Description
Sika SikaBond T-55(J) is a one-component, elastic polyurethane adhesive for fully bonding solid and engineered timber floors, supplied here as a single 600ml foil pack for smaller flooring jobs and repairs. It spreads easily, stays flexible once cured and helps take the stress out of the bond between the timber and the substrate, which suits floors that need to move a little with the seasons.
About the formula
A moisture-curing polyurethane that cures by reacting with humidity in the air, so it needs reasonable ambient moisture to set properly. The cured adhesive is elastic and dampens footfall sound. It is sandable along with the floor, and Sika rates it as low in VOCs. It is approved for use over underfloor heating and can be applied directly onto old ceramic tiles, which can save you from ripping up an existing tiled floor first (do a preliminary adhesion test on glazed tiles).
Where to use it
Indoors: full-surface bonding of solid timber and engineered timber floors, parquetry and strip panels, mosaic and industrial parquet, and chipboard, over concrete, cement-based screeds, timber subfloors and old ceramic tiles. It can also be used as an underlay layer before timber flooring is laid.
Outdoors: not intended for outdoor use, and it is not rated as UV or weather resistant.
Suitable substrates include concrete, cement-based floors, chipboard, timber subfloors and ceramic tiles. Sika notes that ground-floor slabs and areas without a damp-proof membrane need moisture protection first (see important notes below).
How to use it
Make sure the substrate is clean, dry, sound and free of dust, contamination and old coatings or adhesives. Check the substrate moisture content before you start and prime or seal where required. Load the foil pack into a suitable application gun, snip the end and cut the nozzle tip to suit, then lay the adhesive over the floor and spread it evenly with a notched trowel. Sika's current data sheet lists coverage of roughly 600 to 1000 g per square metre depending on the trowel notch and the flooring type. Use a larger notch for long or wide boards and uneven substrates so you get a continuous bed with no hollow spots. Press the timber firmly into the adhesive while it is still wet and keep a 10 to 15mm expansion gap to the walls. Clean tools while the adhesive is uncured, using Sika Remover-208 or Sika Colma Cleaner. Cured adhesive can only be removed mechanically.
Important notes
Sika's data sheet states this product is only suitable for use by professional wood floor applicators. Apply and lay within roughly 15 to 35 degrees ambient and substrate temperature (20 to 35 degrees with underfloor heating), with relative humidity of about 40 to 70 percent. Keep the adhesive at or above 15 degrees for good workability. The floor can be walked on after about 12 hours and sanded after about 24 hours, depending on conditions and adhesive thickness. Do not expose uncured adhesive to alcohol-containing products, as they interfere with curing. Where a ground-floor slab or other area has no damp-proof membrane, follow Sika's moisture-barrier recommendations (Sika Primer MB or MR Fast, or Sikafloor EpoCem) before laying timber. Follow the flooring manufacturer's own installation guidelines as well.
Specifications
| Brand |
Sika |
| Product |
SikaBond T-55(J) Elastic Wood Flooring Adhesive |
| Pack |
1 x 600ml foil pack |
| Colour |
Ochre |
| Base |
1-component polyurethane, moisture curing |
| Application |
Foil pack via application gun, spread with a notched trowel |
| Skin / laying time |
About 60 minutes at 23 degrees and 50% RH |
| Cure rate |
About 3mm per 24 hours at 23 degrees and 50% RH |
| Walk on / sand |
After about 12 hours / 24 hours |
| Coverage |
About 600 to 1000 g per m2, depending on trowel and flooring type |
| Density |
About 1.35 kg/l |
| Shore A hardness |
About 38 after 28 days |
| Shelf life |
12 months from production, unopened and stored correctly |
| Storage |
Dry, out of direct sunlight, 5 to 25 degrees |
| Use |
Interior only |
Safety
It contains small amounts (under 1 percent) of isocyanates, so avoid skin contact and breathing vapour, and keep the product away from heat, sparks and open flames. Work in a well-ventilated area and wear gloves and eye protection. If it gets on skin, remove contaminated clothing and wash with soap and plenty of water. For eye contact, rinse with water with the eyes held open and seek advice if irritation persists. Refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for full details.
