10/12/2020
Apply, place, adjust and THAT’S IT!
Joining is strength. And in the construction of sustainable buildings, this strength cannot be achieved without efficient fixing methods. Do you know which option is the fastest, most ecological and easy to use? There is a wide variety of products, but in this article we will give you the keys to answer that question.
What fixing method should I use in sustainable building construction?
The answer is clear: the one that guarantees the thermal and acoustic insulation of the building, causes less harm to the environment and saves time and resources when carrying out the project.
As we have seen in previous articles, there are several types of adhesive systems, among which mechanical joints, welding and chemical adhesives stand out. Mechanical joints (that is, screws, rivets, nails, etc.) were the most widely used up until the beginning of the 20th century. During that centurywelding became the most common process. But research and technological development in the sector gave rise to the most efficient option on the market a few decades ago: chemical adhesives. It is these products that have ended up coming out top in the construction of sustainable buildings.
This does have an explanation. Let’s imagine that we have to install a finish on the wall of a house. If the fixing method chosen for this is mechanical, we will have to make holes in the structure of the building to be able to adjust the screws. These holes produce a break in the facade that can generate thermal bridges. And we already know what happens with these: loss of temperature, energy inefficiency …
Chemical adhesives are more thermally and acoustically efficient.. Not only because they prevent any breakage from occurring by not needing holes, but also because they are more flexible. This elasticity is an essential characteristic for achieving good insulation against noise.
The argument that this type of adhesives are highly polluting has always held weight. But its chemical formula has been evolving to achieve a more ecological composition. Currently, these are products with a neutral formulation that are not harmful and that do not contain solvents, silicones or isocyanates. In addition they are not corrosive and are safe to use even on delicate surfaces, as it does not rust metals or damage mirrors.
Chemical adhesives: the most efficient option for the construction of sustainable buildings
But let’s now focus on why they are the best option for the construction of sustainable buildings. And one of the main advances that foam mounting adhesives provide is efficiency. A single tube yields the same as an up to 40kg sack of mortar.. The logistic, space and job safety savings that this entails goes without saying. They are not only lighter, but also cleaner, since they do not generate the dust and dirt characteristic of other products such as cement.
Costs are reduced. These are high-performance products that reduce working times, avoiding unnecessary steps and waiting. Its use is just like the title of this article: apply, place, adjust, and that’s it! While with traditional methods it takes up to two days to complete an installation, with some foams the time drops to just two hours. In addition, its curing time is 24 hours, while that of traditional methods can take up to a week.
The high density of its formula ensures fast grip, precise installation and strong adhesion. In addition, it can be applied on a wide range of materials such as concrete, wood, OSB, bituminous membranes, ceramic brick, silicate brick, glass, metal and PVC.
Without a doubt, the best adhesive solutions are found among chemical products. They are not only a guarantee of respect for the environment, but also of efficiency. Two fundamental features when dealing with the construction of sustainable buildings.
