From abrasion resistance to two-component sealants

LEXICAL

Anyone who dives into the colourful world of SARKÖZY sealants and deals with the grouting of floor and wall coverings, bathroom tiles or kitchen tiles will repeatedly come across questions and terms that we explain briefly and concisely here. Here you will learn, for example, that one-component sealants are those sealants that cure with the water vapour in the air (e.g. silicone) or under water release (acrylic). We explain the application possibilities of metal adhesives, explain how to clean joints and numerous other processes that are important so that you can simply make your life a joint width more colourful. Have fun browsing through the encyclopaedia of SARKÖZY sealants.

Sealing

(see joint sealing)

Abrasion resistance

Abrasion resistance refers to the resistance of sealants to mechanical stress, especially friction. The abrasion resistance is determined by the surface properties, mainly roughness and hardness.

Pulling off the joint

Pulling off (smoothing) the fresh sealant joints using a tool. A smoothing agent is also used. (see Fugi-Fix joint puller, tool, smoothing agent)

Acrylic sealant

Odourless, water-based sealant primarily for sealing cracks in masonry. Acrylic can be painted over when cured.

Adhesion (adhesives)

Adhesion is the physical state of an interface that forms between the adhesive and the medium to be bonded – i.e. between solids and liquids. The main characteristic of this state is the mechanical cohesion of the substances involved.

Adramaq

Adramaq GmbH is a German company specialised in designer planks and tiles based in Dauphtetal/Germany.

Altro

Altro Limited is a company specialising in the manufacture and distribution of safety flooring and wallcoverings. The head office is in Hertfordshire/UK.

Amtico

Amtico International is a company specialising in the manufacture of designer floor coverings, based in Coventry/UK.

Connection joint

Connection joints inevitably occur when two different building components meet and the gap formed needs to be closed. The well-known
connection joints can be found in sanitary areas, e.g. as a connection between the bathtub or washbasin and the wall or floor. The most
Most connection joints only have to withstand minor movements For this reason, sealants with lower elasticity can also be used.

Paint compatibility

A sealant is compatible with paint if it can be used to seal components coated with paint. (see also acrylic and polymer colour).

Armstrong

Armstrong DLW GmbH with administrative headquarters in Bietigheim-Bissingen and production in Delmenhorst is a manufacturer of linoleum.

Artigo

Artigo S.p.a. is a manufacturer of rubber floor coverings based in Cairo-Montenotte / Italy.

Curing time

Curing time is the time interval between the squeezing out of the joint compound and the complete completion of the curing reaction of the sealant. The speed of curing depends on the amount of water vapour and the temperature of the environment. It should be noted that for some non-reactive sealants the delivery and application state are identical, i.e. no curing reaction takes place.

Bactericide

A bactericide is an additional substance that is intended to prevent infestation of the sealant with microorganisms for as long as possible.

Walkability of the floor

In most cases, a freshly grouted floor can be walked on after 8 to 24 hours. Apart from the type of sealant used, the joint geometry and the environmental conditions are decisive.

Coating (of the substrate)

Subfloor coatings are applied to prevent soiling, to make the floor resistant to chemicals, to improve its appearance and to achieve an anti-slip effect.

Elongation at break

Elongation at break is a material characteristic of the sealant that indicates the permanent elongation (in percent) of a sample after breakage, related to the
initial gauge length. The elongation at break of a sealant should be listed in the technical data.

Debolon

Debolon GmbH und Co KG is a German manufacturer of resilient floor coverings based in Dessau-Roßlau.

Designflooring

Designflooring International is a manufacturer of designer flooring based in Evesham, UK.

Sealant

A sealant is a material for sealing joints, gaps, openings and the like. The sealant must adhere to the joint flanks in order to function properly.
to be able to fulfill them.

Dispenser

A dispenser is a device for the promotional presentation of sealant cartridges and accessories

Emulsion paints

Emulsion paints are paints that consist of a chemical dispersion of binders and solvents, colorants and additives.

One-component sealants

One-component sealants are sealants that cure with the water vapour in the air
(e.g. silicone) or under water release (acrylic).

Removing sealants

Depending on the substrate and curing state, sealants are removed mechanically, e.g. using a spatula, a joint cutter, or chemically using special cleaning agents (see also Epoxy Remover, Silicone Remover).

Epoxy resin

An epoxy resin that, when suitable hardeners are added, produces a sealant of high strength and chemical resistance, cures within a few minutes to a few hours, depending on the composition, mixing ratio and ambient temperature. (see also Easypox Professional S 150ml, Easypox Professional XL 400ml and Easypox Professional XXL 620ml)

Initial sealing

Initial sealing is the first time a floor covering is grouted. It is important to differentiate between initial sealing and renovation (renovation joint) with regard to warranty. Sealant manufacturers only give their warranty for initial sealings.

