SIKA
Sika becomes early adopter of the code for Construction Product Information

Sika becomes early adopter of the code for Construction Product Information

ACHIEVING PRODUCT SET VERIFICATION FOR SINGLE PLY ROOF SYSTEMS Global building product manufacturer Sika has become an early adopter of the Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) which has been published to drive higher standards in the presentation of construction product information within the manufacturing industry. A response to Dame

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Sika celebrates INCA award for excellence

Sika celebrates INCA award for excellence

Sika, a specialty chemicals company with a leading position in the development and production of building products, has been awarded the EWI Excellence Award at the INCA Awards (The Insulated Render and Cladding Association). Held at the Queens Hotel in Leeds, the INCA Awards were hosted by comedian and broadcaster

Read More »

RENDERING: FROM CONCEPTION TO COMPLETION

Meeting a high standing of quality is essential if we are to create buildings that are fit for purpose. While it’s the responsibility of all parties involved in a project to ensure products are installed correctly, it starts with the manufacturer. Matt Allen, Head of Sales at Sika Building Finishing,

Read More »

SIKA PROVIDES WEATHERTIGHT PROTECTION FOR AWARD-WINNING OFFSITE SCHOOL PROJECT

A technically advanced, high-performance, hybrid roofing membrane from global building product manufacturer Sika, provided the watertight finish for a new school which was built using innovative offsite construction techniques. The newly-constructed King Edward VI Northfield School for Girls in Birmingham, which was designed by architect Atkins Global on behalf of

Read More »

Sika Strengthens Team with Appointment

Sika-Trocal, part of the Sika Group, has appointed a new Area Technical Manager, strengthening its Midlands team by doing so. Donna Owen joins the company from Building Innovation where she held the position as Key Account Management for roofing and tapered insulation. Sika-Trocal provides flat roofing membranes that are suitable

Read More »

BIM – THE TIP OF THE TECHNOLOGY ICEBERG FOR THE FUTURE

BIM (Building Information Modelling) has been with us for a number of years now. Whilst the benefits this technology brings are easy to see, for some, its adoption has not always been the easiest of things. Innovation can streamline, but there is a learning curve – and also in most

Read More »

Sika Supplies Waterproof Seal for Challenging Revamp

One of the UK’s hallowed university sites benefited from Sika’s waterproof liquid-applied seal that helps preserve the roofing detail. The roof refurbishment at Central Building – part of Cambridge University’s Fitzwilliam College campus – was one of the first projects to apply a pioneering approach. The approach included combining Sikalastic®-621,

Read More »

ADOPTING NEW INNOVATIONS IN CONSTRUCTION

Every industry faces its own challenges when it comes to grappling with emerging innovations & technologies, even the construction sector. Although many whom work in the industry would say the construction world embraces change, inevitably, there are more pressing realities which can disrupt this idyll; including financial cost, ‘value engineering’

Read More »

Pigmented Concrete from Sika

Lee Baldwin, Product Development Manager at Sika, is introducing coloured concrete, which will give the drab-looking material a new lease of life in terms of its usage. From industrial units to art installations, coloured concrete has become a go-to solution for designers and those who want their structures to look

Read More »

Roof and Concrete Maintenance from Sika

Nic Collins, the area technical manager at Sika Refurbishment, wants to remind us how important the roof and concrete maintenance is for the upkeep of buildings, particularly for those of historical interest. Pitch-less roofs unadorned by modern drainage features are susceptible to ponding, which can lead to blistering to the

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Latest Issue
Issue 323 : Dec 2024

