OSI QUAD vs. QUAD Max: Which One is The Best Caulk?

When it comes to caulking, OSI is a top-leading brand in the market. Their high-end quality materials are perfect for exterior/interior windows, doors, and siding. QUAD and QUAD Max are the two popular products from this brand.

Homeowners often feel confused about choosing between OSI QUAD vs. QUAD Max. After all, each one is no less. 

We will walk you through the main difference between these two caulking and which one will be the best for your house.

A Quick Comparison Table

Want to have a quick overview? If you are in a hurry, consider checking this small table to learn some essential details about both items.

Specifications	OSI QUAD	OSI QUAD Max
Usability	Suitable for many materials	Suitable for all materials
Temperature endurance	20°F to 120°F	0°F to 140° F
Stretching Power	Regular	5 times
Type of sealant	Class 25	Class 50
Flexibility	Standard	Highly flexible
Price	More affordable	Slightly expensive
Durability	Decent durability	More durable

In-depth Differences Between OSI QUAD And QUAD Max

So, you have got some initial details about both caulks. But is it enough to take a sensible decision? Let’s check out their extensive details to learn them better.

• Usability

Before choosing a particular caulk, you must know where to use it.

It will go in vain for a specific adhesive or caulk if you can’t use it in your desired place.

OSI QUAD is suitable to use on a wide range of materials.

You can use it on the external door, windows, siding applications, vinyl siding, PVC trim, fiber-cement, and other materials.

In contrast, OSI QUAD Max is perfect for using all materials.

You can use it on EIFS, fiber cement, glass, vinyl, coated aluminum, cedar, brick, wood, fiberglass, stone, stucco, PVC, Kynar coatings, and flashing tapes, and so forth.

• Temperature Endurance

Caulks or adhesives must have a decent temperature endurance level so that their adhesive quality doesn’t get affected by too high or too low temperatures.

OSI QUAD can firmly retain its adhesive power at a temperature of 20°F to 120°F. Hence, the adhesive quality won’t be affected if your location has more or less than the average temperature.

On the other hand, QUAD Max has a superior temperature endurance ability. It can handle 0°F to 140° F easily, unlike most common caulks. So, it is not hard to see why the unit stands out from other top-end products. 

• Stretching Power

Compared to OSI QUAD, QUAD Max has a better stretching ability. You can stretch QUAD Max up to 5 times. This gives you more convenience to work on areas that need extra expansion.

However, OSI QUAD is not that bad at all. It is easily stretchable like regular caulks from other brands. Hence, using this product means you get an average stretching power type.

• Movement Capability Class

Choosing a particular type of sealant requires you first to determine what kind of seal you need for your specific project. OSI QUAD is a Class 25 sealant.

It means its joint movement capability is up to 25% expansion or contraction from its actual joint length.

You can use this type of sealant for any mid-range amount of movement.

Contrastly, QUAD Max has a 50% expansion or contraction joint movement capability from its actual joint length.

It is perfect for using glazing applications, building facade systems, and other things that need medium movement.

• Flexibility

Compared to OSI QUAD, QUAD Max is more flexible since you can actually bend and stretch it higher than OSI QUAD. It is 100% solid, so it will not shrink, unlike many other caulks that can shrink up to 33%.

Apart from that, QUAD Max is a UV inhibitor, meaning it will not break down quickly. Its original color will not fade over time even after exposing the unit to ultraviolet or “UV” light.

Apart from being a quality sealant, this advanced caulk is strong enough to act as glue. Hence, the strength of this product is incredible. 

Another unbelievable thing about the bond is that you don’t need any screws while using it on windows.

• Price

Your budget is essential when choosing a particular caulk for house-building projects. After all, not all of us are ready to pay the same amount of money.

QUAD Max has a slightly high price tag than OSI QUAD. Since the first one is a more updated version and has a better formula, it is expected to cost more.

However, that’s doesn’t mean it is out of budget. If you compare it with similar products in the market, it still has almost identical pricing options.

• Durability 

You have already got a hint about their durability from the above points. No doubt, OSI QUAD has decent durability to last for several years.

 Water, UV, dust, and dirt won’t affect its lifespan so soon. There is no chance it will crack easily or become yellow.

