Frequently asked questions
Construction adhesives are used to bond building materials and components in residential and commercial construction, with the appropriate product selected according to the application and materials involved. Sika Australia offers adhesives for various construction requirements, including flexible bonding, high-grab applications, wallboard installation and multipurpose bonding.
The range includes polyurethane adhesives, elastic adhesive and sealant products, and multipurpose construction adhesives. These products form part of the broader building construction chemicals range used across construction applications. Specific products should be selected according to the materials, substrate and requirements of the intended installation.
The best construction adhesive for bonding aluminium and metal components depends on the materials, substrate condition and application requirements. Sika Australia offers construction adhesives including polyurethane-based and multipurpose products. For an aluminium adhesive glue application, product selection should be based on the materials being bonded and the service conditions.
Products such as Sikaflex®-11 FC+ are construction adhesives suitable for a range of substrates. For aluminium-to-metal bonding, confirm compatibility by checking the relevant product data sheet, as adhesion can vary depending on surface preparation and metal type. Sika Australia provides technical support to help select the appropriate adhesive for specific metal bonding applications.
Construction adhesive is not typically used to install self adhesive flooring tiles. Construction adhesives and tile adhesives are designed for different uses, and product selection depends on the flooring material, substrate and installation requirements. For tiled flooring, Sika Australia offers floor tile adhesive products such as Davco® Ceramaflex and Davco® Grey One Pot adhesive.
For self-adhesive flooring tiles, follow the tile manufacturer's installation instructions, which may not require an additional adhesive. If a tiling project requires a floor tile adhesive, select a product that is compatible with the specific tile and substrate. Sika Australia provides a range of tile adhesives for different applications, but the appropriate choice should be confirmed against the product data sheet.
Construction adhesive is not the typical choice for stone flooring installations. For stone flooring, a suitable tile adhesive should be selected based on the stone type, substrate and installation requirements. Sika Australia offers tile adhesives including Davco® Ceramaflex and Davco® Supamastic within its range.
These products are designed for bonding tiles, including natural stone, to various substrates. The appropriate adhesive for stone flooring depends on the specific stone and substrate conditions. Product-specific documentation should be consulted to confirm compatibility and application requirements before installation. Sika Australia recommends selecting a tile adhesive that is suitable for the particular stone flooring project.
Hot melt adhesive and acrylic adhesive are different types of construction adhesives with distinct properties. Hot melt adhesives are thermoplastic and set quickly on cooling, while acrylic adhesives cure chemically and offer strong bonding to a variety of substrates. Sika Australia offers construction adhesives based on technologies such as polyurethane, polymer-fortified cement and PVA, which are suited to different applications.
For construction use, adhesive selection should be based on the materials, substrate and installation requirements. The performance of any adhesive depends on the specific formulation, so product-specific information should be used to confirm suitability. Sika Australia provides technical data sheets for its construction adhesives to help select the right product for the job.
For sealing around windows and door frames, the appropriate sealant depends on the frame material, substrate, joint requirements and exposure conditions. Sika Australia offers products such as Sikaflex®-11 FC+, a multipurpose elastic adhesive and joint sealant suitable for a range of construction applications.
For applications involving sealant tape windows or window silicone caulk, select a sealant that is compatible with the specific substrates and designed for exterior exposure. Product-specific documentation should be checked to confirm suitability. Sika Australia provides a range of sealants for different applications, and the correct choice will depend on the details of the window or door frame installation.
A fire rated sealant may be required for construction and/or movement joints where fire performance of the sealant is a project requirement. Sika Australia offers a range of acrylic, silicone and polyurthane fire rated sealants, designed to seal penetrations and joints and help retain fire and smoke for a specified period.
For construction and movement sealant joints, the need for fire rated protection depends on the building code and project requirements. Fire rated applications require a sealant product specifically tested for that purpose. Product specific documentation and project requirements should be checked before selecting a sealant for fire related applications.
A lasting bond depends on following the application requirements for the specific construction adhesive or sealant. Sika Australia offers products for different bonding and sealing applications, including flexible adhesives and sealants, high-grab construction adhesives and multipurpose products.
For sealant installation, product selection should be based on the materials, substrate and intended application. Surface preparation, application thickness, tooling and curing requirements vary by product. These steps should be followed from the relevant product documentation. Sika Australia provides detailed application instructions in its product data sheets to help achieve a durable, long-lasting bond.
Construction adhesive is not intended for repairing cracked concrete or protecting exposed steel from rust. For damaged concrete or exposed reinforcement, a product specifically designed for concrete repair or corrosion protection should be used. Sika Australia offers concrete repair mortars, corrosion protection systems and bonding primers for these purposes.
A rust inhibitor or anti-corrosion coating is the appropriate choice for protecting exposed steel. Construction adhesives and sealants are designed for bonding and sealing applications, not structural repair or corrosion protection. Sika Australia provides a range of products for concrete repair and protection, and the correct product should be selected based on the specific repair or protection requirement.
Construction sealants can be suitable for joining or sealing precast concrete landscaping elements, provided the selected product is compatible with the substrates and intended application. For precast concrete lawn edging, the sealant should be chosen according to the joint requirements and exposure conditions rather than treated as a general-purpose adhesive.
Sika Australia offers construction sealants and adhesive-sealant products, including Sikaflex® formulations, for different applications. A suitable sika concrete sealant should be confirmed against the relevant product documentation before use, particularly where the edging will be exposed to movement, moisture or outdoor conditions.