Data center construction faces unique pressures. Projects must be delivered at speed, with uncompromising reliability, resilience, and sustainability. Meeting these demands requires proven expertise, global consistency, and innovative solutions tailored to these mission-critical projects.
Sika is uniquely positioned to address the challenges of these complex builds. With experience gained from supplying over 1,000 data centers worldwide, our approach provides consistency in any major global market while offering solutions for decarbonization throughout the project lifecycle.
These solutions, combined with the expertise of our data center team, bring significant value to projects by helping clients achieve goals including speed of construction, robustness, reliability, low maintenance, and sustainability. With our global reach, comprehensive portfolio of innovative products and expert services, Sika stands as a trusted leader and partner in data center projects worldwide.
Challenges in Construction & Refurbishment
At Sika, we understand the pressures and complexities involved in constructing and maintaining data center facilities. From watertight basements, facades and roofs, ESD floors to fire-resistant structures, every element of your facility must perform.
No one understands these challenges better than Sika. We’re trusted by owners, specifiers, and contractors worldwide to deliver construction solutions that address the various specific problems on the job sites.
Speed of construction is a key challenge for data centers, as the rapidly rising demand for digital services often outpaces the industry’s ability to build and commission facilities fast enough. Buildability and repeatability are critical to accelerate construction, reduce costs, and achieve operational readiness faster.
Sika supports this need with globally available, high-performance systems that are easy to install, minimize downtime, reduce risk, and ensure durable, compliant results – keeping data center projects on schedule and operational environments uninterrupted.
Maintenance interventions can cause service disruptions and therefore need to be kept to a minimum – especially unplanned maintenance.
Durable and robust solutions help support the continuous operation of a data center, reducing operational expenses. Sika’s solutions provide that robustness and longevity, thereby minimizing repairs or replacements.
Meeting the increasing demand for data while staying within sustainability targets is a major design and operational challenge. Sustainability includes not just energy use, but also the life cycle impact of the materials used.
Through constant innovation, Sika is improving existing solutions and developing new technologies that meet the evolving needs of the construction industry, supporting clients’ aspirations.
1. Industrial Flooring
Dust, debris and static can threaten sensitive equipment and disrupt operations.
That’s why your floors must be dust-free, durable enough to withstand heavy wear and abrasion, and easy to maintain, with anti-static properties where required. Sikafloor® coatings, with a wide range of low-VOC options and dry-shake topping systems, are engineered to meet these needs, offering enhanced mechanical properties and a dust-free environment tailored to the unique demands of mission-critical environments.
Sikafloor® MultiDur ES-56 ESD
- Solutions that combine chemical and mechanical resistance, temperature tolerance, and cleanability with conductive properties
- Prevent electrostatic discharge while maintaining low surface resistance to protect electronic equipment and ensure personnel safety
Sikafloor® MultiDur
Sika ComfortFloor®
- From reception areas and canteens to technical and storage rooms — Sika offers tailored flooring finishes to meet every functional requirement
- Range from highly durable, chemical-resistant and wear-resistant epoxy systems to decorative and comfortable PU coatings
- With over 50 million m² applied annually, our proven systems are both environmentally and user-friendly, fully compliant with local regulations
Sikafloor® dry shake and liquid hardener range
- Sikafloor® dry shake systems provide hard-wearing, dust-free floors
- Applied during slab casting, eliminating the need for post-applied dust sealers that can disrupt the fit-out program
- Ideal for heavily trafficked floors
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Lower surface permeability
- Easy to maintain
2. Roofing
Roofs are among the most exposed elements of any data center, and failures can result in costly downtime, damage and energy loss.
For long-term resilience, roofing systems must combine proven protection with energy efficiency and sustainability benefits. Sika’s range includes Sarnafil® thermoplastic membranes and SikaShield® bituminous systems, along with options for cool, green, and solar-integrated roofs that extend service life while reducing operating costs. Trusted worldwide, these systems deliver long life expectancy and high impact resistance, with Sarnafil® AT offering some of the highest sustainability credentials in the industry.
