Self-levelling Polyurethane

A Self-levelling Polyurethane Penetrates London's Balconies

With its extravagant yellow-cladded balconies the 10-storey Riverbank House, designed by David Walker Architects, is definitely an eye-catcher on the north banks of the River Thames. The double skin facade with its huge facade elements of 4.5 x 3.85 m, was for sure a challenge for the fabricator, Josef Gartner GmbH in Gundelfingen/Germany, and not least for Sika.

For the facade fabrication Gartner relied on the tried-and-tested Sikasil product range, comprising Sikasil SG-500, the ETAG approved and ETA / CE marked structural glazing adhesive, Sikasil IG-25 HM, the high-strength insulating glass secondary sealant for argon-filled IG units and Sikasil WS-605 S, the non-streaking weather sealant for durably clean glass and metal facades.

This weather sealant has such a minimised dirt pick-up that it could prove its suitability for even very polluted cities like Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur. Rounding up the full product range, Sika Spacer Tape HD was used to avoid any incompatibility with the SG adhesive and guaranteeing its fast thru-cure in the deep joints.

Easy application on site without additional mechanical fixation
It was also the non-silicone product range which outperformed competition. First to be mentioned is the SikaMembran water- and vapour proofing system for a tight and durable facade installation in almost all climatic conditions. The flexible sheet membrane allows an easy application on site without additional mechanical fixation.

Balconies: fixation of the balustrades without disturbing metal fasteners
Outstanding design elements like balconies demand fixation of the balustrades without disturbing metal fasteners. After some experience at previous projects in London, Gartner used the glass embedding technology with the self-levelling 2-part polyurethane SikaForce-7710. After the pre-fixation and adjustment of the laminated, glass panes in the U-channel the PU was poured into the cavity from the inner side of the balconies.

Low viscosity, fast on site installation
A low viscosity grants a fast flow into the outer side, making it suitable for easy on site application. But SikaForce-7710 is also an appropriate fast-curing product for factory prefabrication of the complete elements and fast onsite installation. For durable outdoor use the PU is covered with a bead of Sikasil WS-605 S for sun protection.