But the QUAD Max is made to last for several decades. Their quality won’t deteriorate over time, even after exposure to extreme environmental conditions.

Key Features of OSI QUAD Polyurethane Sealant

OSI QUAD is a high-quality professional grade polyurethane sealant ideal for gaps and joints both indoors and outdoors.

Some standout features include:

• Superior Adhesion – Bonds to common building materials like wood, metal, concrete, masonry, glass, and fiberglass
• Flexibility – Remains flexibile from -40°F to 180°F allowing it to expand and contract with materials
• Water Resistant – Cured sealant repels water and forms a watertight seal
• UV Resistance – Does not harden, crack or chalk when exposed to sunlight and extreme temperatures
• Mold & Mildew Resistant – Contains biocide agents to prevent mold, mildew and bacterial growth
• Paintable – Cured sealant accepts most latex and oil-based paints
• Low VOC – Meets strict VOC regulations in all 50 states for safe indoor air quality
• Quick Cure – Skins over in 60 minutes and fully cures in 24-48 hours

With superb versatility and reliability, OSI QUAD handles the most demanding sealing applications while saving time with its rapid cure rate.

Key Features of QUAD Max Polyurethane Sealant

QUAD Max Sealant lives up to its name as a high performance polyurethane designed for maximal expanding and contracting movement.

Standout QUAD Max features:

• Flexible – Ability to expand and contract up to 50% makes it ideal for substrates with high movement
• Strong Adhesion – Creates secure bonds to most building materials
• Waterproof Seal – Provides a water-tight seal to keep moisture out
• UV/Weather Resistant Formulated to withstand sunlight, rain, snow and temperature extremes without damage
• Mold & Mildew Resistance – Contains agents to resist mold, mildew growth
• Paintable – Accepts paint after full curing
• Low VOC – Meets VOC restrictions for safe use
• Long Working Time – Has an extended time for tooling and repositioning

With exceptional flexibility and adhesion, QUAD Max can seal gaps and joints where movement is anticipated such as decks, windows, siding, trim and ventilation systems.

When To Use Each Sealant?

QUAD Max is the clear choice when sealing substrates prone to excessive expansion and contraction like wood decks and windows. Its extreme flexibility enables it to stretch and compress up to 50% alongside the natural movements.

Conversely, OSI QUAD is better for:

• Sealing gaps and joints with low/moderate movement
• Completing projects faster thanks to rapid cure rate
• Applying in cold temperatures down to 20°F
• Working indoors due to lower odor

There are also cases where both sealants would be suitable options:

• Filling cracks or gaps in siding, trim, vents, pipes, and masonry
• Sealing corners and joints where indoor and outdoor building materials meet
• Adhering fixtures like backsplashes, wall tiles, battens, or kickboards
• Reinforcing seals around windows, door frames, attic hatches

So consider substrate movement along with application requirements when deciding between the two.

Application Tips

To achieve successful seals and maximum longevity with either OSI QUAD or QUAD Max:

• Ensure surfaces are clean, dry, and structurally sound
• Cut nozzle at 45° angle to desired bead size
• Test compatibility with materials if unsure
• Apply continuous bead without gaps or air pockets
• Tool sealant “wet” within 2-5 minutes of application
• Allow full 24-48 hour (QUAD) or 7-14 day (QUAD Max) cure time
• Clean tools and hands immediately with mineral spirits

Using appropriate application techniques allows both sealants to deliver their premium performance.

Which One Is Ideal For Your Home?

It can be tricky to answer. After all, both items are for most household projects.

Choosing a particular caulk first requires determining the price, durability, and adhesive strength you prefer.

For instance, selecting OSI QUAD appears absolutely okay if you want an average durable caulk with an affordable price tag.

It is better than many cheap quality sealants on the market though they have a similar price.

Contrastly, when you prefer exceptional quality caulk sealant with an advanced formula, QUAD Max appears to be the best suitable option. Though it has a bit higher price tag, its lifespan and tough adhesion power deserve the amount you pay.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Final Thought

Using top-quality materials is always better for any house building project to ensure maximum durability and safety. This will prevent the hassle of re-installation.

So, what have you decided to choose between OSI QUAD vs. QUAD Max?

The first one is a standard version, and the latter is a premium version. You just need to determine your preference and pick the best one.