SikaSeal®-178

• VOC emission classification GEV Emicode EC1^plus

• CE marking and declaration of performance based on EN 15651-1:2012 Sealants for non-structural use in joints in buildings and pedestrian walkways — Part 1: Sealants for facade elements

Acrylic dispersion

18 months from date of production

The Product must be stored in original, unopened and undamaged sealed packaging in dry conditions at temperatures between +5 °C and +25 °C. Always refer to packaging.

The Product can be exposed once to a temperature of -10 °C for a maximum period of 24 hours. Before use test the Product to confirm suitability.

Refer to the current Safety Data Sheet for information on safe handling and storage.

Beware of condensation. Substrate temperature during application must be at least +3 °C above dew point.

The Product must not be used on the following substrates:

• Bitumen, natural rubber or EPDM

• XPS and EPS insulation boards

• Corrosion sensitive metals such as iron and steel

On the following substrates, the Product may exhibit poor adhesion:

• Polyethylene (PE)

• Polypropylene (PP)

• PTFE (Teflon®)

Perform a preliminary adhesion test on the above substrates before full application.

Contact Sika Technical Services for additional information.

Substrate testing

Note: Adhesion tests on project specific substrates must be performed and procedures agreed with all parties before full project application. For more detailed advice and instructions contact Sika Technical Services.

The substrate must be sound, clean, dry and free of contaminants such as dirt, oil, grease, cement laitance, sealant residues and poorly bonded coatings which could affect adhesion of the primer and sealant.

The substrate must be of sufficient strength to cope with the stresses induced by the sealant during movement.

1. Use techniques such as wire brushing, grinding, grit blasting or other suitable mechanical tools to remove all weak substrate material.
2. Repair all damaged joint edges with suitable Sika repair products.
3. Remove all dust, loose and friable material from all surfaces before application of the sealant.

For more details of the primer or pre-treatment products refer to the individual Product Data Sheet. Contact Sika Technical Services for additional information.

IMPORTANT

Strictly follow installation procedures

Strictly follow installation procedures as defined in Method Statements, application manuals and working instructions which must always be adjusted to the actual site conditions.

IMPORTANT

Environmental conditions during application and cure

Changes in the environmental conditions can affect product performance. Skin formation and drying time can be significantly delayed by high humidity, low temperature and large joint dimensions.

• Protect the Product from leaching, do not expose to water until a solid skin has formed

1. Apply masking tape where neat or exact joint lines are required.
2. Open the seal on the top of the cartridge, or open the end of the foil pack. Fit the nozzle and cut it to the desired size. Insert the product into the caulking gun.
3. Apply the Product into the joint ensuring that it comes into full contact with the sides of the joint and avoiding any air entrapment.
4. IMPORTANT Do not use tooling products containing solvents. As soon as possible after application, tool the sealant firmly against the joint sides to ensure adequate adhesion and a smooth finish. Use a compatible tooling agent such as clean water to smooth the joint surface.
5. Remove the tape within the skinning time of the Product after finishing.

OVER-PAINTING THE SEALANT

IMPORTANT

Tacky paint over the sealant

Some paint systems may exhibit plasticiser migration that will cause the painted surface to be tacky.

• Trial the paint system with the Product prior to undertaking the project.

The Product can be over-painted with most conventional paint coating systems. Prior to application test the paint system for compatibility.

1. Allow the Product to fully cure before over-painting.
2. Carry out preliminary trials to test the paint for compatibility in accordance with ISO/TR 20436:2017 - Buildings and civil engineering works — Sealants — Paintability and paint compatibility of sealants

The use of non-flexible paint systems may lead to cracking of the paint coating depending on the movement of the joint.

Colour variation

Note: Colour variations may occur due to the exposure in service to chemicals, high temperatures or UV-radiation, especially with white colour shade. This effect is aesthetic and does not adversely influence the technical performance or durability of the product.

Clean all tools and application equipment with water immediately after use. Hardened material can only be removed mechanically.