Sikasil SG-500, a high strength, fast-curing silicone adhesive from global building product manufacturer Sika, is helping ensure the safe, long-term installation of nearly 200 windows which will form a new superstore’s spectacular, structurally-glazed façade.
The ideal adhesive for structural glazing, Sikasil SG-500 was specified by sub-contractors Lindner Facades for a new £54 million John Lewis store in Leeds city centre. The store is designed by ACME architects, with its construction being overseen by main contractors, Sir Robert McAlpine.
Sikasil SG-500 is being used to bond 192 windows – a mix of 1m x 2m and 5m x 3m windows – to diamond-shaped steel frames which form the 25,000m2 building’s five-storey, three-dimensional façade, described by specialist retail developers Hammerson as a “future classic for architecture in Leeds”.
The steel frames which house the windows are manufactured offsite, with two glass supports and an anodising strip used to affix the windows to the frame before Sikasil SG-500 is applied. Once the adhesive – which is also renowned for its superbly clean finish – cures, the completed frames are transferred to site for installation.
Jared Laslett, Division Manager for Lindner Facades, said: “Sikasil SG-500 is the silicone adhesive we trust. We’ve used it on many previous projects, providing exactly what it promised – superb, rapid-curing adhesion.”
Sikasil SG-500 is a two-part, high-modulus, neutral-curing structural silicone adhesive. As well as window applications, Sikasil can be used for solar modules and challenging industrial applications. It provides excellent adhesion to a wide range of substrates. CE-marked and fire-rated (EN 11925-2 / DIN 4102-B1), Sikasil SG-500 is UV and weather resistant.
Sub-contractors Linder Facades began work on John Lewis’ structurally-glazed façade in January. Sikasil SG-500 will play a vital part in ensuring the outstanding-looking outlet – one of the biggest John Lewis stores outside London – will be ready to offer customers their first taste of this new retail experience on Thursday 20 October, as planned.