SIKA

Sika becomes early adopter of the code for Construction Product Information

Sika becomes early adopter of the code for Construction Product Information

ACHIEVING PRODUCT SET VERIFICATION FOR SINGLE PLY ROOF SYSTEMS Global building product manufacturer Sika has become an early adopter of the Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) which has been published to drive higher standards in the presentation of construction product information within the manufacturing industry. A response to Dame Judith Hackitt’s independent review into Building Regulations and Fire Safety, the Code was developed by the Construction Product Association’s Marketing Integrity Group following two years’ engagement with industry. It has been created to promote an urgent and positive culture and behaviour change in the way the construction product manufacturing industry manages and provides information on its products. Globally renowned for high quality construction solutions and with a commitment to raising industry standards, Sika is one of the first product manufacturers to have achieved CCPI verification of its first product set for Single Ply Roof systems.  The company maintains a strong focus on transparency and by committing to the code it will provide further independent assurance and greater confidence in the information associated to its CCPI-verified product-set. There are 11 Clauses within the CCPI assessment which cover a wide range of matters from responsibility for product information, to transparency of performance, proof of stated claims, general information and competency. The CCPI is built around five ‘acid tests’ – product information must be ‘Clear, Accurate, Up-to-date, Accessible and Unambiguous’. The 11 clauses are underpinned by a requirement to demonstrate the highest levels of integrity, ethics, leadership and culture. “We are delighted that Sika is an early adopter of the code,” said Mark Gatrell – Head of Business Unit Roofing for Sika in the UK. “The Code is aiming to drive the highest standards in product information, setting a level playing field for all construction manufacturers to ensure that the information they provide is clear, accurate, up-to- date and unambiguous. We’re proud to be working proactively with the CCPI to raise standards in product information management.” For more information visit the Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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Sika celebrates INCA award for excellence

Sika celebrates INCA award for excellence

Sika, a specialty chemicals company with a leading position in the development and production of building products, has been awarded the EWI Excellence Award at the INCA Awards (The Insulated Render and Cladding Association). Held at the Queens Hotel in Leeds, the INCA Awards were hosted by comedian and broadcaster Paul Sinha and recognised outstanding workmanship and innovation shown by its members in external wall insulation. Sika stood out against a wide range of exceptional projects for its work with Swansea Borough Council in upgrading the energy efficiency of its housing stock. The win in this category comes at a time when so many households are facing fuel poverty due to rising energy costs. The improvements to council houses across Swansea, has seen Swansea Council work with Sika in improving the external fabric and increasing insulation as part of efforts to reduce residents’ energy bills. “This was a fantastic night for Sika and Swansea Council. We were delighted to have won this award, which is testament to all the hard work of our team and the high standards we deliver across the external wall insulation industry,” said Darren Bunting, UK Distribution, Business Unit Manager at Sika. Winning this prestigious award has further enhanced Sika’s reputation for manufacture and supply of market leading external wall insulation systems that set the highest standards. “We are delighted with the accolade which is a credit to our hard work across this project. It also recognises the unique relationship between Swansea Council and Sika in creating jobs, reducing emissions, reducing fuel poverty and creating more comfortable homes,” added Matt Allen, Head of Sales for Building Finishing at Sika. Sika Limited and Sika Ireland Limited are part of the global Sika Group, specialising in the manufacture and supply of chemical based products. Sika has a leading position in the development and production of systems and products for bonding, sealing, damping, reinforcing, and protecting in the building sector and the motor vehicle industry. Sika has subsidiaries in 100 countries around the world and manufactures in over 300 factories. With more than 25,000 employees Sika generates annual sales of CHF 7.9 billion (£6.14 bn). Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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RENDERING: FROM CONCEPTION TO COMPLETION

