Despite its name, butylene silicone is not a classic silicone, but a sealant based on butyl rubber. Its basic characteristic is that it does not cure completely after application. Instead, it remains permanently plastic, which means that it is still slightly soft and pliable, and retains its adhesion. This condition is sometimes described as a 'living' material. Because of this permanent plasticity, it seals well against water and air and has high adhesion to many building materials such as metals, glass, wood and concrete. It is used for sealing and joining parts where large expansion movements are not expected, for example in the sealing of sheet metal roofs, gutters, in air conditioning or for sealing joints between window frames and masonry. Its advantage is that it is paintable after the surface skin is formed. However, it is not suitable for joints that are subject to significant mechanical stress or constant expansion and contraction.