Plastics, wood, and concrete have different characteristics, of course, including substrate movement, porosity, material compatibility, and surface preparation requirements. All factors impact caulk and sealant selection, since you must consider how a sealant will react to a particular substrate. Remember, Sicree cautioned, that a sealant that works for one material may not be appropriate for another. All building substrates expand or contract, depending on temperature. Movement causes joints to change in size and can affect the adhesion of the seal.
Expansion can be considerable, especially with exterior products.
Porosity and material compatibility also are key considerations. And, some building materials require special consideration, since some sealants will dissolve, corrode, or stain certain substrates. Certain solvents in sealants dissolve anything containing polystyrene. Others will dissolve the butyl seal in insulated glass units. Others can turn vinyl yellow, OSIs Sicree said.