Meeting a high standing of quality is essential if we are to create buildings that are fit for purpose. While it’s the responsibility of all parties involved in a project to ensure products are installed correctly, it starts with the manufacturer. Matt Allen, Head of Sales at Sika Building Finishing, outlines how comprehensive technical support and specification guidance will make the difference when it comes to the installation of render products on site. Regardless of the material, the outer skin of any building is its first line of defence and must maintain long-term performance. When it comes to render, ensuring you choose the right solution is key but equally paying close attention to small details will go a long way to ensure the render remains fit for purpose during its lifetime. It’s why the support and knowledge provided by the render manufacturer – from design to application to issuing warranties – will play a huge part in a successful render application. At Sika Building Finishing, we can guide specifiers on that journey and it begins at the design and specification stage. Our dedicated specification managers are on hand from the start to ensure each individual requirement is met, with site support and training being made available through the entire project journey. We will talk you through any challenges, as well provide a full specification and maintenance guide for any Sika building finishing system on offer, whether it is mineral, lime, thin coat or EWI. At specification, we are able to offer a bespoke application depending on the needs that are identified, and this would then link to location, which will vary based on where the project is located in the country. A good render should be capable of providing weather protection that meets the different zones and different exposures across the UK. For example, the southwest is zone four (very severe weather rating) which will largely require 20mm of render. We can also offer bespoke specifications based on location to ensure a client will get the correct thickness of render. Furthermore, our suite of typical construction details covers a range of standard and non-standard substrates and systems. The skills and expertise of the applicator is also very important, which is why their appointment is a crucial consideration. We can support the client by putting people forward who are approved or accredited to use the Parex systems. Failure to employ a skilled professional can lead to building defects due to poor installation and workmanship. We can also be present at kick-off meetings to provide further visibility and support on the rendering journey. In the case of larger projects, we can visit sites every four to six weeks to assess the progress and answer any questions that are required. On completion, we will be there to issue a warranty on the materials that have been applied subject to approval and acceptance. Available from local Business Development Managers, the Sika Parex Housebuilder Pack outlines the “complete” package to customers and specifiers with industry sector experts available to provide unsurpassed levels of free technical advice, specifications and CAD details. If you partner with Sika Building Finishing, we will take any risk away so that the building you have created will get the desired result. Our comprehensive technical support and specification guidance will ensure a quality specification that meets the very highest standards each and every time.

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SIKA PROVIDES WEATHERTIGHT PROTECTION FOR AWARD-WINNING OFFSITE SCHOOL PROJECT

