Sika ConstructioNEWS
A Newsletter of Innovative Building Solutions Vol 7 . March 2015
Thank You from a Grateful Company!
Dear Valued Customer,
2014 is officially behind us and we are very thankful to you, our customers. Despite a rough winter last year
(weather-wise) and an economy that was considered to be ‘lackluster’ throughout the year, our business was
able to achieve double-digit growth over 2013. We are excited and proud of that accomplishment and we are
especially grateful to our customers who put their trust and confidence in our people and our company everyday.
We learned late last year that Sika was named in 7 projects that received an award of Excellence or Merit at the
International Concrete Repair Institute’s 22nd annual awards banquet. These projects included buildings in San
Francisco, Baltimore, and New York City, as well as a parking garage in New Jersey, a foundry in Philadelphia and
an elevated monorail in Florida. In short, a variety of project types in many different geographic locations. The
projects are blindly selected based on complexity, challenge, scope, innovation and a variety of other considerations. What makes this so special is that the judges are our peers in the concrete repair industry. We later
learned one of our projects was in the running for Project of the Year. The night of the banquet it was announced:
Sika, Baltimore School of Design (Randall Kratz) was the winner of this great honor!
In December of 2014, we held 2 regional sales meetings to recap the year as well as introduce new initiatives for
2015. Similar to last year, there is no shortage of new opportunities for us to grow in 2015. These growth opportunities, just to name a few of the 13 presented, include:
1. A comprehensive line of traffic waterproofing systems including a new 1-componant, low VOC system
(Sikalastic 710 Base Lo-VOC and Sikalastic 715 Top Lo-VOC).
2. Sikadur 22 Lo-Mod Fast Set and the application for High Friction Surface Treatments, a very exciting new opportunity!
3. Continued focus on growing our polyurethane and silicone sealant product lines.
4. Sikalastic 641, a 1-componant, moisture-triggered, liquid applied membrane roofing which offers many
benefits to our customers. In addition to this, we are now in a position to supply insulation, coverboard,
fasteners, adhesives and many other products for a complete roofing system.
We believe these initiatives and products will enable us to better meet the demands of our customers. You will
learn more about these exciting solutions in this edition as well as in future editions. We hope you enjoy this
newsletter. We thank you for your business!
Timothy Gillespie
Vice President - Product Management – Commercial Refurbishment, Sealing and Bonding
Repair&ProtectionNews
Sika Refurbishment Launches SikaLevel SkimCoat
by Scott DiStefano, Product Enigneer
Sika is excited to announce the most recent evolution to the SikaLevel line of leveling and refinishing mortars, the new and improved SikaLevel
SkimCoat. Sika originally launched the SikaLevel
SkimCoat back in 2010 when the SikaLevel line of
products was first introduced. There was some
moderate success with the product, but, overall,
it was found to be lacking compared to some of
the heavy-hitters in the largely competitive floor
resurfacing market. Global companies like Ardex
and Mapei, as well as more regional competitors,
had launched skimming mortars that were being
sold in extremely high volumes. This was a growing market that Sika wanted to be a player in and
knew that the expertise and technology were
available to turn the SikaLevel SkimCoat into one
of these top products. After careful formulation
work and many trials, internally and in the field,
an iteration of the SkimCoat was finally chosen to
move forward with into the market.
This new sand-free, ultra smooth SikaLevel SkimCoat now allows Sika
to delve deeper into the floor covering markets that offer a huge potential for growth in both residential and commercial building development.
SikaLevel SkimCoat has excellent handling abilities and offers extremely
fast dry and over coat times. This skimming mortar can be used from
a feather edge up to ½” in depth to re-profile almost any floor. Mixing
with water only, this product offers very high bond strengths to a multitude of substrates including concrete, cementitious underlayments, tile,
wood, gypsum, and vinyl. SkimCoat can even be applied to old, stable
cutback adhesives to eliminate the need for intense surface preparation
or even abatement.
With the inclusion
of the new SikaLevel
SkimCoat, Sika can
now offer a full system, from slab to floor
covering, that is easy
to install and 100%
Sika.