Screed

Screed is the term used to describe the substrate for a floor covering. In some cases, the screed is used as a finished floor.

Facade – sealing cracks

Fine cracks in façades and masonry can occur again and again. A weather-resistant and paintable sealant is particularly recommended for this area of application. (Polymercolor, Acryl)

Defects in floor coverings

Defects in floor coverings are defined as cracks, holes, etc. The size and type of defect determine whether and how a flaw in a floor covering can be repaired. It is possible, for example, to close small to medium-sized cracks in rubber floors with epoxy resin joint sealants (see Easypox Professional S 150ml, Easypox Professional XL 400ml and Easypox Professional 620ml).

Window connection joints

Joint seals on windows and façades not only protect a property from harmful external influences, they also make a decisive contribution to the effective insulation of heat, sound and draughts. Joints on windows are under-
can be divided into room side and wind side. A paintable acrylic (see Acrylic or Polymercolor) is often used on the inside (room side). A sealant that can withstand different weather conditions is recommended on the wind side. (Polymercolor)

Grouting damp rooms

A damp room is a term used in the construction industry. It describes a room where water is used, such as a bathroom or kitchen in a house. Public swimming pools, (communal) showers and saunas are also considered wet rooms. A sealant that is fungicidal and bactericidal is recommended. (see Havocolor, Sarkösil, Polymercolor)

Forbo

Forbo Flooring GmbH (parent company is the Swiss-based Forbo Holding AG) is a manufacturer of contract vinyl and acoustic flooring based in Paderborn, Germany.

Milling the joint

Joints can be milled using an angle grinder and a joint cutter attachment.
The milling heads are usually made of a titanium/carbide alloy. The joint cutter is used to cut new joints in the flooring or to cut out existing sealant joints. For the latter purpose, the use of floor cutters is generally recommended. (see tool)

Joint type

A distinction is made between a variety of joint types. They mainly have mechanical functions (stress equalization and crack prevention). In addition
is intended to prevent water from infiltrating the grouted medium. A distinction is made between: setting joints, space joints, expansion joints, connection joints and sliding joints,
Shadow joints, dummy joints, maintenance joints, masonry joints, field boundary joints (also edge joints) and edge joints.

Joint seal

Joint sealing is the elastic closure of a joint with sealants or backfill material. (see also backfill material)

Joint restoration

Joint restoration refers to the cutting out of damaged or unusable joints and the subsequent repointing or sealing. The same sealing method is usually reused for joint renovations. However, in some cases, such as cold welding, it is not possible to renew the weld by re-welding. (see also Easypox Professional S 150ml, Easypox Professional XL 400ml and Easypox Professional XXL 620ml)

Fungicide

A fungicide is an additional substance that protects the sealant against fungal attack.

Gerflor

Gerflor Mipolam GmbH is a manufacturer and supplier of designer floor coverings based in Villeurbanne Cedex – France.

Odorless

Odorless sealants include acrylates and neutrally cross-linked silicones.

Smoothing agent

After spraying the sealant, the joint must be removed without leaving streaks. With most sealants, a mixture of soapy water is used for this purpose. (see also Havo Finisher Spray)

Primer

(see adhesion promoter)

Adhesion additives

Bonding additives are additives that are added to sealants in small quantities to achieve improved adhesion to many substrates. Nevertheless, it is recommended to always prepare the substrate with adhesion promoters (see adhesion promoter)

Bonding surfaces

Bonding surfaces are the surfaces to be joined during grouting Adhesive surfaces must be free of dust and grease. In practice, cleaning is therefore carried out with turpentine or methyl ethyl ketone. In case of sealant residues in the joint, a suitable remover should be used. (see Epoxy Remover and Silicone Remover).

Adhesion test

Before starting the actual grouting, it is advisable to check whether the sealant has sufficient self-adhesion or whether additional adhesion promoters (see Havo-Primer) must be used.

Adhesion promoter

The shelf life of a sealant refers to its storage, whereby it is imperative that the prescribed storage temperature is maintained. In most cases, a sealant manufacturer guarantees a shelf life of up to 12 months after the date of manufacture. If the sealant is stored improperly or for too long, it will harden already in the cartridge or there will be delays or failure of the curing reaction.

Hand squeeze gun (sealant squeezer)

Technical aid for pressing out the contents of a sealant cartridge or bag. Hand squeeze guns differ in their design with regard to the degree of mechanisation (automatic/manual), the cartridge length to be processed and the type, viscosity of the sealant or the lever ratio, among other things.

Hardness (Shore)

Shore hardness (Shore-A for soft elastomers) is the resistance of a cured sealant to penetration by a mechanical object.
In the test, a hardened metal needle is pressed into the hardened sealant with a force of 12.5 N and the so-called Shore hardness is determined according to DIN 53505 and DIN 7868
determined. 0 Shore (2.5 millimetre penetration depth) to 100 Shore (0 millimetre penetration depth). A high number means a high hardness.