A technically advanced, high-performance, hybrid roofing membrane from global building product manufacturer Sika, provided the watertight finish for a new school which was built using innovative offsite construction techniques. The newly-constructed King Edward VI Northfield School for Girls in Birmingham, which was designed by architect Atkins Global on behalf of client Acivico Group, replaces Turves Green Girls’ School. The original establishment was in a poor state of repair and following consultations with the local authority, it was agreed constructing a new school building represented a cost-effective alternative to refurbishment. The new school includes contemporary classrooms, a dance studio, sports hall and a purpose-built library. The building’s airy feel is created by its wide corridors and stairways which are filled with natural light. This will help to inspire a calm and pleasant environment for staff and students. To meet performance and programme goals for the building’s construction, a hybrid design was devised by offsite construction and modular specialists, Innovaré. Such innovation was recognised at the annual Offsite Awards, with Innovaré – in a joint submission with Sika – winning the ‘Best Use of Hybrid Technology’ category for its successful Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) delivery of the King Edward VI Northfield School construction project.Innovaré’s hybrid system included integrated BBA-Certified i-SIP panels, hollow core concrete plank floors, and a lightweight timber cassette roofing system. This hybrid method of construction, which meant most of the new school structure was manufactured offsite, offered a radically quicker speed of build, reducing preliminary and overall costs. It also ensured the building’s performance and programme goals were met. As a global building product manufacturer with a wide range of products and technical expertise to offer, Sika is ideally placed to support offsite construction projects. Its Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) Division is specifically tasked to work with offsite manufacturing and assembly companies to consider how Sika products could be used as part of the building process in this fast-growing sector. Sika’s 4mm elastomeric and plastomeric bituminous hybrid membrane, SikaBit Pro 940®, provided the watertight finish for the new building’s energy-efficient roofing system, which integrates timber cassettes with i-joists.SikaBit Pro 940® combines the advantages of APAO and SBS-modified bitumen, allowing two different compounds to work together. The upper layer comprises APA-modified bitumen, offering excellent heat resistance and durability. The under layer is SBS-modified bitumen, providing increased elongation, improving flexibility and excellent resistance to thermo-oxidative aging which will last longer than traditional membranes and reduce ongoing maintenance. SikaBit® has been developed to comply with the NFRC’s Safe2Torch Guidance to help specifiers prioritise safety at the design stage of roofing projects. The specification of SikaBit Pro 940® as part of the school’s energy-efficient roofing system contributed to the building’s fabric achieving required levels of thermal, airtightness, acoustic and maintenance performance. In terms of the roof’s construction, Innovaré manufactured large-format structural timber roof cassettes, ensuring that the structural members and deck went into place quickly. RLW Roofing, one of Sika’s Certified Roofing Contractors, were responsible for the design and installation of the roofing system. In addition, RLW Roofing completed façade works, using Sika Parex Historic Mortar KL. “We are proud that in collaboration with RLW Roofing, our products and expertise were used to successful effect in the delivery of this wonderful school, RLW’s skill and expertise were instrumental in delivering a technically robust solution” Simon Griffiths Head of Sales, Offsite Construction at Sika, said. “The hybrid method of construction implemented by Innovaré for this project aligns perfectly with Sika’s promotion of sustainable development within the construction industry.” Now fully opened, the King Edward VI Northfield School for Girls will begin its purpose to serve as a catalyst to transform opportunities, build aspiration and further develop academic success for its 750 students. It’s a huge ambition that Sika is delighted to help fulfil.