SealantNews
The Art of Customer Service: Sikaflex 2c and the Minton-Capehart Federal Building by Will Hutchison, Product Engineer
While most people in the waterproofing industry recognize Sikaflex 2c’s custom color
pack program as the best in the business,
few would have guessed that it would
ever be tested like it was during the refurbishment of the Minton-Capehart Federal
Building in Indianapolis, IN. The building is
the home to many government agencies,
including the IRS, Social Security Administration and Veterans’ Administration, but
unlike most other federal buildings, it also
doubles as a large public art project. The
exterior of the building features an eyecatching, multi-colored mural called Color
Fuses, created by Milton Glaser.
The piece, which Glaser designed to express a “new sense of openness and a new
type of government”, covers all four sides of the building’s lower level and measures 672 feet long and 27 feet
high. It includes 35 distinct bands of colors and also employs programmed lights to create a sense of movement
in the piece at night. Originally created in 1975, the mural was beginning to become dull and show its age when
restoration was planned in 2012. In order to recreate the artist’s original design, aesthetics were highly scrutinized
during the restoration process.
Milton-Capehart Federal Building
Robert Haines, Co. was in charge of
selecting the sealant used on the
project. A loyal customer to a different sealant supplier, they originally
applied this competitor’s caulk and
over painted it to achieve the vibrant
colors in the mural’s transitions. The
product, however, had issues a year
later in 2013 – the paint failed to adhere to it and subsequently peeled off.
Concerned, the company reached out
to their supplier to determine whether they could use color packs to tint
the sealant rather than paint over it.
Due to the number of colors requiring
matches, the supplier refused to help
further. Stuck with peeling paint and
an unhelpful manufacturer, Robert
Haines reached out to other sealant manufacturers. Two competitors turned down the project. Sika was the only
company willing to support the daunting task.
Local Sika representative Jim Baker worked closely with Robert Haines and coordinated the project of matching
over 70 different colors for the mural. After many months of work,
the individually tinted joints were
all installed and left exposed, becoming a part of the mural itself.
With spot on color matches and
no concerns for peeling paint, the
selection of Sikaflex 2c was key
to the restoration of Color Fuses
and the preservation of one of Indianapolis’s most iconic pieces of
architecture.
Sika’s hard work and dedication to
customer service on this project
meant a lot to Robert Haines, Co.,
especially in contrast to the lack of
support from other sealant manufacturers. President Jim Pridgen
was extremely happy with the extra effort provided by Jim and the Sika team on the project, saying at the end of the project, “We will be using a lot
more Sika in 2014.” After a year of productive work with Sika, it is clear that they stuck to their promise and plan
to continue working together with Sika in the future. Through the hard work on the Minton-Capehart Federal
Building project, Sika has once again proven its commitment to customer support and “building trust”.
A short film on the history and restoration of the Minton-Capehart Federal building can be viewed at: https://
www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJmhBAKzFNs
Roof to Air Barrier Transitions with Sikaflex 11fc
SikaSmartNews
by Timothy Gillespie, VP - Product Management
Tested, Flexible and Simple
As noted in a previous newsletter, Sika initiated a comprehensive compatibility test program designed to provide
customers with a clear direction on the use and application of building products and systems under the SikaSmart
Building Envelope portfolio.
Perhaps the most critical detail in the building envelope is determining how the roof system will tie into the air
barrier system. This detail is especially problematic when the two systems are supplied by two different manufacturers. The SikaSmart Building Envelope approach addresses this important concern. With the Sika approach,
all the materials are from a single source and the company has tested all combinations and verified that they all
will work together. This gives project participants peace of mind in knowing that the detail works and that Sika
stands behind it.
Drawings A and B are Roof to Air Barrier Transition details showing how the connection is made. The adhered Roof
to Wall Air Barrier tie-in in Drawing A depicts a Sarnafil adhered roof. The Sarnafil adhered flashing is installed up
the inboard side of the parapet, across the top and returns down the outboard side of the parapet along with the
final termination. Very simply, the edge and face of the Sarnafil flashing is primed with Sikaflex 449 primer, and
then a bead of Sikaflex 11 fc is applied along the edge and on top of the flashing.
