Comparison of Common Sealant Characteristics
| Property | Silicone | Polyurethane | Latex | Polysulfide | Precompressed Foam | Butyl | Acrylic |
| Shrinkage % | 3 | 5 | 20 | 10 | N/A | 18 | 12 |
| Max. Joint Movement Ability % | 50 | 25 | 7 | 25 | 25 | 5 | 7 |
| Ultimate Elongation % | 1600 | 700 | 450 | 1000 | Very Low | Low | Low |
| Recovery % | 100 | 90 | 75 | 80 | 100 | Poor | 25 |
| Modulus of Elasticity, lb/in^2 | 30 | 35 | 18 | 30 | 25 | 25 | 40 |
| Weathering Resistance | Excellent | Excellent, Good | Fair | Good | Excellent | Excellent | Good, Excellent |
| Water immersion | No | Some | No | Yes | No | No | No |
| Adhesion | Excellent | Good | Fair | Good | Excellent | Excellent | Good |
| Paintable | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Horizontal Joints | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Tack-free Time (Hrs) | 3 | 72 | 1 | 72 | N/A varies | 24 | 72 |
| Primer Required | Metal natural stone | Horizontal masonry | Some cases | Metal masonry | No | No | No |
| Joint Design (# times expected movement) | 4 | 4 | 12 | 6 | Best in compression mode | 20 | 12 |