Safety, Protection and Aesthetics for the Building Envelope
Juan Diaz, Head of Industry, Sika South Africa, recently presented a brief overview of their products and services to groups of AAAMSA members through the regions. Sika is a chemicals company specialising in the production of systems and products for sealing, bonding, damping, reinforcing and protecting in the building sector.
While the company operates globally in 103 countries, Juan states that they have a strong track record in South Africa having been closely involved with many projects over the years such as 117 on Strand and the recent Amazon building in Cape Town.
Firm favourite
Sika’s range for facades and fenestration includes sealants, adhesives and spacer tape or gaskets. When it comes to structural bonding, insulating glass edge sealing, weather sealants, waterproofing and vapour control, the company’s products are a firm favourite among architects and contractors.
On the wall cladding front, the Sikatack Panel System results in economical and ‘nonvisible’ assembly of façade elements, with no stress concentration or buckling, nor any corrosion caused by screws. This means more architectural freedom of design and the assurance of proper ventilation and standing water being avoided at the bond line. And customers are assured of sustainability as not only are Sika products isocyanate and silicone-free but Sika factories (over 400) are themselves solvent-free.
Project-by project
A particular strength of Sika lies in the technical service offered by the company. Certification is undertaken project-by-project and is not simply a ‘tick-box’ exercise. The Sika team takes the time to understand the customer’s and contractor’s expectations. Testing and results are undertaken across a single open portal so everyone is protected and in the loop.
Juan concludes by saying that although there is an embedded and far-reaching knowledge base present right here on our shores, every customer also benefits when it comes to specialised testing, applications or installation expertise garnered globally over decades.