Butyl sealant, often referred to as "butyl silicone", is a sealant based not on silicone but on synthetic butyl rubber. Its key characteristic is plasticity, as opposed to the elasticity of conventional silicones. In practice, this means that when compressed or stretched, it does not try to return to its original shape, but adapts to the new shape and fills it in. It has a very high adhesion to most building materials and forms a strong and permanent barrier against water and air. Once applied, it does not harden into a solid form but remains permanently tacky and malleable, often with a thin non-sticky skin on the surface. It is primarily used for sealing and bonding joints with minimal movement, such as roofing overlaps, vapour barrier membrane connections, air seals or as a seal between the window frame and masonry. Its main purpose is to ensure the long-term watertightness and airtightness of the joint. It is usually repaintable with conventional paints.