Sarnafil® and Sikaplan®
single-ply membrane systems
SikaShield®
bitumen membrane systems
Sikalastic®
liquid applied membrane systems
- Ideal for lightweight roof structures
- Suitable for complex geometry and detailing with liquid-applied membranes in combination with single-ply and bitumen systems
- Long life expectancy
- High impact resistance
- Sustainable
- Liquid-applied membranes for roof refurbishment
Sarnafil® and Sikaplan®
FPO and PVC systems
SikaShield®
bitumen systems
Sikalastic®
liquid applied membrane systems
- Roof covering is protected against UV, fire risk and physical damage
- Extends the life of the roof assembly
- Reduced maintenance
Sarnafil®
FPO and PVC systems
Sikalastic®
liquid applied membrane systems
- Quantifiable savings in energy costs
- Extends the life of the roof structure
- Sustainable
- LEED credits
SikaRoof® Anchor System
SarnaRoof® Solar Mount-2 (SSM2)
photovoltaic mounting system
Sika SolaRoof®
comprehensive solar roof solution
- Simple and fast installation
- Sika® Solar Mount eliminates penetrations through the waterproofing
- SolaRoof® Anchor provides a robust weathering of the fixings
- Eliminate “sliding” of the PV frames which can cause damage to the waterproofing
- Lightweight
- Tested systems
- Compatible with all Sika roofing technologies
SikaRoof® Control
monitoring / leak detection systems
- Easy to install
- Low cost, high value system
- Continuous monitoring of the roof assembly
- Rapid alert in the event of potential leaks
- Pinpoints area of concern to enable rapid response and remedial action if needed
- Assists planned maintenance programs
- Peace of mind
Sarnafil® and Sikaplan®
single-ply membrane systems
SikaShield®
bitumen membrane systems
Sikalastic®
liquid applied membrane systems
- Sustainable and visually more appealing
- Slows down storm water flow by retaining up to 75% of rainwater, thus alleviating the pressure on storm water and drainage infrastructure
- Reduces building’s cooling energy consumption and costs, particularly in warmer months due to thermal mass effect of the green roof
- Extends lifespan of the waterproofing membrane by protecting it from damaging UV rays and freeze-thaw cycles
3. Building Envelope
The building envelope must do more than enclose a data center – it protects sensitive interiors, ensures safety, and enhances aesthetics.
Meeting these needs requires a full suite of solutions, from Sikaflex® sealants and Sika Emseal® joint systems to moisture barriers and passive fire protection. With Sika’s global expertise and comprehensive portfolio, you can rely on resilient, high-performing envelopes that secure mission-critical operations inside and out, while also delivering a clean, professional appearance.
A full range of silicone, polyurethane and hybrid sealants
- Durable, UV resistant and non-staining sealants keep joints, gaps and cracks weathertight in all conditions
Sika Emseal
fire-rated, movement and expansion joint solutions
- Continuous, watertight sealing systems with factory-fabricated transitions, intersections and changes in direction and plane
Range of passive fire protection systems
- Limits the spread of fire by containing it in a single compartment in its area of origin
- Provides vital escape time for people during fire incidents
- Protects escape routes, building structure and critical structural members
- Minimizes costs to rebuild after the fire
- Protects owners’ built assets
4. Below-Ground Waterproofing
Water ingress and ground contaminants can threaten critical infrastructure and disrupt operations.
To safeguard structures and equipment, below-ground systems must provide reliable, long-term protection. As we manufacture all types of waterproofing technologies, our experts are uniquely positioned to provide objective advice and the right solution for every project. Our leading bonded waterproofing system, SikaProof® A+, offers proven protection against water ingress, ground gases, and aggressive ground conditions. Solutions are also available for water storage tanks and other applications.
SikaProof® A+ and SikaProof®-808
fully-bonded sheet membranes
SikaShield®
wet-bonded, self-adhered or torch-applied bitumen membranes
SikaInject®
repair systems
Watertight concrete system with Sika admixtures
- Well-protected below-ground structures prevents damaging water ingress as well as protection against aggressive ground contaminants, radon and ground gases.
Sikadur-Combiflex® system
surface-mounted joint and crack sealing system based on tapes and adhesives
Sika® Waterbar® FB-125
fully-bonded flexible TPO waterstop
- Waterproofing
- Chemical-resistant joint sealants
- Joint sealing systems for construction, expansion and connection joints as well as for cracks
- Compatible with below-ground waterproofing membranes
- Durable and long-term solution
5. Concrete Admixtures & Additives
The longevity of your data center depends on the performance of its concrete structures, from foundations and basements to slabs and columns.
That’s why advanced admixtures are vital to enhance strength, workability, and durability while lowering environmental impact. Sika® ViscoCrete®, SikaFiber®, and other admixtures deliver proven performance that accelerates construction time, lowers CO2 emissions, and reduces steel reinforcement usage.
Sika concrete admixtures help meet the demanding requirements of data center construction by improving the durability, impermeability, and finish quality of concrete, among other factors.
SikaGrind® cement additives are engineered to optimize cement production — enhancing efficiency, consistency, and sustainability — features that translate into tangible benefits for data center construction.
- Grinding aids: Enhance mill throughput and powder flowability, enabling energy-efficient production of high-quality cement that supports dense, durable concrete
- Strength enhancers: Boost early and long-term compressive strength without altering cement particle size—proving vital for the resilience of concrete slab floors
- Performance enhancers: Enable increased use of SCMs like slag or limestone, maintaining workability and durability while reducing CO₂ intensity — supporting eco-friendly construction
- Calcined clay / LC³ solutions: Reduce clinker content up to 70%, significantly lowering carbon footprint, while ensuring mix consistency, strength, and water demand remain ideal for smooth, easy-to-clean surfaces
Sika’s wet precast concrete solutions optimize every stage of building element production — from formwork to final placement — by using advanced PCE-based superplasticizers like ViscoCrete®, accelerators, fibers, and integral durability enhancers.
Sika’s concrete flooring solutions for data centers include slab-on-grade systems with high-performance admixtures, macro fibers, dry-shake hardeners, and curing compounds. These components create ultra-flat, durable, and low-maintenance floors that resist heavy loads and support easy-to-clean industrial environments.
