C-Tec: Performance and power

C-Tec: Performance and power

Modern sealants and grab adhesives have to be powerful yet versatile to gain traction in a competitive market sector. C-Tec outlines a number of the varied applications for its portfolio of products and argues that they offer significant advantages over other sealants.

When it comes to finding the perfect bath sealant, it is important that installers choose a sealant that will complete the job and provide lasting results.

Silicone sealant is the most common and widely used bath sealant, however C-Tec argues that the material has a number of disadvantages and as such cannot be considered as a long term fix for such applications.

The company contends that the problem with silicone bath sealant is largely due to the high content of solvents mixed within the product. These solvents have to evaporate, resulting in a high ratio of shrinking — this is the reason why bathroom installers will fill the bath with water and then apply a bead of silicone around it and then let it cure. Even after this exercise, C-Tec suggests that over time the silicone bath sealant will detach itself from the base material, destroying the initial grab of the product.

This is more prevalent in bathrooms because of the damp moisture and exposure to water particles which means that silicone sealants are prone to detaching themselves due to the steam, heat and continual exposure to water. All of these combined factors can break down the silicone bath sealant.

Another type of bath sealant is the acrylic version which has higher adhesive properties but, the company suggests, still has the shrink characteristics as they also contain large amounts of solvents. Furthermore, over time, the sealant around a bath may go black or mildew can appear — which C-Tec says is a direct result of the solvent and the consequences of the evaporation. The sealant will cure, but with many cavities within it, bacteria will breed.

C-Tec claims that its CT1 product has none of the supposed disadvantages of such bath sealants. It is a ‘unique hybrid polymer’ with no solvents in its make-up and therefore will never shrink. The product is said to remain flexible and can resist the expansion and movement of the base materials. CT1 will not only act as a 100% seal for the bath but will also perform as a very strong adhesive for bonding numerous materials such as plastic panels, tiles, mirrors, wood and metal.

In addition, it is also a bactericide and is claimed to be 100% mould resistant. Mould growth can be a common occurrence for many homeowners and it’s not unusual to see it growing on sealant around a bath or shower in homes as well as hotels and other kinds of washrooms.
C-Tec actually guarantees the mould-resistant nature of CT1 and says the difference it offers is the fact that it cures ‘absolutely solid’ with no holes. Its chemical composition, however, is said to ensure that whilst it is strong and hard, it will remain flexible.

A further advantage is in the leak protection it offers. For example, frequently after new showers or baths have been installed, leaks begin to appear and in many circumstances this is due to water passing through the grout between the tiles. CT1 has been designed to solve this problem quickly.

The polymer hybrid technology behind the CT1 sealant and construction adhesive has also been employed in the firm’s heavy duty solution — Power Grab n Bond. The company says the product requires no additional mechanical fixings or extra support, even when it comes to vertical bonding procedures.

Power Grab n Bond is solvent free and consists of an “exceptionally high initial grab” that is capable of creating an almost instant bond vertically of up to 25kg with no need to support or for additional fixings, and thereafter will achieve a permanent bond that will resists vibration and shock. This means that it will withstand heavy movement caused by changes in temperature.

With a waterproof bond, it is well-suited to outdoor use and can be used to bond concrete, ceramic, marble, wood, metals, mirror, glass and lead — indeed, the company says that unlike many other heavy duty products, there are no limits as to the materials which can be bonded together.

The adjoined application process is simple: apply 450 x 13mm bead per kilogram weight on vertical bonding materials, wait four to five minutes and the powerful bond ensures it can be placed directly onto a vertical wall with no sliding and with no supports required.

C-Tec also asserts that this universal adhesive will not only bond the materials, but will not attack the synthetic material.

(Article featured in Professional Builders Merchant 22nd November 2016)

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