Skin formation

The curing process for most sealants begins after a few minutes and is indicated by the formation of a skin on the surface of the joint. Each sealant can be assigned a skin formation in mm per time interval depending on the environment. In cool, dry weather, curing and skin formation take significantly longer.

Skin contact

In some cases, incompatibilities or allergic reactions to certain ingredients of construction chemical products can be observed. Skin contact
(as well as contact with the eyes) should be avoided during any work with sealants, especially if the hazard statements on the products
certify this. Protective clothing and goggles are recommended.

Havo-Primer

(see adhesion promoter)

Havopox

Havopox is the original name of our current Easypox professional.

Backfill material

Backfill material is intended to give the sealant to be applied a good hold in the joint and is often a technical necessity. It should be noted that the profile should always be chosen one size larger than the joint width to ensure stability. In addition, the profile should neither be compressed nor stretched,
as it will retract to its original length. Joint filling material is usually closed cell/porous polyethylene.

Hygiene – requirements for sealants

For some applications, sealants must comply with hygiene regulations, e.g. the standards according to DIN EN ISO 846. Here, the behaviour of the sealant against bacteria and mould fungi is examined.

Indoor pollution

For around two decades, attention has also been paid to air quality in (non-commercial) indoor spaces. Sealants can be tested with regard to their outgassing and
emission behaviour, e.g. using the VOC screening method. The test results are compared and categorised with the values published in 2005 by the Committee for Health-related Evaluation of Building Products (AgBB). (Test results e.g. see Easypox Professional XXL 600ml)

Insulation

An important function of sealants is to seal small cracks and gaps to protect against wind and weather. One requirement for internal window jointing, for example, is wind tightness and thermal insulation.

Cold welding agent

Cold welding agent (also known as fusible wire, welding seams) is used to join floor coverings in the running area in a force-fit manner.

Adhesive tape

Adhesive tape is a tool for masking joints. Adhesive tape is used to prevent other substances from getting into the joints or to protect the floor covering
floor covering. to protect the floor covering. (see also Sarközy masking tape)

Cohesion

In sealants, cohesion refers to the forces that cause the sealant to hold together. Cohesion is responsible for the strength of the cured sealant under stress.

Shelf life

(see shelf life)

Grouting laminate

Laminate flooring consists of several backing layers on which a wood decor layer is placed. This creates the look of a parquet floor. Grouting is carried out both in the edge plinth and on the surface. Sealants that can be sanded after hardening are recommended. (see parquet joint sealant and Polymercolor)

Running metre

A running metre or linear metre is a unit of measurement used to describe the length of goods that are declared as running or rolled goods. The running metre is important for calculating the number of units of sealant required. The number of linear metres per cartridge always refers to the product of joint width and joint depth.

Light fastness

Light fastness describes the consistency of colours under permanent lighting. Sunlight with a high proportion of UV light causes many sealants to decompose, sometimes severely, which can lead to a visible change in colour. The determination is carried out in accordance with DIN EN ISO 105-B 02. A fastness number of 1 means a very low colour fastness, a number of 8 means a very high light fastness. Our products Easypox Professional S 150ml, Easypox Professional XL 400ml and Easypox Professional XXL 620ml have been rated with a fastness number
of 7.

Solvents

Solvents dissolve and remove sealants from adhesive surfaces. These include, for example These include esters (e.g. ethyl acetate), ketones (e.g. 2-butanone) and tetrahydrofuran. It is essential to follow the instructions for use and care instructions for floor coverings and substrates to avoid causing damage.

Masonry – sealing cracks

Fine cracks in façades or masonry can occur time and again. A weather-resistant and paintable sealant is recommended especially for this area of application. (Polymercolor, Acryl)

Metal adhesive

For bonding metal elements, we recommend the use of a sealant with a high self-adhesive strength. (Polymercolor)

Mixing ratio

For some sealants, a certain mixing ratio is mandatory to start the curing process. This applies to 2-component sealants. The components (called A-component and B-component) must be mixed in a ratio of 1:1.

Seam strength

The seam strength (also tensile strength) of a sealant is its resistance to tearing by a tensile force. The seam strength is determined by the tensile test. The result is the outermost force applied in relation to the initial width of the sample at which the sample tears. The test standard is DIN EN 684,
the unit is N/50 mm.

Neutral-curing silicones

Neutral-crosslinking silicones (oxime, alkoxy, benzamide system), which react with atmospheric oxygen, give the crosslinking system its name. Neutral-curing silicones are odourless.

