Sika Ltd - Products and Company Details

Underground home cinema sealed

In-order to create an underground home cinema a watertight solution was essential due to the clay based soil and close proximity of the water table. Sika Watertight Concrete was specified for the project. Bardon Concrete supplied 200 m3 to the project, using bagged Sika Watertight Concrete system, consisting of a powdered version of the system in dissolvable bags for ease of use. The bags are simply added to the concrete mix through the back of the ready mix truck at a quantity of one per m3 of concrete. Construction joints were sealed with the SikaSwell jointing system, which consists of joint sealing profiles that expand on contact with water to seal any voids. Sika Watertight Concrete is a proven alternative to external membrane systems, says the manufacturer.

Waterproofing archives

Hardware and washroom specialist relcross has launched a range of concealed bearing mortice hinges manufactured by Stanley. The new hinges are claimed to be maintenance-free, with no oil, grease or lubrication required. They are warrantied for the life of the building. The secret of the hinges (CB1960R and CB1961R) is their Lifestan bearings, designed to eliminate metal-to-metal contact by creating their own bearing surface between washer and sleeve. As the stainless steel washer extends into the sleeve, operation is smooth and quiet; Relcross claims it is superior to that of a ball-bearing assembly. Both vertical and lateral wear performance exceeds BS EN 1935:2002. The CB1960R is CE marked suitable for fire doors, and the CB1961R is suitable for 54 mm heavy-duty but not fire-rated doors.

Protected from the elements

South Ayrshire council recently replaced the roof at Symington School in Ayr with expertise from Sika-Trocal and local contractor WM Skinner. Given the school's location on the west coast of Scotland, the council wanted a long lasting solution that could withstand the severe weather conditions. Over 2,000 m² of Sika-Trocal Type S membrane was installed on to the school roof using a Sika-Trocal disc system to help speed up and simplify the installation process. Tim Clark, national sales manager, commented: "This was another example of how quick and efficient our Sika-Trocal concept is. We're getting an increasing number of enquiries from the education sector thanks to our credentials."

Staying dry at Saunton

Sika Watertight Concrete is keeping Ocean Point, a new holiday development at Saunton Sands in Devon, free from water ingress. The development looks directly over Saunton Sands and has a steep hill to the rear, with the inherent problem of draining water penetrating into the semi-basement areas. BBA certified Sika Watertight Concrete for the basement slab and retaining walls was specified. Sika Watertight Concrete is a high-performance, cost-effective solution in comparison to membranes and other systems says the firm. Time is saved at the design and construction stages as the need for detailing and installation is eliminated.

Biodiverse roofing system

In order to reduce the impact of the new Castle Quay development in Bedford, a green roof system was selected using the Sika-Trocal Concept. For the green roof in Castle Quay, the main contractor turned to CA Single Ply, who worked with Greenfix SkyGarden. The two companies shared their expertise to install a growing medium-based green roofing system over a Sika-Trocal Type SGmA membrane in a warm roof construction. Tim Clark, national sales manager for Sika-Trocal commented: "Over 10 years ago we put one of the first biodiverse green roofs on the Laban dance Centre in London, a project that will be the subject of a joint biodiversity study with livingroofs.org in the new year."

Ensured production

Sika Viscocrete Premier is a liquid admixture that has been specially designed for the production of concrete mixes that require high early strength development, powerful water reduction together with excellent flowability. Sika Vicocrete Premier is an important part of the concrete mix used by TT Concrete Products of Witney. Following the commissioning of a new concrete batching plant, TT Concrete Products have continued their expansion with the installation of a new Mac-Fab hollowcore plank bed. In order to ensure a consistent output of quality product, the manufacturing process had to be as efficient as possible. Managing director, Peter Mace commented: "The decision to use Sika was relatively simple. Sika's technical team spent several days at the factory carrying out various trial mixes followed up by concrete cube tests. Once the ideal mix and results were achieved orders were placed."

Up to Olympic standards

In preparation for the 2012 Olympics, the swimming pool at Crystal Palace National Sports Centre has been extended to 50 m to meet Olympic standards. Having kept the original pool watertight for over 50 years, Sika was again chosen to provide its Sika 1 pre-bagged waterproofing system. It is designed to provide complete protection from water and vapour ingress. The scheme is part of the complex's 67m GBP regeneration being undertaken by architect and main engineer Arup and main contractor SPIE Matthew Hall. Work includes a new Regional Sports Centre and the complete refurbishment of the existing Grade II listed sports centre. The Sika system was applied to the pool walls and floor and one end of the pool, "creating a permanently impregnable barrier". The Sika 1 admixture, a colloidal silicate liquid mixed with pre-bagged renders and screeds, reacts upon contact with water, swelling and blocking all gaps and capillaries.

