Sustainable construction begins with an efficient building envelope. As the single largest building element, the building envelope or building shell separates the interior of the building from the external environment and includes the roof, walls, windows, glazing, floors and all the joints in between.
A high-performance envelope must meet the project’s requirements for acoustic, thermal, structural, visual, air-quality, fire-resistant, watertight, temperature-control and aesthetic needs. Along with this great responsibility, the building envelope presents great opportunities to enhance sustainability and reduce long-term costs of buildings throughout their life.
*Source: Energy Star, “Tight Construction”
**Source: USGBC, “Building Green with Energy Efficient Materials”
***Source: Cheung, et al. “Energy-efficient Envelope Design for High-rise Apartments”
Sika Provides a Sustainable, Economical, Holistic Solution
Sealants amount to approximately 1% of the construction costs of a typical large building project. In the case of water leakage, however, the renovation and repair costs are many times that of the initial installation.
In a globalized market with increased numbers of construction suppliers and material options, tighter budgets and higher requirements in energy efficiency and profitability, it is crucial to have a reliable and competent partner for the entire building envelope system.
Sika has a holistic, intercompatible portfolio of products which all work together to ensure the facade is air and water tight.
Building Envelope Solutions for All Types of Buildings
Glass to glass joint
For non-porous substrates like glass, Sika's SikaHyflex® silicone sealants are the perfect choice. See all our joint sealing solutions.
Glass to metal joint
For non-porous substrates like metal and glass, Sika's SikaHyflex® silicone sealants are the most appropriate solution.
Natural stone joints
For porous substrates like natural stone, Sika’s advanced polyurethane Sikaflex® and SikaHyflex® sealants are recommended.
Translucent joints
For completely transparent bonding, Sika has crystal clear adhesives such as Sikaflex®, perfectly suitable for indoor and outdoor joints.
Concrete joints
For joints in porous substrates like concrete, bricks and masonry, Sika’s advanced polyurethane Sikaflex® and SikaHyflex® sealants are recommended.
Connection joints
For applications where a wide adhesion range is required such as window installations, unique silane-modified polymer ® sealants such as Sikaflex® and SikaHyflex are used.
Roof systems
From the vapor barrier and thermal insulation up to the roof waterproofing membrane and drainage layers for green roofs, Sika provides comprehensive roof products and solutions.
Concrete admixtures and concrete protection
Whether it’s for cast-in-place concrete, precast concrete façade panels or concrete protection, Sika provides solutions.
Learn more about Sika concrete admixtures and concrete protection solutions.
Floor systems
Sika provides an array of floor systems, including concrete flooring, floor joints and flooring systems for exterior surfaces such as balconies.
Tile setting systems
From grouting to waterproofing tapes and membranes, Sika has compatible tiling system products.
Building components
From facade glazing fabrication, weather sealing, door and window production sealants, modular building and more, Sika has a range of products and systems.