so popular among construction professionals.

Adheres to just about anything

Quad Max has superior adhesion compared to other sealants. As noted above, this sealant adheres to a wide range of surfaces, including wood, metal, brick, concrete, and vinyl. It creates a long-lasting seal, too, that’s resistant to weathering and UV rays. It’s also waterproof, which is important everywhere, especially the Pacific Northwest where it rains nearly eight months of the year.

Flexible

This sealant can withstand expansion and contraction caused by big temperature shifts as the Midwest often sees. This durability helps to prevent cracking and splitting, which can compromise the effectiveness of the sealant. It has five times the stretch and ± 50% joint movement, meeting performance requirements ASTM C 920: Type S, Grade NS, Class 50.

Despite being flexible, it doesn’t sag. That prevents dust, air, water, and contaminants from getting in through a gap.

And the fact that you can even apply the sealant in temperatures that range from 0º F – 140º F is great for construction across the U.S. year-round. The sealant can be applied during a cold winter Colorado day or in the middle of Houston’s summer.

Easy to use

OSI does have product training, protecting construction companies from liability that could happen after the home or building is completed and sold. But luckily, Quad Max is easy to apply thanks to its smooth consistency and workability. The caulking gun requires minimal preparation, making it a great choice for professionals. There are even different types of guns, including a larger one that enables faster application times for bigger jobs where more sealant is needed.

Versatile

There’s versatility in how prevalent it is for various industries. Many industries use Quad Max as their sealant of choice, including windows, doors, siding, trim, and roofing businesses.

There’s also versatility in the colors of the product itself. It comes in a variety of colors, including clear, that match modern windows and doors. The clear sealant resists yellowing with UV exposure – great for places like Arizona. Plus, it comes in various sizes with product discounts for cases.

Even when moisture is present, the sealant can be applied as it has proven wet-surface application. Again, that’s good news for the Pacific Northwest; otherwise, construction would come to a halt for much of the year.

It also has a fast 24-hour cure that’s paintable within 1 hour. The relatively quick cure helps make your workers more productive to speed up production time while keeping your projects moving.

Elevated can help your construction-related business

Ready to see how OSI Quad Max can help your business? We can show you how easy it is to use on windows, doors, siding, and more. We can provide a range of color options available and make recommendations based on what you’re trying to match.

Elevated isn’t limited to Quad Max, we carry OSI’s Quad Foam, Quad Fire Block Foam, and Construction Adhesives (SF450, SF450+, F38, RT600, and QB300). And we go beyond OSI. Although we think the company has great products, those industrial supplies may not be right for you or your job. It’s why we carry a range of other products from suppliers known by the construction industry.

DAP sealants and caulks

Written by Christopher Richmann on November 4, 2022. Posted in Construction, Countertop, Manufactured housing, Sealants. Leave a Comment

At Elevated Industrial Solutions, we take pride in supplying businesses, contractors, countertop fabricators, installers, remodelers, and builders with top-of-the-line products. We carry brands that experienced professionals rely on for a variety of jobs. And we’re proud that we have premier suppliers that can get items on time and on budget.

DAP Inc. is one of the most trusted companies for countertop fabrication and installation. This company, which has been “on the job since 1865,” is known for creating reliable adhesives, caulks, sealants, insulating foams, spackling, and more.

Why DAP products?

When it comes to industrial products, a company’s reputation is critical. People who purchase caulks, sealants, and adhesives don’t buy them just once: they find something that meets their high demands and “stick” with it.

DAP has a reputation for quality, serving installation professionals and fabrication experts since 1865. No company can survive that long, let alone maintain its industry reputation, without creating reliable, effective products. Their caulking and sealants are trusted by professionals who order DAP products regularly for countertops, backsplashes, tile installations, and more.

But this innovative company is not just trusted for countertop fabrication and installation; they are also relied on by professionals who work with windows and doors, siding, subfloors, drywall, and more. DAP has created numerous first-to-market products, and they have the first full line of sealants and adhesives made to meet the specs of virtually every industry or fabrication niche.

Apex Plus

Although we like to say we’re product agnostic, offering customers good, better, and best options within their timelines and budgets, we do have products we love. One of the most popular products from DAP — and a perfect example of their world-class sealants — is Apex Plus. This caulk is an all-purpose acrylic latex with silicone that, once applied, can be painted over in just 30 minutes. It can be used as a multi-surface adhesive for a variety of materials, including stone, is mold- and mildew-resistant, and comes with an industry-leading 40-year warranty! It’s even easy to clean up. And it’s low odor. That’s what makes Alex Plus ideal for any kitchen contractor, builder, remodeler, or installer. It’s perfect for backsplashes!

We currently offer DAP Apex Plus in 12-tube packages. With roughly 2,000 tubes in warehouses scattered across the country, we can typically ship your order within two business days. We carry two colors – clear and white. Plus, we have pre-paid freight options for 50 cases.

Dynaflex 800

Want to get a sealant that gives OSI’s Quad Max a run for its money? DAP’s Dynaflex 800. Why? It’s 100% waterproof and weatherproof. You only need to wait one hour to paint it. Plus, it can handle extreme temperatures, from 0 degrees to 120 Fahrenheit. That type of range works well for the Midwest. Best of all, it has UV resistance and is shrink and crack-proof.

Like OSI Quad Max, it comes in pallets and various sizes. This sealant also is priced competitively against OSI Quad Max.

Contact us for construction needs

Our team of industrial supply experts is dedicated to serving your needs. We’re not just your product supplier; we are committed to being your partner, supporting your business and employees through creative solutions that improve your quality, reduce cost, and save time. With our five-star service, consistent delivery, and a fully-stocked inventory in warehouses across the country, we have everything you need to succeed.

In addition to world-class DAP caulks and adhesives, we also have state-of-the-art tools from companies like Alpha, the makers of durable and effective polishers for countertop manufacturing as well as Integra Adhesives from IPS. See all things construction!