Applied and Mechanical Sealing Solutions – What’s The Difference?

The right chimney seal can help stop up to 70% of your inflow and infiltration issues. When determining which type of chimney seal to utilize, applied or mechanical, it’s important to understand the differences.

Applied Seals

• Definition: A chemical mixture that is hand brushed, sprayed or heat shrunk that relies on a chemical bond for adhesion to the surface
• Product Storage: Must be stored in a controlled environment
• Installation Prep: Require a variety of tools and equipment to prepare the manhole and frame surfaces
• Product Life: Estimated design life of 7-10 years according to the ASCE Manual of Practice Number 92, Second Edition

Mechanical Seals

• Definition: A sleeve (usually rubber) the relies on bands to either expand or compress to apply pressure for sealing against the surface
• Product Storage: Can be stored at any temperature, as long as it is not exposed to direct sunlight
• Product Cost: Typically, a bit more expensive than applied seals, with installation costs similar to applied
• Installation Prep: Require minimal hand tools to prepare the manhole and frame
• Product Life: Estimated design life of 25 years according to the ASCE Manual of Practice Number 92, Second Edition

Ultimately the goal is to stop inflow and infiltration issues, however it is important to utilize the seal that meets your needs, while also stopping the issue for as long as possible.

For more details on our mechanical chimney sealing options, check out our LSS Internal Chimney Seal product page. Or, reach out for a free product demonstration.