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IS 15588 : 2005Silicone based sealants for construction - Specification

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ASTM C920 · JIS A 5758
CurrentSpecializedSpecificationBIMMaterials Science · Waterproofing and Damp Proofing
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OverviewValues7InternationalTablesFAQ5Related

IS 15588:2005 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for silicone based sealants for construction - specification. This standard specifies the requirements and test methods for single-component, gun-grade, silicone-based sealants used in construction joints. It classifies sealants based on their movement accommodation factor and details performance criteria for adhesion, cohesion, durability, hardness, and curing characteristics.

Specifies requirements for one-part and two-part silicone based sealants for use in building and civil engineering constructions.

Overview

Status
Current
Usage level
Specialized
Domain
Materials Science — Waterproofing and Damp Proofing
Type
Specification
International equivalents
ASTM C920-18 · ASTM International, USAJIS A 5758:2016 · Japanese Industrial Standards, Japan
Typically used with
IS 101IS 1387
Also on InfraLens for IS 15588
7Key values2Tables5FAQs

BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.

Practical Notes
! Proper joint design (width-to-depth ratio) and thorough surface preparation are critical for sealant performance and longevity, often more so than the sealant properties alone.
! Always check for compatibility between the sealant, substrate, and any primers used, as specified by the manufacturer, to prevent adhesion failure.
! Do not confuse silicone sealants with other types like polysulphide or polyurethane; they have different properties, chemical resistance, and application areas.
Frequently referenced clauses
Cl. 4ClassificationCl. 5RequirementsCl. 5.4Adhesion and Cohesion PropertiesCl. 5.5Movement Accommodation Factor (MAF)Cl. 5.6DurabilityCl. 7Marking and Packing
Pulled from IS 15588:2005. Browse the full clause & table index below in Tables & Referenced Sections.
siliconesealantjoint sealantelastomericwaterproofing

International Equivalents

Similar International Standards
ASTM C920-18ASTM International, USA
HighCurrent
Standard Specification for Elastomeric Joint Sealants
Performance specification for single and multi-component elastomeric sealants, including silicones.
ISO 11600:2002International Organization for Standardization, International
HighWithdrawn
Building construction — Jointing products — Classification and requirements for sealants
Classifies facade (F) and glazing (G) sealants based on performance, particularly movement capability.
BS EN ISO 11600:2003BSI / CEN, UK / Europe
HighWithdrawn
Building construction. Jointing products. Classification and requirements for sealants
Direct European and British adoption of the ISO 11600 standard for classifying construction sealants.
JIS A 5758:2016Japanese Industrial Standards, Japan
MediumCurrent
Sealing compounds for sealing and glazing in buildings
Specifies requirements for various sealant types, including silicones, used in Japanese construction.
Key Differences
≠IS 15588 is specific to one-part, neutral-cure silicone sealants, whereas ASTM C920 covers a broad range of elastomeric sealant chemistries (silicone, polyurethane, polysulfide etc.) and curing mechanisms.
≠ASTM C920 and ISO 11600 feature detailed classification systems. ASTM uses Type, Grade, Class, and Use (e.g., Type S, Grade NS, Class 25, Use NT). ISO uses application and movement (e.g., F-25LM). IS 15588 has one primary set of requirements without a formal sub-classification system.
≠The specific test methods referenced are different. IS 15588 refers to its own Annexes or other IS codes, while ASTM C920 and ISO 11600 refer to their respective suites of test methods (e.g., ASTM C719 vs IS 15588 Annex D), which can have variations in specimen preparation and test conditions.
≠ASTM C920 offers a wider range of specified movement capabilities (Class 12.5, 25, 35, 50, and 100/50), allowing for more precise specification. IS 15588 primarily focuses on a single movement capability class, generally understood to be ±25%.
Key Similarities
≈All are performance-based specifications, defining the sealant by its tested abilities (adhesion, movement, durability) rather than by its chemical formulation.
≈The core performance criterion in all standards is the sealant's ability to accommodate joint movement without failure, tested via cyclic extension and compression.
≈All standards require testing for adhesion and cohesion on common building substrates (e.g., glass, aluminum, mortar/concrete), often including a water immersion step to test durability in wet conditions.
≈Basic physical properties like non-sag (slump/flow), hardness, and curing characteristics (tack-free time) are specified or required to be reported across all standards.
Parameter Comparison
ParameterIS ValueInternationalSource
Slump / Flow (Non-Sag)≤ 3 mm≤ 3.2 mm (0.125 in) for Grade NS (Non-Sag)ASTM C920 (Test Method C639)
Hardness (Shore A, 28 days cure)15 to 30No mandatory value; must be reported by manufacturer. Typical values for a Class 25 silicone are 15-30.ASTM C920 (Test Method C661)
Tack-Free Time≤ 60 minutesNo mandatory value; must be reported by manufacturer. Typical values are 30-60 minutes.ASTM C920 (Test Method C679)
Adhesion & Cohesion (Cyclic Movement)No failure after 10 cycles at ±25%No adhesive or cohesive failure after 10 cycles at the specified Class (e.g., ±25%)ASTM C920 (Test Method C719)
Elastic Recovery≥ 70%≥ 70% for elastic sealants (Class F & G)ISO 11600:2002 (Test Method ISO 7389)
Weight Loss after Heat Ageing≤ 10%≤ 10%ASTM C920 (Test Method C1246)
Staining of Porous SubstrateStain Index ≤ 3No pass/fail value in C920; rated on a scale of 0-5. Non-staining sealants are expected to have a low rating.ASTM C1248 (referenced for non-staining claims)
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use

Key Values7

Quick Reference Values
Movement Accommodation Factor (Class 25)±25%
Movement Accommodation Factor (Class 20)±20%
Hardness Range (Shore A)15 to 50
Maximum Tack-Free Time180 min
Maximum Curing Time14 days
Maximum Loss in Mass on Heat Ageing10%
Elastic Recovery (minimum)80%

Tables & Referenced Sections

Key Tables
Table 1 - Requirements for Silicone Based Sealants
Table 2 - Classification of Sealants based on Movement Accommodation Factor
Key Clauses
Clause 4 - Classification
Clause 5 - Requirements
Clause 5.4 - Adhesion and Cohesion Properties
Clause 5.5 - Movement Accommodation Factor (MAF)
Clause 5.6 - Durability
Clause 7 - Marking and Packing

Related Resources on InfraLens

Cross-Referenced Codes
IS 101:1986Methods of sampling and test for paints, varn...
→
IS 1387:1993General Requirements for Supply of Metallic M...
→

Frequently Asked Questions5

What is the main classification for silicone sealants under this code?+
They are classified by their Movement Accommodation Factor (MAF). Class 25 for ±25% movement and Class 20 for ±20% movement are typical (Table 2).
What is the acceptable hardness range for these sealants?+
The Shore A hardness should be between 15 and 50, as per Table 1.
What is the maximum time a sealant can take to become tack-free?+
The maximum tack-free time is 180 minutes (Table 1).
Does this standard specify the color of the sealant?+
No, the color is subject to agreement between the purchaser and the supplier (Clause 5.1).
What is the criteria for passing the adhesion and cohesion test?+
The sealant should not show any adhesive or cohesive failure after 10 cycles of extension and compression (Annex B).

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