It’s important to note two things relative to Sikaflex 11 fc: 1) this bead can be applied at any time as long as it is
allowed to cure for four hours before overcoating and 2) this same material is used as the seam sealer throughout
the entire air barrier system. The final step to complete the connection is the application of the Sikagard Air Barrier. The mechanically attached Roof to Wall Air Barrier
tie-in is seen in Drawing B and shows a Sarnafil mechanically attached roof installed over the Sarnavap®
Air Barrier. The air barrier runs along the deck, under
the parapet, then returns three inches down the slab
edge. A six inch strip of Sika MultiSeal 515 Self Adhered
seam tape is centered and installed over the Sarnavap
Air Barrier. It is important to note two things regarding
Sika MultiSeal 515: 1) it can be applied at any time prior
to the air barrier application and 2) this same material
is used as the transition tape throughout the air barrier system. The final step to complete the connection
is the application of the Sikagard Air Barrier.
Both details are very simple and achieve the desired
results for these critical connections — clear, flexible
and simple installations tested and supplied from a
single, trusted supplier.
The Importance of Radon Protection
TechNews
by Tom Zuppa, Sr. Technical Services Manager
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas in ambient air. The gas can vary in amounts
in enclosed structures. Radon has been linked to lung cancer and, in fact, has been singled out by the Surgeon General as a leading cause of the disease.
Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas produced by the radioactive decay of radium-226, an element found in varying concentrations in many soils and bedrock. Since
radon is a gas, it can easily move through small spaces between particles of soil and
therefore enter a building. Radon entering a building as a component of the soil can
reach levels many times higher than outdoor levels.
Radon levels are usually measured in picocuries per liter of air. Current recommendations
for indoor radon levels call for less than 4 picocuries per liter. Note, of course, the lower
the levels, the lower the health risk.
In purchasing a home or building, the site inspection will include a radon test with canister test specimens taken and measured. Considering this concern of radon and its ability
to migrate through pipes, drains, electric conduits, and cracks/joints in walls and floors,
Sika has been able to take an active role in prevention.
Over the years, Sikaflex sealants have notably been used for the sealing of joints, cracks,
drains, electric conduits, around pipes, and an assortment of protrusions from walls and
floors. In particular, Sikaflex 1a has taken a lead role for such applications. Note that the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognized urethane based sealants for radon
reduction. Reasons they state include polyurethane’s ability to adhere well to concrete,
provide good elasticity, and its extended service life.
Typically, a minimum 30 day cure time is recommended for newly
placed concrete prior to sealing of joints in floors and walls. Other
application guidelines and Sika recommendations, to be followed, are contained in the
current Product Data Sheets available on the website - www.usa.sika.com. This would
include a minimum thickness for the sealant of ¼-inch and a maximum of ½-inch.
So, the past use and success of Sikaflex 1a and other Sikaflex sealants allows Sika to be
able to provide the recommended EPA choice of chemical make-up when dealing with
protection from radon mitigation.
Also, another product has shown the ability to provide radon protection: Sikagard 62, an epoxy coating. Sikagard
62, once fully cured, acts as a vapor barrier and, with a pin-hole-free application, can serve to provide sealing
capabilities to floor slabs and walls.
We hope this helps you in dealing with this very prominent and serious situation.
Please do not hesitate to contact the Technical Service Department should you have further questions or require
additional information. Contact Technical Ser-vice at 800-933-7452, option #5.
LAMNews
by-Paul
LAMAllenstein,
Waterproofing
PE
Sikalastic RoofPro – Factory Mutual Testing by Paul Allenstein, PE, Sr. Product Marketing Manager
In the world of roofing, no approval is more important than Factory Mutual.
Factory Mutual (FM) was originally conceived as a testing laboratory dedicated to reducing insurance claims by
creating performance standards for building products to address the costliest causes of building damage. For
roofing systems, there are three major areas of concern – fire damage, wind damage, and hail damage.
There are buildings throughout the world that are insured by a Factory Mutual affiliate, and for these buildings,
the use of Factory Mutual-approved products is required unless the building owners are willing to pay much
higher insurance premiums, and most are not.
Although Factory Mutual still claims that it does not establish industry performance standards and is only an
insurance laboratory, building specifications are written all the time requiring Factory Mutual approval for
buildings not insured by a Factory Mutual affiliate.