Reliable flat and green knowledge

To aid those involved in the specification and installation of Sika-Trocal products in becoming more aware of the environmental performance of its products in specifications, design, on-site application and operational life, the company has added an environmental category in the roofing section of its web site. The site covers the key topics of: durability; recycling; embodied energy; light weight; solar reflectivity; air leakage; BRE ecopoints; the Green Guide to Specification and BREEAM. For a guide to the firm's green credentials.

An in-spired project

The upgrade at All Hallows Church, Cheadle involved re-roofing the church spire in a long-lasting material that would match the existing white church cross. Sika-Trocal's Type S 2 mm membrane was used on the project in a specially ordered white colour along with the matching SE profile which was welded on to the membrane. Given the relatively unique nature of the job, Sika-Trocal disc fitting system proved to be a particular advantage on site, allowing for a speedy and effective fixing of the membrane to the plywood base. Shay Casey, Sika-Trocal's area technical manager commented: "We think of roofing in the flat plane so when we were asked about the project we were delighted to provide a long lasting solution and to help support our licensed contractor, Sanderoof. Perhaps we could specialise on church roofs in the Manchester area with Sanderoof!" The end result has delighted Sanderoof, the main contractor DJ Hughes and even the congregation.

Sika’s perfect seal

The new flagship Hugo Boss store in London has benefited from Sika's waterproofing system, which has sealed over 30 vaults situated around the basement of the store, enabling the creation of an extra floor. The basement of the 10,000 sq ft building in Sloane Square was formerly used for storage. Following its acquisition by Hugo Boss, architect Paul Davis and Partners was tasked with converting part of the basement into retail space. To ensure the vaults were protected from water ingress, Sika 1 was specified. Sika 1 is a complete pre-bagged waterproofing system of mortar screeds and specially developed admixtures.

Waterproofing low levels

Sika's high-performance waterproofing system Sika 1 has provided the finishing touch to Manchester's latest office building, protecting cars parked in the basement from water ingress. Chancery Place is a 15-floor building providing 12,000 m2 of commercial space. Architect HKR was briefed by developer Blue Cube to maximise the original plot, which occupied a seven-storey 1960s office block. Therefore a multi-storey car park was added below ground, which had to be completely watertight. Sika 1 is a "complete waterproofing system," comprising all mortars and screeds, plus a liquid waterproofing admixture. This features a colloidal silicate liquid which swells on contact with water to create a jelly-like substance, which fills gaps to stop water intrusion.

Sika-Trocal

The capability of a roofing system is only as good as the relationship between the manufacturer and the installing contractor. Sika-Trocal proud to boast better relationships than many in the flat roofing sector. Their concept extends to business support, training and on-site assistance for companies such as CA Single Ply. When contractors need it most, there's the added value of dealing with a company that has 37 years experience in the UK market, which is also part of the global Sika Group and that means greater resources at the sharp end. e: sika-trocal@uk.sika.com www.sika.co.uk/roofing

A scientific approach

An eye-catching new science building at Edinburgh Academy features the Sika-Trocal roofing system. Chemical technology keeps the science block warm and dry. The Type S membrane is claimed to be one of the easiest and quickest single-ply solutions available. It is also said to have a proven low life-cycle cost. The BRE's Green Guide to Specification gives single-ply roofing systems an A+ energy rating. The firm says that the product is hoped to provide the ideal solution for on-site as well as inherent benefits.

Protection in the car park

Sika 1, Sika’s high performance waterproofing system, has been used at Manchester’s latest high-rise office building, to protect occupiers’ cars from potential water ingress whilst in the basement car park. In-order to fully utilise the site at Chancery Place, a multi-storey car park was added below ground. It was essential that it was completely watertight. Sika 1 is a complete waterproofing system, comprising all necessary mortars, screeds and the Sika 1 waterproofing admixture. This swells on contact with water, filling any gaps in the structure.

Exterior look for interior

Architect Buckley Gray Yeoman has applied exterior architecture to create a reception area at an office development in London's Charlotte Street. Concrete panels have been used for the backdrop, and in order to avoid unsightly fixings, Sika's SikaTack Panel Adhesive was used. The mix of black and metallic grey glass fibre reinforced concrete cladding panels, from Cladding Solutions, was installed using SikaTack, the virtually invisible secret fix system. The system was chosen as mechanical fixing would have added to the costs, due to the need for additional materials. SikaTack Panel Adhesive utilises elastic bonding technology to secure heavy cladding panels to the internal walls.

Quick Fastening from Sika

The Glen Primary Care Centre's roof has been fitted with 1,400 m2 of Sika-Trocal Type S membrane. The membrane was specified in a 1.5 mm light grey option and was fixed to 0.7 mm Euroclad steel decking using Sika-Trocal disc fitting system and insulated with Kingspan's Thermaroof TR26. Sika-Trocal's disc system was chosen for speed of installation. Based on a single fastener and plate combination, the disc system is used to mechanically attach the thermal insulation and membrane to the roof. Saving on the expense of a two attachment system, which are more typically used on conventional fixing systems. Licensed contractor Roofclad Systems carried out the installation of the single ply roofing system, at the new healthcare centre, located in Tyne and Wear.

