Bond IT

FAQ

Q: Can PVA be used for rendering externally?

A: Not recommended because PVA is moisture sensitive and will re-emulsify causing render failure, especially in freezing conditions. We would recommend you use an SBR (Styrene Butadiene Rubber) product as it is waterproof and is unaffected by freeze/thaw conditions.

Q: What can be used to fix plasterboard or Masterclad to steel and be fire proof (in order to fire proof beams).

A: We would advise the use of a B1 Fire Rated Polyurethane Expanding Foam tested to BS476 part 20 for this situation. This is the most stringent test for fire rated products and will ensure that your installation complies with the latest legislation pertaining to Fire Resistant construction.

Q: What silicone should I use to bed double glazed units into wooden frames?

A: For the best possible outcome we would only recommend a 100% neutral cure silicone. This is because many silicones are diluted with solvent which can affect the double glazing seal and acetoxy sealants do not adhere well to wood.

Q: a rubber bitumen emulsion product be used as a damp proof membrane?

A: Yes, but it must be covered with a sand and cement screed at least 50mm thick. This prevents water pressure pushing off the rubber bitumen membrane.

Q: What temperature will Superglue work up to?

A: It softens at about 130oC.

Q: Can floor leveling compounds be used as a final wearing floor finish?

A: . If latex has been used in the mix then it can take light foot traffic in a domestic situation. It is not advisable in heavy trafficked areas to leave this as the final surface as it will get damaged, we would advise an industrial type product in these instances.

Q: Can floor leveling compounds be used over underfloor heating mats?

A: Yes, but the heating must not be used for 7 days after laying otherwise the heat will dry out the self leveling compound before the cement has fully hydrated which will cause cracking and possibly debonding. The use of a latex smoothing compound and flexible ceramic tile adhesive is recommended.

Q: What tile adhesive is best for using over underfloor heating?

A: In these instances we would advise that only flexible tile adhesives and grouts be used. This is because they are better at coping with thermal movement i.e. expansion and contraction as the floor heats up and cools down. For this reason we would also recommend that the heating is not turned on for at least 7 days after the installation of the tiles.

Q: Why does my silicone around the bath or shower go black even when the product says it contains a fungicide?

A: For a fungicide to work it has to be soluble in water. Over a period of time the fungicide dissolves and eventually washes out of the silicone. It isn’t in fact the silicone that actually goes mouldy in these cases, the black is in fact soap and dead skin residues that support the mould growth. In order to prevent this, regular washing with a sanitizing solution is the answer.

Q: What is the difference between Waterseal and Waterseal Ultra?

A: Water seal is solvent based with the active ingredient “polyoxoaluminium stearate” which is old technology – the product has a service life of 5-10 years. Its main disadvantage is if it is applied to a damp surface it does not penetrate, it instead, forms a white film on the surface which acts as the barrier. Waterseal Ultra is waterbased and contains the latest silicone micro-emulsion technology. The benefits of this is it can be applied to damp surfaces and it will bridge cracks up to 2mm wide. It also has an extended service life of up to 20 years.

Q: What is the difference between a bitumen “all weather” compound and an acrylic compound as it appears they both do the same job?

A: Bitumen based compounds are reinforced with fibre and are suitable for use on Asphalt, roofing felt and concrete surfaces. Overtime, as with all bitumen based products, it will lose its flexibility which results in cracking and shrinking and eventual failure of the installation. Acrylic based products, on the other hand, will not lose its flexibility due to the nature of the material. This makes it suitable for use on even more substrates, for example, PVC, cast iron, lead, galvanized gutters, etc. which have considerable thermal movement. It is also resistant to UV and will not soften in strong sunlight, unlike traditional bitumen. There is obviously a cost issue with these 2 choices, but for long term satisfaction and confidence in the job it would pay to use the more expensive system.

Q: Can PVA be used as a primer before painting with emulsion paint?

A: . It is not recommended for this application as the plasticizer in the PVA can cause the matt emulsion to go glossy in certain circumstances. It is better to use a stabilizing solution first as this “stabilizes” the wall and will also prevent any flaking surfaces.

Q: Can PVA Bonding Agent be used as a wood glue?

A: Yes but only if the application is a non-structural joint and it is only used internally as the bond would be detrimentally affected if subjected to water due to its re-emulsifiable properties. PVA is also more flexible than standard wood glues and therefore would remain flexible in the installation, for instance if you used it to glue a chair, the chair would stick ok but it would probably wobble due to its flexibility which would weaken the bond.

Q: much floor leveling compound do I need to cover 10m2 at 5mm thickness?

A: The rule of thumb for all cement based materials is 2Kg of powder per millimeter thickness per metre2, therefore 5 (mm thick) x 2 (Kg) x 10 (m2) = 100Kg

Q: How much bitumen compound do I need to cover 10m2 of felt roofing?

A: For all liquid products the general rule is 1 litre per mm of thickness per m2. So assuming a thickness of 2mm for a 10m2 felt roof you would need 20 Litres of product.

Q: . I have spilt Superglue on my kitchen worktop, what will get it off?

A: Acetone is the best product to remove Superglue.

Q: is the difference between polysulphide and polyurethane?

A: Polysulphide is old technology where as polyurethane replaces it due to it being new technology. Polysuplhide is only now used in wide joints and sewage piping.

Q: Can self-levelling compound be used outside?

A: No