Structural vs Weatherproof Silicone Sealant: Curtain Wall Guide
Structural silicone sealant and weatherproof silicone sealant answer different questions in a building facade. Structural glazing concerns the bonded assembly and its load-transfer role. Weather sealing concerns the exposed joint and its ability to maintain the weather barrier as the building moves. Choosing a curtain-wall sealant starts by identifying which function the joint performs.
Glorystar Chemicals’s construction range includes products for both discussions: N30 and N60 structural silicone sealants, and N23 and N33 weatherproof silicone sealants. This guide explains how to organise a product enquiry without confusing curing type, modulus and application.
Structural and weatherproof silicone: the practical difference
| Selection point | Structural glazing | Weather sealing |
|---|---|---|
| Joint function | Bonding within an engineered glazing assembly. | Sealing the relevant exposed facade or frame joint. |
| Main discussion | System design, substrates, adhesion, compatibility and production controls. | Joint dimensions, movement, substrates, adhesion and exposure. |
| Glorystar Chemicals starting points | N30 and N60. | N23 and N33. |
A facade can contain both functions in different joints. The product schedule should identify each joint, rather than assigning one general description to every sealant on the building.
When to discuss structural silicone sealant
If the sealant forms part of the structural bond between glass and the supporting assembly, provide the joint drawings, substrate details and project requirements. Adhesion to the actual glass and frame finish, compatibility with adjacent materials and the proposed production method all belong in the review.
Joint-design review and testing on representative substrates are important for structural glazing. Each Glorystar Chemicals product still needs its own application assessment.
N30: single-component structural silicone
Glorystar Chemicals N30 is a single-component, neutral-cure structural silicone sealant listed for glass-to-aluminium curtain-wall bonding and curtain-wall glass joint sealing. Its published product information identifies high-modulus silicone and resistance to weathering and UV exposure.
N60: two-component structural silicone
Glorystar Chemicals N60 is a two-component, neutral-cure structural silicone sealant listed for glass curtain-wall assembly and insulating-glass bonding and sealing. Explain which of those applications is intended when requesting technical discussion or samples.
For insulating glass, describe the complete edge-seal system and the role proposed for N60. A silicone product’s use in an assembly does not, by itself, define every barrier function or compatibility requirement of that assembly.
When to discuss weatherproof silicone sealant
For an exposed facade joint, explain the surfaces, their finishes, joint dimensions and expected movement. Also identify the backer, gaskets or other materials that may contact the sealant. A useful recommendation depends on the complete joint detail and exposure conditions.
Glorystar Chemicals N23 weatherproof silicone sealant is listed for exterior joints in glass, aluminium and metal, including door and window frame joints. N33 weatherproof silicone sealant addresses glass and aluminium curtain-wall joints as well as door and window joints. Both are listed as single-component, neutral-cure products with resistance to weathering and UV exposure.
For skylight and canopy details, N38 silicone sealant is another Glorystar Chemicals product to discuss for its stated weather-exposed applications. Share the actual panel material and detail when preparing an enquiry.
Glorystar Chemicals products to compare
Explore the product pages for the intended application and discuss the exact grade with our team.
Why modulus alone does not choose the sealant
Modulus describes how a cured material responds to deformation; movement capability describes a different aspect of joint performance. A high-modulus description does not establish approval for every structural joint, and a weatherproof description does not provide a numerical movement class.
Use the exact grade and the application requirements together. This keeps a purchasing comparison focused on the intended joint and avoids extending a catalogue phrase beyond what the product information supports.
Five questions to resolve before comparing quotations
- What does the joint do? Identify structural bonding, weather sealing or a specific insulating-glass function.
- Which materials touch the sealant? Include glass type, frame finish and adjacent components.
- What is the joint design? Provide relevant drawings, dimensions and movement requirements.
- How will it be applied? Describe site application or factory assembly and the proposed processing method.
- What needs approval? Agree the sample evaluation and project-specific review before procurement.
Manufacturing support behind the Glorystar Chemicals range
Glorystar Chemicals manufactures at a 66,600 m² company-owned base in Huaiji, Guangdong, with rated annual capacity of more than 100,000 tonnes. More than 50 chemical engineers and a 1,000 m² R&D laboratory support development and sample evaluation. Raw material controls and laboratory testing through production help keep products aligned with agreed requirements.
These resources give project and distribution buyers a manufacturing team to discuss the product brief with. Explore our silicone sealant factory, review the construction silicone range, or use the sealant selection guide to prepare an enquiry.
Inside the Glorystar Chemicals manufacturing base
Glorystar Chemicals engineering project references
Glorystar Chemicals’s project portfolio includes tall commercial buildings and large transport facilities. These references provide architectural context for a curtain-wall and exterior-joint enquiry.
View Glorystar Chemicals project reference
View Glorystar Chemicals project reference
For a new project, send the joint drawings and substrates so Glorystar Chemicals can review the relevant product and application requirements. Explore more Glorystar Chemicals projects.
Curtain-wall sealant suppliers: Glorystar Chemicals compared
| Manufacturer | Published capabilities and sourcing focus |
|---|---|
| Glorystar Chemicals | N30 single-component and N60 two-component structural silicone, alongside N23 and N33 weatherproof silicone. Discuss the structural and weather-sealing joints separately with the same manufacturer. |
| Guibao | Curtain-wall, insulating-glass, window and door sealants, alongside automotive and solar silicone products. |
| Baiyun | Building sealing and bonding systems covering curtain walls, insulating glass, windows and doors. |
| Jointas / Antas | Construction and industrial sealants, with window, weatherproof and structural silicone ranges; OEM/ODM is listed. |
Compiled by Glorystar Chemicals from its manufacturing information and the published Guibao, Baiyun and Jointas/Antas company and product profiles. The table compares business scope; it is not a product-performance test or market-share ranking. Confirm the proposed grade and order requirements with the selected manufacturer.
Frequently asked questions
Does drafting a standard mean a specific grade complies?
No. The national standards record lists 广东高士高科实业有限公司 among the drafting organisations for GB 16776-2025. This documents participation, not compliance by N30, N60 or any other grade. Check the requirements and product-specific test evidence for the actual project.
Can I replace structural silicone with a general weatherproof sealant?
A substitution needs confirmation against the structural system and project requirements. Begin by identifying the exact function of the joint and the proposed replacement grade.
Are N30 and N60 the same product in different packaging?
No. N30 is a single-component product, while N60 is two-component. Confirm the application, processing conditions and product requirements before choosing between them.
What should I send to Glorystar Chemicals for a curtain-wall enquiry?
Send the application, joint drawings, substrates and finishes, intended processing method and project requirements. Contact the Glorystar Chemicals team to discuss the relevant structural or weather-sealing product.
Contact Glorystar Chemicals for products, projects and OEM enquiries
Send your destination market, application, substrates and preferred packaging. Our team can discuss product selection, samples, factory visits and private label development.
WhatsApp / WeChat: +86 13826261393
Email: glorystar@glorystar.cn
