Avoiding Sealant Failure!
Sealants are typically one of the lowest costs on a project - yet they are one of the leading complaints on a project pertaining to failures!
In exploring some of the underlying causes of sealant failures, we find misconceptions and application errors both play a role. Some of the more common misconceptions we find that can lead to failures are:
- A particular sealant has been used on other projects - so it must be the right one.
- "I have used this sealant for "x" years - it always works".
- The sealant has the most movement - It must be better.
- The sealant is "structural", so that means it's the best.
- Company "x" uses that sealant so it must be a good one".
- This sealant is the most expensive - it has to be fantastic.
These are all sure fire misconceptions that can get you in trouble on a project. Remember, technology changes and it changes rapidly; and yes, technology changes with sealants too - not just with electronics! Do your due diligence to find out which technology works best for you and why. Don't fall into a failure due to one of the misconceptions above.
Sika's Vertical Glass Business Unit is designed to specifically serve the window and door, glass and glazing markets pertaining to the sealants needed for the fabrication, integrity and waterproofing of the window and the window opening. We are here to help educate you on the technological difference in sealants and help you explore which sealant works best for you in every situation. We will sit with you, review your project and your project conditions and provide you with all of your options. We will even put on a glazier training for your team if you so desire. Anything we can do to help you be better at what you do!
Sika's Vertical Glass division specializes in Sika's silicone, hybrid and polyurethane sealant technologies.
SIKA VERTICAL GLASS SYSTEMS AND PRODUCTS (Quicklinks)
Sika Lab Testing!
Don't guess.... KNOW! Sika's full service laboratory allows for comprehensive testing pertaining to our sealants. Stain testing, adhesion testing, compatibility testing, to name a few, all performed to ASTM standards. You have access when you are working with Sika's Vertical Glass Division.
CALLING ALL SPECIFICATION WRITERS!
Do you think it's time to have your sealant specifications reviewed and updated? Sika's Vertical Glass Division works closely with Architects, Engineers and Spec writers to ensure their specifications are up to date and in agreement. We know every project is different and requires different products for different situations, but we can help you update your specifications to reflect the correct products and the correct standards. Sika's Vertical Glass Division has CDT's on staff to assist you with these matters. Contact Sika's Vertical Glass Division for more information.
AMAZING NEW HYBRID SEALANT TECHNOLOGY!
Click on the photo below to see the outstanding unprimed adhesion to concrete that the new Sikaflex 510 AM50 hybrid sealant provides! Unbelievable technology! White stays white, no discoloration in the UV. Need to paint over it? No problem! You can paint this sealant as soon as it skins over! Click below if you would like a free sample and one of our representatives will contact you to discuss further.
TREMENDOUS HIGH STRENGTH STRUCTURAL SILICONES!
Sika is proud to offer both single component and multi-component structural silicones. Sika's outstanding single component structural sealant, the Sikasil SG-20 is the structural silicone you need for impact windows, structural glazing and vision glazing applications. Likewise, if you are looking for a faster curing structural silicone, Sika offers the Sikasil SG-500 CN for your needs. Contact your Sika Vertical Glass representative for more information.
NEW Sealant Waterproofing & Restoration Institute (SWRI) Validations
Sika is pleased to add two additional sealants to SWRI's validated product list. Sika's outstanding hybrid sealant technology, the Sikaflex 510 AM50 as well as Sika's high performance silicone sealant, the Sikasil WS-305 AM. Both of these sealants compliment Sika's previously validated SWRI sealants the Sikasil SG-20 (High performance structural silicone), the Sikasil WS-295 silicone sealant and the Sikasil WS-290 silicone sealant.
Adhere Wall Panels WITHOUT Using Fasteners!
Sika has a phenomenal system called the SikaTack Panel System which allows for cladding finishes to be fixed to a carrier frame without the use of any unsightly fixings. This provides the designer substantial freedom in the system design. The permanent elastic nature of the SikaTack Panel Adhesive System combined with a tenacious adhesion to a variety of panel substrate types accommodates the natural differential of movements of varying building materials for the life of most panel types. For more information on Sika's SikaTack Panel System, please contact your local Sika Vertical Glass representative.
FIELD ADHESION TESTING
One of the value added services that Sika's Vertical Glass Division brings to the table is that of performing in field adhesion testing for our clients. We strive to help you be as successful as possible when you work with Sika's sealants, therefore, one of the ways we try to protect you and help ensure your project success is by performing field adhesion tests and providing you with a full report of the results. With so many different substrates that sealants adhere to today, it's in your best interest to have the manufacturer perform adhesion testing on your behalf.
ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY IN GLASS EMBEDMENT
Sika's advanced technology polyurethane grout for glass embedment is taking the country by storm! Click on the photo below to see a short video to gain a quick understanding as to why this unique product has become the talk of the town. Being fully compatible with the interlayer and being fast and easy to apply make this a must see product! Contact your Sika Vertical Glass representative if you would like more information on the Sikaglaze GG-735.
HOW TO LEARN MORE - FOR FREE!
We offer educational seminars both AIA and Sika specific. We continue to schedule these presentations and would welcome the opportunity to present to your group on either a one time or recurring schedule. We are happy to present in the traditional style or in the more popular "Town Hall" style. Likewise, we understand the challenge that COVID-19 has brought us and we also can provide these sessions via a video meeting if desired. Please contact John Babun at babun.john@us.sika.com or 305-807-4425 for a list of typical presentations so you can schedule yours today!
Property Manager and Accountant
4 å¹´Case study: residential application to fill gap between terrazzo top step and concrete landing exposed to sun and weather. I chose Sika flex pro select self leveling sealant in color grey and then applied a stroke of the concrete stain color of the landing to blend aesthetically.
Property Manager and Accountant
4 å¹´I have confidence in sika flex. The correct choice of which exact sika flex product to apply is maybe the greater challenge.
Project Estimator @ Giroux Glass, Inc.
4 å¹´Do we know what is the cause of this failure ?
President, Liberty Building Forensics Group
4 å¹´Thank you John Babun sealants = the intersection of other subs' scope of work.
Project Manager at Mata Construction Services, Inc. / LEED AP
4 å¹´Thanks for this- so true