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Sika Strengthens Team with Appointment

Sika-Trocal, part of the Sika Group, has appointed a new Area Technical Manager, strengthening its Midlands team by doing so. Donna Owen joins the company from Building Innovation where she held the position as Key Account Management for roofing and tapered insulation. Sika-Trocal provides flat roofing membranes that are suitable for a wide range of applications including new build, refurbishment, solar and green roof specifications. “This is an extremely exciting opportunity for me. Sika-Trocal is a leading light in the roofing industry and renowned as an innovator of high-quality solutions. I hope my experience will prove beneficial and further the company’s superb service offering,” said Donna. She will lean on over 20 years’ construction-based sales and development experience in the new role, working with Area Technical Managers and the applications team. “The chance to work for such a high-profile employer as Sika proved too great to resist. It offers a huge, but very rewarding challenge. I’m looking forward to meeting my new colleagues and taking this next valuable step in my career. I’m particularly excited about being involved with the Bombardier and Rock Roofing projects and hope to hit the ground running,” Donna said. “Forging excellent account relationships and possessing good industry knowledge are traits I like to think have helped me progress in my chosen field. It sounds old-fashioned, but I truly believe success is built on hard work and a willingness to learn,” she added.

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BIM – THE TIP OF THE TECHNOLOGY ICEBERG FOR THE FUTURE

BIM (Building Information Modelling) has been with us for a number of years now. Whilst the benefits this technology brings are easy to see, for some, its adoption has not always been the easiest of things. Innovation can streamline, but there is a learning curve – and also in most cases a cost. BIM is just part of a whole wave of technologies and innovations that look set to change the way we design, construct and operate buildings in the future. Mobile devices and apps are now commonplace on a construction site and in the UK. This is being quickly followed by drones, 3D printing, augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). With so much technology on the horizon it is an exciting time to be in the construction industry but where does it all fit together and when does technology start to add real value? When the Cabinet Office published the Government Construction Strategy back in May 2011, it was greeted with much enthusiasm. The report announced the Government’s plan which was to have collaborative 3D BIM (with all project and asset information, documentation and data being electronic) on its projects by 2016. It was part of a four year programme with the key objective being reducing capital cost and the carbon emissions from construction and buildings in-use by 20%.  A key part of this ambition was the adoption of information rich BIM technologies, process and collaborative behaviours that would unlock new more efficient ways of working at all stages of the project life-cycle. It is fair to say that BIM has taken longer to integrate than anticipated. It has been widely adopted by the tier one main contractors and leading architects and consultants but it has taken far longer to penetrate deeper into the supply chain. However, it is getting there and Sika have no doubt that in a number of years it will be a default and much more commonplace on schemes, large and small. A recent report, ‘Shaping the Future of Construction – A Breakthrough in Mindset and Technology’ by the Boston Consulting Group on behalf of the WEF (World Economic Forum), found that out of all new technologies, BIM offered the most benefit and likelihood of success.  It is for this reason, that Sika has put BIM as its top technology priority. Sika has been using BIM since 2013. As a global leader, working across a variety of market sectors from construction to automotive (see http://bit.ly/2o8Ca6Z), investing in technology and adding value across our supply chain is an essential part of what we do – everyday. As a global manufacturer, Sika looks at BIM from a global perspective. Driven by a corporate strategy, Sika has set out to create clear guidance and templates and global partnerships, such as having BIMObject.com as the preferred hosting partner. They were selected as the global partner for Sika in BIM because they have the largest user base worldwide and increase the visibility of Sika to the widest range of BIM users. In addition, they are now integrated into the building material search function of the leading BIM software, Autodesk Revit. By centralising information, Sika has begun creating a knowledge centre.  This approach helps with the spreading and sharing of BIM knowhow. It forms a basis for how Sika develops useful BIM object content, standards, templates, internal guidelines and processes for getting in touch with potential customers who have worked with Sika BIM objects. An essential part of this process includes a dedicated BIM team, which includes Sarah Eberhardt, David Vazquez and Alberto Gonzalez. Sarah works in the Corporate Marketing Department at Sika’s Head Office in Zurich, and David and Alberto work for the Corporate Technical Department in Madrid. Each brings their own skill set. For example, David has accumulated more than 20 years’ experience in theoretical and practical applications in the structural refurbishment and strengthening business; Alberto has worked in Spain and the Middle East and has specialised in Revit BIM software having obtained the three (Architecture, MEP and Structure) professional certificates by Autodesk; Sarah has a Master’s degree in Architecture from the University of Cincinnati, Ohio, USA and completed professional level certification training in Autodesk Revit. Whilst working as an architect in Los Angeles she completed an architectural project in Hollywood from design through construction using a 3D BIM workflow, which gave her a holistic perspective into the new age of digital construction and collaboration.  Together the team is working to develop BIM content for architecture, engineering and construction professionals and expand the global Sika strategy in BIM development. For Sika, BIM at a global level is about researching regional and global BIM trends, and following case studies and promoting best practices to share for adaption in other countries. While most BIM developments are occurring at local levels (for example, the UK Government mandate), regional and international efforts are intending to unify BIM efforts, for example the EU BIM Task Group, and ISO BIM standards which are under development. It seems at this time that local BIM mandates are pulling the BIM efforts forward, as in UK (2016), France (2017), Spain (2018) and Germany (2020). A big hurdle to overcome involves languages and translation of BIM standards and objects. Current leading BIM software is lagging in capabilities for automation with regards to data input and language translation capabilities, which is presenting a challenge at this point for Sika as a manufacturer and developer of BIM objects and systems for use across the globe. Another challenge is understanding where each country is on the BIM journey. Knowledge, progress and adoption can greatly differ from one country to another. BIM is at something of a crossroads in the UK. It has been adopted by some but is yet to reach the anticipated momentum, whilst a much higher adoption is being seen in other countries. Sika is committed to BIM. We believe that as a technology fully integrated into the building and construction workflow, it offers the greatest long- term value.

