Treadmaster and sikaflex

[rogerthebodger]

Any one used sikaflex to glue down treadmaster. if so what was the coverage rate or the thickness of the sikaflex.

Had a look in the manuals poated by VicS but cannot find details.

Trying to workout how much I need.

 

[VicS]

Sikaflex 298 would seem to be the appropriate product to use (but perhaps you can identify the non-marine equivalent!)
According to the table on 7 of the users guide the typical coverage is 0.5m² per 600ml pack.

For those who have not seen them

USERS GUIDE

MARINE HANDBOOK

 

[Salty John]

I can't imagine using an adhesive sealer to attach Treadmaster, but I'm sure it's been done.
I have done two boats with Treadmaster, both with GRP decks, and would say that a two part epoxy is the best method. I say this not so much because of the security of the adhesion but because it is very fluid and this makes it easy to avoid any gaps or channels.
If there is a gap or channel through which even a tiny amount of water can travel and lie between deck and Treadmaster it will expand when the sun gets on it and form a bubble. The bubble then doesn't ever go away - you will have to slit it open and reglue it, leaving an unsightly cut on the Treadmaster.
Unless others have had happy experiences with a thick adhesive like Sikaflex I'd seriously consider using epoxy.

 

[Poignard]

I fixed Treadamaster onto my cockpit sole hatches [marine ply 3/4" thick] using slightly thickened WEST epoxy and it has lasted many years. This is a "high traffic area" and the Treadmaster is beginning to show signs of wear but the epoxy bond has never shown any sign of failing.

If you have some particular reason for preferring Sikaflex, the maker's technical department should be able to give advice.

 

[VicS]

[ QUOTE ]
I can't imagine using an adhesive sealer to attach Treadmaster, .............I have done two boats with Treadmaster, both with GRP decks

[/ QUOTE ] Sikalfex 298 is not a sealer. It is a viscous full bodied adhesive for bonding panels and sheets according to the users quide, q.v.
I think you'll find Roger's decks are steel. That maybe infulences his choice of adhesive.

 

[Poignard]

[ QUOTE ]
I think you'll find Roger's decks are steel. That maybe infulences his choice of adhesive.

[/ QUOTE ]

That would make a difference. Epoxy would be ok for something very rigid, e.g. my small panels of 3/4" ply but probably wouldn't do for anything that is likely to flex.

 

[Salty John]

Ah, I was thinking of rubbery stuff in a tube!

 

[rogerthebodger]

As VicS said my decks are steel which in the African sun expand quite a lot. This is why I am going to use a product that has more give than epoxy and I don't like the contact type adhesive

Vic the initis product I was thinking about was 221 which is the same as 291 but cheaper but will have a look at 298 as you say.

I have also looked at the Dem Braven products and have spoken to then and was recommended to use

this

I will see them next week and will post any info I get.

This is 2/3 the price of 221 let alone the "Marine" priced 291.

 

[ianabc]

Both Sikaflex 221 and 298 appear to be polyurethane formulations.

I am wondering about generic polyurethane sealants for applying under Teadmaster.

The point about steel decks and expansion in the tropic is valid.

Sikaflex claims expansion to 12.5% for these products.

Deck adhesive and general purpose construction adhesive used by the construction industry in North America is rated exterior, and is used in exterior bonding that is subject to freezing termperatures and damp conditions.

I"m considering using this for under the Treadmaster sheets on the steel deck.

Some say that Treadmaser is an unwise choice on a steel deck due to rust problems.

I'm not convinced that a properly prepared, rust free deck, with zinc primer coats and 3 coats of epoxy then Treadmaster applied with either polyurethane glue or epoxy will fail.