Parquet flooring

Parquet is a wooden floor covering made from the special hardwood of deciduous trees. In a first step, the hardwood is sawn into small pieces and then reassembled in any desired pattern in a second step. Grouting is carried out both in the edge plinth and on the surface. Sealants that can be sanded after hardening are recommended. (parquet joint sealant and polymer colour)

Phthalate

Phthalate is a plasticiser that can be incorporated into sealants.

Pigment

Pigments are colouring substances which, unlike dyes, are insoluble in the application medium. Application medium refers to the substance into which the pigment is incorporated, e.g. a sealant. By combining numerous pigments, we are able to create over 17,000 shades of colour.

Fungicidal

(see fungicide)

Primer

(see adhesion promoter, see Havo-Primer)

Project Floors

Project Floors GmbH is a supplier of designer floor coverings based in Hürth/Germany.

Salt water resistance

(see chemical resistance, sealant and ship deck seams)

Shipbuilding, ship deck seams

Sealants are used in shipbuilding for joining ship deck seams, among other things. This is best done with a sealant that is resistant to both salt water and UV radiation
resistant. (Polymercolor)

Shrinkage

Shrinkage is the optical reduction of the joint material within a certain time interval due to water release from the sealant, e.g. with acrylates. This must be taken into account when grouting.

Silicone

The popular silicone sealant is used in particular in the edge skirting area, sanitary area and in window construction. A distinction is made between neutral and vinegar-curing silicones. These are permanently elastic, resistant to medium acids and alkalis and relatively UV-stable. We recommend checking and, if necessary, renewing the silicone joints after around two to five years.

Silicone remover

(see Removing sealants)

Stability (viscosity)

Stability (also known as viscosity) is the ability of the sealant to withstand its own weight and thus maintain an even joint pattern, which is particularly important in the construction industry.
is particularly important for vertical joints. Low stability means that the sealant joint shows bulges and in extreme cases flows visibly out of the joint. The determinants of stability are in particular the type of sealant and the temperature. The higher the stability, the more viscous the sealant. Unit is square meter per second (m²/s).

Tarkett

The Tarkett group of companies is a manufacturer of all kinds of floor coverings. The head office is in Frankenthal/Germany.

Temperature resistance

The temperature resistance indicates the maximum temperature limit to which a sealant can be temporarily exposed without fundamentally losing its technical properties. Normally, a sealant can be exposed to temperatures between -50 °C and +150 °C; for higher temperatures, special sealants (e. g. high
temperature silicones, fire protection silicones B1 and B2).

Door frames

Joints between door frames and walls must be sealed with a sealant that has a low soiling behaviour. (see Polymercolor)

Paintability

Some sealants can be painted over with emulsion paints without any problems after curing. (see Polymercolor and Acrylic)

Unicoloured floor coverings

Unicoloured floor coverings are single-coloured. To ensure a visually outstanding joint appearance, it is possible to match the colour of the sealants to the solid-coloured floor covering.
floor covering. We match our sealants in 17,000 colours.

UV resistance

UV resistance means that the sealants do not lose colour intensity or even turn yellow due to UV radiation.

Processing temperature

The application temperature is a temperature range (usually 0° Celsius to 40° Celsius) in which a sealant should be applied, otherwise problems with curing or damage to the subsequent joint appearance may result
Otherwise, problems with curing or damage to the subsequent joint appearance may result.

Consumption

The consumption of sealants is calculated from geometric parameters: Joint depth, joint width, joint length (number of linear metres). The material properties of the respective sealant must also be taken into account. For example, acrylates are known to lose volume due to water release during curing
and the joint shrinks.

Discolouration

Discolouration of sealants is caused, among other things, by improper cleaning, UV radiation or insufficient pre-treatment of the joints.

Installation, flooring

Floor coverings should be laid by qualified professionals (e.g. painters, interior decorators, screed layers). Adhesives and sealants as well as levelling compounds and special tools for floor preparation are required as auxiliary materials.

Viscosity

(see stability)

Maintenance joint

The maintenance joint is subject to chemical and mechanical influences and must be checked regularly. The inspection is a visual and leak test. The joint may have to be renewed, in which case it is called a renovation joint.

Tool

In order to maintain a technically flawless working method, the floor layer uses the following tools, among others: cutter, joint cutter, angle grinder, angle
trowel, cartridge gun, adhesive tape, joint puller, etc.

Witex

Witex Flooring Products GmbH produces hard floor coverings in Augustdorf/Germany.

Tensile strength

(see seam strength)

Two-component sealants

A two-component sealant is one in which a curing reaction occurs between
two substances in a certain mixing ratio. A special
components (so-called chambers) separate the two components before processing
components. During processing, the two components mix in a special
in a special mixing nozzle. (see Easypox Professional S 150ml, Easypox Professional XL 400ml, Easypox XXL 620ml and
epoxy resin)

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