Silicone in UAE Construction: The Ultimate Guide for Hardware Dealers and Builders
Have you ever wondered why buildings in the UAE survive harsh heat, strong sandstorms, and rapid temperature changes without cracking or degrading? The answer often lies in a product most builders stock daily—Silicone.
From sealants on high-rise facades to weatherproofing glass panels, Silicone has become a non-negotiable material in modern construction. This guide breaks down everything hardware dealers and construction professionals in the UAE need to know about silicone—from how it’s made, to why it matters, and which suppliers offer the best brands.
What is Silicone?
Silicone is a synthetic polymer made primarily from silicon, oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen. Unlike organic polymers, silicone resists UV rays, heat, and moisture, making it ideal for harsh environments—like the deserts of the UAE.
In construction, silicone’s flexibility, durability, and weather resistance make it the go-to solution for:
- Sealing expansion joints
- Glazing systems
- Waterproofing
- Fire-rated applications
- Adhesives in structural glazing
Key Types of Silicone Used in Construction
1. Silicone Sealants
These are used for gap-filling, sealing, and bonding. Popular in glass-to-frame sealing and movement joints in façades.
2. Structural Silicone Glazing (SSG)
Used in curtain wall systems to bond glass panels without mechanical fasteners.
3. Fire-Rated Silicone
Designed to withstand high temperatures and contain fire spread, common in fireproofing walls and ducts.
4. Silicone Coatings
Applied to surfaces for UV protection, chemical resistance, and durability enhancement.
Why Silicone is Crucial in UAE’s Construction Environment
In the UAE’s extreme climate, materials are pushed to their limits. Silicone is especially important because it:
- Withstands temperatures from -50°C to +150°C
- Resists UV degradation (unlike many organic materials)
- Stays elastic under thermal expansion
- Adheres well to glass, aluminum, concrete, and stone
- Doesn’t crack or shrink, even in the long run
That’s why top developers and contractors rely on silicone-based sealants and adhesives for long-lasting performance.
How Silicone is Made: From Raw Material to Finished Product
Raw Materials
Silicone starts with silicon (Si)—a naturally occurring element found in sand (silica). It is processed and combined with:
- Methanol
- Chlorosilanes
- Water
- Catalysts and fillers (depending on the final application)
Manufacturing Process
- Silicon Extraction:
Silicon is derived from quartz sand via reduction with carbon in electric furnaces at ~1800°C. - Silanes Production:
Silicon reacts with methyl chloride to produce methylchlorosilanes—the building blocks of silicone. - Hydrolysis:
The silanes are then hydrolyzed with water to form polysiloxanes (silicone polymers). - Polymerization & Compounding:
The siloxanes are polymerized and mixed with fillers, pigments, and additives depending on their end use (sealant, adhesive, rubber, etc.). - Packaging:
Final products are packaged into cartridges, drums, or tubes ready for distribution.
Properties Gained Through Manufacturing
- Elasticity: Enables material to handle expansion/contraction
- Thermal Stability: Ideal for hot UAE environments
- UV & Chemical Resistance: Ensures long-term exterior use
- Water Repellency: Makes it suitable for waterproofing
Quality Control Measures in Silicone Manufacturing
To ensure the material performs as required, manufacturers perform tests such as:
- Viscosity and curing time checks
- Tensile and elongation tests
- Shore A hardness testing
- Adhesion tests to multiple substrates
- Weathering and aging simulations
Only products that meet ISO, ASTM, or local Gulf standards are distributed in the UAE market.
Top Applications in the UAE Construction Industry
Facade Glazing & Curtain Walls
Used in commercial towers across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah for their glass cladding systems.
Aluminum & Glass Partitioning
Common in mall interiors, showrooms, and offices, offering clean finishes and robust bonding.
Expansion Joints in Concrete
Silicone accommodates movement, preventing cracks and leakage.
Sanitary Sealing
For kitchens, bathrooms, and HVAC duct sealing—offering both hygiene and protection.
Solar Panel Installations
Silicone adhesives are used to bond components exposed to high heat and UV rays.
Major Brands & Trusted Suppliers in the UAE
Here are some of the leading silicone suppliers and brands available in the UAE. (Verified as of July 2025)
1. Dow Corning (Now Dow Silicones)
Distributor in UAE:
Al Muqarram Group
📍 Industrial Area 15, Sharjah, UAE
📞 +971 6 535 3796
🌐 www.muqarram.com
2. Soudal Silicone Sealants
Distributor in UAE:
Union Global Technical Equipment LLC
📍 Al Quoz Industrial Area 3, Dubai
📞 +971 4 338 5547
🌐 www.ugte.net
3. Bostik (Arkema Group)
Distributor in UAE:
Emirates Industrial Adhesives
📍 Jebel Ali Free Zone, Dubai
📞 +971 4 883 1800
🌐 www.bostik.com
4. Wacker Chemie AG
Distributor in UAE:
Wacker Chemicals Middle East
📍 Dubai Silicon Oasis HQ Building, UAE
📞 +971 4 709 9999
🌐 www.wacker.com
5. Al Muqarram Insulation Materials Industry
Own manufacturer of Acfix and Fix & Go Silicone sealants
📍 Industrial Area 15, Sharjah
📞 +971 6 535 3796
🌐 www.muqarram.com
Conclusion: Why Hardware Shops Must Stock High-Quality Silicone
Silicone is not just another tube on your shelf—it is one of the most critical components in delivering durable, weatherproof, and safe buildings across the UAE. Whether you’re supplying to a high-rise project in Dubai or a villa renovation in Ajman, stocking the right type and brand of silicone can mean the difference between repeat customers or project failures.
As a hardware dealer or construction professional, understanding silicone deeply gives you a competitive edge—helping you advise better, sell smarter, and build trust with your clients.
For more insights into sourcing, trading, or buying industrial construction materials across the UAE, visit www.gulfinquiries.com — your trusted business connect platform.
Also read – Silicone Sealant in UAE Construction: Importance, Manufacturing, and Market Dynamics