FM is the standard everyone uses.
FIRE DAMAGE
FM tests roof assemblies (including vapor barrier, insulation, coverboard, and membrane) in accordance
with ASTM E108. This test consists of 8 ft. long, 1
m wide test samples that are set at a specific slope
and then subjected to 10 minutes of fan-blown gas
flames that eventually start the roof assembly burning at one end. The flame spreads up the roof assembly sample until the 10 minutes are over.
Class I (A) – Less than 6’ of flame spread up the roof assembly (This is what everyone wants)
Class II (B) – Less than 8’ of flame spread up the roof assembly (Satisfies most building code requirements)
Class III (C) – Not important
Sikalastic RoofPro provides Class 1 (A) performance in all our FM approved assemblies.
WIND DAMAGE
FM tests roof assemblies for wind uplift depending upon how the assembly is attached to the structural deck.
For roof assemblies where all components are adhered together and adhered to the deck, the test consists of a
2’ x 2’ sample constructed on a concrete block. A steel & plywood fixture is bonded to the top of the test sample
and then subjected to a tensile load that increases every minute by 15 psf until failure – something gives way and
the assembly is torn apart.
For roof assemblies where at least one component is secured to the structural deck with mechanical fasteners,
the test consists of a 12’ x 24’ sample constructed on a steel deck/steel purlin assembly. The assembly is clamped
down at the perimeter to create an airtight seal. Pressurized air is introduced into the assembly from the under-
LAMNews
by Paul Allenstein, PE
side of the test table and increases every minute by
15 psf until failure – something gives way and the
assembly is blown apart.
FM-supplied tables are available that provide the
required uplift pressure resistance for a specific
building. These tables take into consideration the
building height, design wind speed based upon
geographical location, and surrounding terrain. A
safety factor of 2:1 is incorporated, i.e., a 90 psf
test rating equates to a 45 psf design pressure.
Additional considerations are made for increased
pressure at the perimeter of the roof, and even
higher pressure at the corners of the roof.
Example – Design Pressure (From Table): 45 psf
Approval Pressure Required with 2:1 Safety Factor: 90 psf
Approval Pressure Required in Perimeter Area: 90 psf x 2 = 180 psf
Approval Pressure Required in Corner Area: 90 psf x 3 = 270 psf
Sikalastic RoofPro provides assemblies that achieve up to 990 psf pressure resistance.
HAIL RESISTANCE
FM tests roof membranes for hail resistance by subjecting a membrane
sample to the impact of a steel ball (approximately 2” diameter) that is
dropped from a defined height. The weight of the ball and the height
of the drop are varied to create two levels of impact energy. The roof
membrane passes if the impact locations do not exhibit fracture of the
membrane.
Severe Hail – Required in the most hail-prone locations
Moderate Hail – Required in most locations
Sikalastic RoofPro provides assemblies that meet the Severe Hail requirement.
ROOFNAV
The FM RoofNav program provides a means of obtaining a specific FMapproved roof assembly. The RoofNav assembly number is often requested by specifiers as part of the roofing submittal package. Contact
Tech Services to obtain more information regarding RoofNav assemblies.
Dear Valued Customer,
We hope you have enjoyed this addition of Sika ConstructioNews. If you would like more information about Sika,
our products or the topics covered in this issue, there are many ways you can contact us. We are also very proud of
the level of service we offer our customers. This level of service includes experienced technical service personnel
who can offer phone support about a wide range of topics including product selection and use. In addition, our
local field representatives can visit you or your project in person to help you develop a specific solution for your
project, locate local sources for product and guide you to a network of trained contractors experienced in the work
required for the project – a single source, a brand you can trust!
Technical Services Department 800.933.7452, option # 5
Click here to visit the Sika Web Site.
Click here to locate a representative near you.
Click here to locate a distributor near you.
Sincerely,
Timothy Gillespie
Director of Product Management – Refurbishment and Building Envelope, Sika USA
POINT ARENA LIGHTHOUSE
POINT ARENA, CA
BALTIMORE DESIGN SCHOOL
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND
Sika ConstructioNEWS
A Newsletter of Innovative Building Solutions
Vol 7 .March 2015