6. Repair
Leaks, cracks, and structural damage can jeopardize performance and reliability in data centers.
That’s why repair solutions must address issues quickly and effectively — from roofs and basements to floors, joints, and spalling concrete. Sika’s proven repair systems restore durability, mitigate noise and vibration, and extend the service life of critical structures, ensuring uninterrupted operations in demanding data center environments.
Sika offers a wide range of solutions for refurbishment projects, including:
- Damaged or leaking roofs and basements
- Damaged floors
- Floor joints requiring noise or vibration mitigation
- Cracks
- Damaged or spalling concrete
- Other structural repairs
SikaInject®
injection systems for stopping active water leaks or structurally sealing dry concrete cracks
Sikalastic® and SikaTop®
waterproofing mortars designed to form vertical barriers on both internal and external surfaces
Sika provides high-performance below-grade waterproofing systems to successfully renovate existing moist or leaky basements, restoring functionality and preventing future moisture-related issues.
Sika offers a comprehensive suite of concrete repair solutions— including repair mortars, corrosion protection systems, structural strengthening products, and waterproofing injections— designed to restore spalls and cracks, prevent reinforcement corrosion, and reinforce existing concrete structures for long-term durability.
Sika® MonoTop® and SikaEmaco®
repair mortars
Sikafloor® screeds and Sikafloor® Level
cementitious levelling systems
Sikafloor®
floor systems
Sika provides high-performance repair mortars, cementitious leveling systems, and durable floor systems to efficiently restore or replace damaged floors with long-lasting, smooth, and load-resistant surfaces.
Sika’s structural strengthening solutions offer complete systems— such as CFRP plates, rods, fabrics and FRCM grids— alongside anchoring, injections, adhesives, and post-tensioning technologies to boost bending, shear, seismic capacity, and service life of structures without aesthetic compromise.
Sika’s roof repair solutions include advanced single-ply membranes, liquid-applied systems, and membrane overlays that restore weatherproof integrity, extend service life, and reduce maintenance for data center buildings.
Sustainably Durable & Efficient
Data center design and construction face significant sustainability challenges, requiring innovative approaches related to energy, durability, CO2 emissions and resource consumption.
Sika has calculated potential sustainability savings and benefits based on a hypothetical data center project with the following details:
- Single-story structure with slab-on-ground design
- Surface area: 25,000 m²
- Location: Dubai, UAE (reflectivity of Sarnafil® TG 76 Felt PS considered)
- Building lifetime: 60 years
- Reinforced concrete structure
- Sikafloor® EasyFinish CS-30 concrete flooring system
- Sarnafil® TG 76-15 Felt PS roof membrane with DensDeck® Prime roof board and Sarnatherm® PIR insulation
- SikaProof® A+ 08/12 waterproofing membrane for radon protection
- SikaFiber® Force, Sika® ViscoCrete® concrete admixtures, and high cement-replacement concrete
Click on the lifecycle image to explore projected benefits of using Sika solutions through the various stages of this hypothetical data center building's lifetime.
Benefits Along All Lifecycle Stages
Product Stage
28 tons of CO2 equivalent saved during production of roofing and waterproofing membrane in comparison to internal/ external reference products**
10% recycled content in roofing membrane
**For the waterproofing membrane, the calculation of CO2 savings was done through Sika's SPM approach by comparing with the internal reference product.
For the roofing membrane, the EPD of the Sika membrane was compared to the EPDs of a competitor’s membranes of equivalent function.
Concrete Production
Estimated savings of 1,750 tons of CO2 equivalent in comparison to concrete without a high-range water reducer
Construction Stage
Waterproofing membrane: possibility for thermal joints, reducing material consumption and waste
About 94 tons of steel reinforcement saved
Low VOC flooring
With the use of SikaFiber® Force, approximately 10 tons of CO2 equivalent saved in comparison to steel-reinforced slab-on-grade
Use Stage
Proven durability for membranes and roof board
Dust-free floor, easy to clean and maintain
With the use of SikaFiber® Force, ability to minimize and control cracking, extension of service life of the structure
Up to 12,390 MWh saved in comparison to an equivalent black bituminous membrane
(energy savings calculated using Sika's Energy Savings Calculator Roofing, ESCR)
Up to 11,450 tons of CO2 equivalent saved in comparison to an equivalent black bituminous membrane
Low VOC and radon protection
End-of-Life Stage
Membranes recycled back into new Sika membranes at the end of the use stage
*13,000 tons of CO2 is equivalent to 20 million KWh of electricity saved.
Driving Digitalization
Digital transformation is reshaping how data centers are built and maintained — and Sika supports this shift with advanced digital solutions.
Our experts and technologies deliver reliable data for BIM models and project planning, reducing risks and enabling smarter decisions.
With SikaVision®, we also offer digital tools and products to monitor, optimize, and predict project performance— ensuring better outcomes and long-term value.
Contact Us
Local Contact
Contact a Sika expert near you for technical support and locally available products and systems.
Global Project Support
Sika’s Project Support Team provides in-depth consultative support for our full product range and represents a single point of contact into the extensive Sika network of experts. Please contact us to learn more or inquire specifically on your current project(s).
