Scarlet McAleese-Banks, Co-Managing Director of HB42, looks at how sealants and adhesives can save time and money on many RMI jobs.
From waterproofing a basement or wet room to repairing windows, roofs, guttering and facias – sealants and adhesives can be your best friend when it comes to repair, maintenance, and improvement. With the multitude of formulas available, you can tackle most repair jobs quickly and with the confidence that by choosing the right product, you can save time and money. From basement to roof, we want to give you some hints and tips on the most appropriate and advantageous products to use.
In the basement
Tanking brickwork can help to stop damp and water ingress into a cold cellar, especially if you are converting it into an area which will be lived in. Traditionally, a tanking slurry is used, but it may need more than one coat and it can take time to go off. However, the HB42 Ultimate Waterproofer can be applied evenly and only needs just one coat to waterproof an area, straight from the tub, saving time, money, and hassle. Durable and UV resistant, it contains no silicone, isocyanates or bitumen and is Phthalate free.
Tip: In this basement, the flooring has been tanked and then tiled on with the same product – saving time and cost.
Another time saver is the HB42 Ultimate Liquid-Grab. It uses the latest MS Hybrid Polymer technology, which is ideal for all full surface vertical bonding applications. The polymer technology makes it perfect for bonding wet-rooms and shower panels, splash backs, cladding and tiles. You can use it in damp and humid conditions too.
Kitchens, bathrooms, and wet rooms
Bathrooms and kitchens are perhaps the most in need of high-quality sealant and adhesives due to heavy use and the presence of water. Professional grade silicones with a high gloss finish are ideal for bathrooms and wet rooms. The silicones must be made so they are easy to apply and create a long-lasting seal that is waterproof, weatherproof and, importantly, mould resistant. Ultimate Silicone, for instance, is Acetoxy free and produces a neutral cure that is non-staining on stone, granite, marble, and non-corrosive on metals. It skins in 8 to 10 minutes.
Tip: HB42 Ultimate Sealant & Adhesive will stick and seal your shower tray extremely well, but for that high-gloss finish, overcoat with the Ultimate Silicone.
Windows, sills, and doors
Repairing wooden doors and sills can be time consuming, so choose an ultra-smooth Wood Filler that sets hard to a strong finish in 30 minutes and then sand, drill, carve or plane it. Look out for fillers that can be painted and stained too. The best wood fillers can cope with wet rot on furniture, windowsills, frames, doors and banisters, grain filling and repairs to shakes, cracks, splits, and knot holes.
You can fill other materials such as metal, plaster, GRP, and concrete with a rapid hardening polyester filling paste, such as Le Filla. This is weatherproof, and sets in just 20 to 30 minutes, so its suitable for interior and exterior use, such as windows, doors, skirting and holes in plaster and masonry.
Up on the Roof
Sealants and adhesives can provide really quick, cost effective preventative fixes to what could become big problems further down the line. For instance, guttering can be repaired with sealants which are water resistant and create a flexible hold to almost any substrate, giving it the strength to withstand building movement in adverse weather.
Over the last few years, the chemical technology in sealants and adhesives has changed to make them stronger and safer to use. Advanced hybrid polymer technology, for instance, gives outstanding trade strength and adhesion. Products using this technology, such as Ultimate All-in-One, seals, sticks and fills and it is flexible up to 230 per cent. As in this case once you have made guttering repairs with the All-in-One you can then back this up with the Ultimate Waterproofer.
Top tip: Save skip space!
It is estimated that over 2 million single use plastic cartridges are put into landfill every week in the UK. That is why Hilton Banks launched its bestselling HB42 All-in-One Sealant and Adhesive in 400ml Eco-Foils. For every 20 skips of plastic cartridges, only one skip of used Eco Foils will go to landfill, saving more money and space in your skips.
ABOUT HB42
The HB42 range is Hilton Banks’ answer to sealing, fixing, grabbing, filling, and bonding. The range was launched in 2013, to meet increased demand from builders’, plumbers’, and decorators’ merchants to supply a high-end trade brand of sealants with clear branding and sensible pricing. With over 150 years of experience, family-owned Hilton Banks is committed to continuing to expand the range.
For further details on the range of products available from HB42 visit https://www.hb42.co.uk/