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Sika Supplies Waterproof Seal for Challenging Revamp

One of the UK’s hallowed university sites benefited from Sika’s waterproof liquid-applied seal that helps preserve the roofing detail. The roof refurbishment at Central Building – part of Cambridge University’s Fitzwilliam College campus – was one of the first projects to apply a pioneering approach. The approach included combining Sikalastic®-621, a highly-durable and elastic liquid polyurethane system, designed for areas with complex detailing, with Sika Sarnafil’s single-ply waterproof membrane. Working closely with architect Cullinan Studio, contractors Gunite (Eastern) and Roofing Contractors Cambridge (RCC), and the college, Sika’s challenge was to create an appropriate waterproofing solution for the roof’s intricate design. Constructed in 1963 by renowned architect Denys Lasdun, the original Central Building features protruding ‘scalloped’ detailing, hence the contractor’s potentially challenging requirement: waterproof the flat roof – which itself had plenty of challenging details – and the scalloped areas, whilst maintaining the look and integrity of the roof and the building as a whole. Concrete repairs were carried out to the underside of the protruding scallops. Initially, this involved applying Sika® MonoTop®-610, a high performance, polymer-modified primer, in lieu of high-build concrete repair mortar: Sika® MonoTop®-615. The steel reinforcement was protected with Sika® FerroGard®-903+. This penetrates the concrete and forms a protective monomolecular layer on the surface of the reinforcing steel, to prevent its corrosion. The concrete was finished with Sikagard®-550W, a high-performance anti-carbonation coating, with crack-bridging capabilities, that protects the concrete, whilst meeting the aesthetic requirements of the structure. “Due to the unusual shape of the scallops, it wasn’t aesthetically practical to install sheet membrane on them, so many, many discussions took place to decide how best to tackle this. The Sikalastic® product ensured these unique details would be protected without altering their shape. It’s not unusual for a project to incorporate small amounts of Sikalastic, but this is one of the first projects where the Sarnafil membrane and Sikalastic®-621TC have been used over large areas together,” said Save Stewart, RCC Managing Director. It was thanks to the collaborative relationship between Sika Sarnafil’s technical experts, RCC’s highly experienced fitters and concrete repair contractor Gunite (Eastern), that the finished roof met the strict requirements of the architect and client.

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ADOPTING NEW INNOVATIONS IN CONSTRUCTION

Every industry faces its own challenges when it comes to grappling with emerging innovations & technologies, even the construction sector. Although many whom work in the industry would say the construction world embraces change, inevitably, there are more pressing realities which can disrupt this idyll; including financial cost, ‘value engineering’ and tight timescales. At large, the construction world steady, both in terms of commercial and residential builds. To ensure the sector doesn’t swamp itself in its own projects, new technologies (aka methods and products) are becoming more necessary in order to lighten workloads. One of the biggest challenges in the construction industry is miscommunication, where new innovations are a potential solution to reducing this issue. Not just exclusive to construction, miscommunication draws out projects and can cause problems to arise. Some examples of miscommunication in construction include: the wrong product is ordered as a contractor misread an illegible hand, or the product information might be completely at odds with what was specified originally. Building Information Modelling (BIM) is doing a great job tackling these examples. With BIM, different contractors working on a single project can share and access product information all through a 3D model of the construction. Whilst mistakes do happen, it is high time that technologies such as BIM are implemented across the board to prevent the likelihood of mistakes occurring through miscommunication. Necessitating these approaches is all well and good, providing the technologies are cost-efficient. Contractors are more than happy to adopt the new advancements as long as they are a worthwhile investment. This means that the products themselves should be made to ensure longevity, sophistication, and cost-effectiveness in equal measure. Contractors are more likely to use new products if they meet the above criteria. Should contractors be expected to pay a little more for a product, then the benefits must be recognisable. For instance, if a contractor has to choose between a cheap, slow application process or a more expensive, weather-resilient and faster application process, , then they will go for the latter, particularly as the more refined adhesive will save time and labour costs. To an extent, it is important to look at the larger picture when buying new products. Products including Sika-Trocal® Spray Adhesives cost a little more than traditional methods but save time on labour, balancing out project costs. That means contractors get the more premium product for the job whilst still saving hours. Sika-Trocal® Spray Adhesives, including C-400, are less labour-intensive and reduce wear-and-tear on the operative, making for an easy and less time-consuming application. Using new products and technologies for the first time can be alienating. In order for clients to get the best out of their products, Sika-Trocal® provides comprehensive training courses at site and management levels. For the construction industry to keep pace with exponential building demands, quick-drying but cost-effective products are a complete priority. Sika-Trocal® ensures all angles are covered when creating new technologies, ensuring clients have a full understanding of how to maximise the potential of great products.