Waterproofing

The Sika 1 pre-bagged waterproofing system provides "uncompromised" results, offering BBA Certified internal waterproofing for life of the structure it is protecting. The Sika 1 system is available in both render and screed forms. The key active ingredient in the product, Sika 1 liquid waterproofing admixture, is a colloidal silicate liquid that reacts to water by swelling on contact. The system works by preventing any ingress of water through coagulating to fill gaps when moisture reaches the structure. Sika's pre-bagged mortars ensure the correct grading of aggregate and cement, according to the firm.

It is raining water outlets

Single ply membrane manufacturer, sika-trocal, has launched a new range of rainwater outlets. The range includes a roof drain, scupper and polyethylene leafguard, which have been designed to work with Sika-Trocal’s entire range of roofing membranes. A benefit of the range is the ability to weld the Sika-Trocal membrane directly to the outlet and scupper, eliminating the need for sealants which normally require further maintenance.

Sticking to the aesthetics

Sika's secret fix SikaTack Panel Adhesive has been afforded Barking's Lifelong Learning Centre with a seamless 'metallic' cladding finish. The bold new scheme uses 5 km2 of stylish Metallic Trespa Meteon Rainscreen cladding for the building's exterior. Utilising elastic bonding technology to secure panels to the structure, SikaTrack Panel requires no screws or secret fix brackets which would 'invade' the aesthetics of the structure.

Two is company for Sika-Trocal and Brett Martin

Single-ply roofing manufacturer Sika-Trocal and rooflight firm Brett Martin have jointly developed the Sika-Trocal Multivault, a continuous rooflight which is designed 'with tomorrow's tighter Building Regulations in mind', as well as for cost-effectiveness. The Multivault is a triple-skin rooflight consisting of a GRP liner, Cleartherm2 layer, and single-skin barrel vault outer, suitable for all standard Sika-Trocal roofing applications. The rooflight has been designed to provide an 'eco-solution' in the industrial market, says the firm, and help contractors become more competitive in the market. Its thermal performance gives a U-value of 1.3 W/m2K, which is 70 per cent better insulation than current Building Regulation requirements.

30 years and counting...

Sika-Trocal licensed contractor CA Single Ply went back on site to a job it had installed 30 years previously, and found the roof still performing. Although the main roof was still in good condition, there were signs of localised ageing, so the brief was for a re-roof. Over 350 m2 of light grey Sika-Trocal Type S was mechanically fixed and a layer of insulation was also installed to comply with current thermal requirements. Due to the nature of the application, a pull-out test was carried out by the fixing manufacturer, in order to determine that correct fastener products. Completed in two weeks, Tony Wadsworth, managing director of contractors CA Single Ply, commented; 'The client demanded a Sika-Trocal product and this clearly demonstrates that the membrane, system and a skilled contractor can make for a very long-lasting job.'

Sika's watertight solutions

Sika has introduced a new powdered version of its Watertight Concrete system, which comes in dissolvable bags for ease of use. The bags are simply added to the concrete mix through the back of the ready mix truck at a quantity of one per cubic metre of concrete, prior to leaving the plant. This simple operation is fast and easy and ensures a correct dosage every time. Sika Watertight Concrete Powder is a new generation combination admixture which reduces the permeability and increases the workability of the concrete. The Sika Watertight Concrete system is BBA certified, and is currently being used to construct a large watertight sluice and sump in a new canning facility that is being built by Havercroft Construction in Scunthorpe. Cooling oil used in the manufacturing process is collected and channelled along the sluice for recycling back into the system. It is essential that water from a high water table is prevented from ingressing and contaminating the oil. The Sika Watertight Concrete system was specified to ensure a long lasting solution with almost no future maintenance. Rouse Readimix from Elsham have supplied around 600 cubic metres of watertight concrete to the project.

Skyline Plaza looks at its best with SikaTack cladding

Sika’s revolutionary adhesive secret fix system for Rainscreen cladding, SikaTack, has provided Basingstoke’s tallest building, the Skyline Plaza, with an aesthetic unmatched by traditional fixing methods. Providing an invisible fix once applied, it ensured that once the 4,000 square metres of Rainscreen panels were installed upon the building during its £16 million refurbishment and transformation from offices to residential apartments, so that nothing would encroach upon the cladding’s appearance.

New sealant for Nelson Gate

A total of 9,000 linear metres of a new specification sealant from Sika has been used on the external refurbishment of Nelson Gate in Southampton. The sealant, Sikaflex-AT Facade, has been used to replace the failed movement joints between the pre-cast panels of the structure. Sika say the sealant is part of the new generation complete sealant and bonding system which is based on a new type of hybrid polymer combining the best properties of both PU and MS technologies. It offers the user the advantages