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Pigmented Concrete from Sika

Lee Baldwin, Product Development Manager at Sika, is introducing coloured concrete, which will give the drab-looking material a new lease of life in terms of its usage. From industrial units to art installations, coloured concrete has become a go-to solution for designers and those who want their structures to look good, as well as last. Sika has been a leader in the development of the pigment that has allowed concrete structures to look differently for the past 15 years. To achieve a coloured concrete, it is necessary to add liquid or powder-form pigmented metal oxides, mainly iron oxide, to a concrete mix. The dosage is normally 0.5 – 5.0% of the cement weight and higher dosages do not enhance the colour intensity but may adversely affect the concrete quality. At Sika, primary colours are available, including yellow, red, black, and white, which can then be mixed to create a spectrum of shades. Now that coloured concrete exists, there are no more limitations to how and where it can be used. It can be blended in with its environment or designed to stand out. A good example of pigmented concrete’s harmonious capabilities can be seen at Payers Park, Folkestone where it was used in the formation of sandstone-coloured steps as part of a recent Sika-based project. Other projects that will use the Sika Concrete Coloured range include specification at the new Concorde Museum in Bristol, where it will be used to create dark grey flooring, as well as being the colourful base for a skate park. Pigmented concrete can not only be used in commercial projects, but also as a domestic installation. It is durable and requires little to no maintenance, which made it a solid alternative to tarmac. If used in kitchens, the coloured concrete created hard, marble-like flooring and chips and minor damaging to it does not affect its look. Pigmentation has added a new flexibility to concrete, this most unyielding of materials. Its grey days are over and a brighter, more colourful new era awaits.

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Roof and Concrete Maintenance from Sika

Nic Collins, the area technical manager at Sika Refurbishment, wants to remind us how important the roof and concrete maintenance is for the upkeep of buildings, particularly for those of historical interest. Pitch-less roofs unadorned by modern drainage features are susceptible to ponding, which can lead to blistering to the roof’s surface and valuable assets within the building becoming damaged. Exterior concrete elements such as soffits and parapets are also at risk of deterioration due to long-term ingress. To make sure this doesn’t happen to your building, Nic gives us a few advices. The first step towards avoiding the costly repairs of a water damaged roof is preventing it from becoming a major issue. A good corrosion survey, such as the one provided by Sika, measures the rate of delamination, its source and the effect on the concrete. Additionally, it also identifies the right products and systems to use as part of a refurbishment programme. The Sika survey investigates dust samples for chloride content and covers a meter reading and a test for levels of carbonation. A factual report based on the findings is then drawn-up and implemented as necessary. If a leak emanates from the roof’s area and threatens to cause long-term damage to surrounding concrete features, a roof survey is also advised. The Sika Liquid Plastics Area Technical Managers can conduct this survey and produce a full specification of the repair solution, with the project being monitored until its full completion by highly-experienced Field Technicians. Sika provided the products and expertise for two Grade II-listed buildings – the Hoover Building in Perivale, west London during its transformation into a luxury residential complex, and the Cunard, a former Second World War air raid shelter, now a high-end office block situated in a desirable dockyard location. By providing both the expertise and the quality products, Sika’s solution simplifies the refurbishment process for the client.

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