Sikaflex®-444 Rapid

12 months from date of production when stored properly at room temperature conditions in original, unopened and undamaged, sealed containers. Shelf life of components will be impacted if stored in higher heat and humidity conditions.

Store in cool, dry, well ventilated conditions out of direct sunlight. Ideal storage temperature conditions are 60 - 75 °F (15 - 24 °C). Condition materials to 65 - 75 °F (18 - 24 °C) before using.

Properly mixed Sikaflex®-444 Rapid has a semi-self-leveling consistency and can tolerate slopes up to a maximum 20% at 73 °F (23 °C).

- 40 °F  to 170 °F (- 40 °C to 77 °C) 

Good resistance to water, diluted acids, diluted alkalines and residential sewage. Consult Sika Technical Services for specific data.

Excellent

For each 3 gallon (11.4 liter) pail of Sikaflex®-444 Rapid, add 1 CUP (i.e. one full, standard measuring cup) of Sikaflex®-444 Rapid Booster.

40 °F to 100 °F (4 °C to 38 °C)  Sealant should be installed when joint width is at midrange of its anticipated movement.

40 °F to 100 °F (4 °C to 38 °C)  Sealant should be installed when joint width is at midrange of its anticipated movement.

In accordance with industry standard joint design and practice, install appropriate bond breaker tape or backer rod to prevent bond at bottom or base of joint prior to sealant installation, to prevent three sided adhesion. Closed cell backer rod is preferred for most applications. Diameter of backer rod should be slightly larger than actual width of joint to provide a friction fit and adequate sealant support. Industry standard practice does not consider sand to be an appropriate backing material.

Once mixed with the booster, Sikaflex®-444 Rapid has a 30 minute usable life while still in the pail. Installer should work to use the entire pail prior to this 30 minute timeframe.

Sikaflex®-444 Rapid when mixed with Sikaflex®-444 Rapid Booster fully cures in approximately 4 hours.

All joint substrate surfaces must be clean, sound, free of contaminants, dust-free, dry and frost-free. Interior joint surfaces must be free of oils, grease, paints, coatings, sealers, curing compound residues, rust and any other foreign matter or bond inhibiting materials that might prevent good adhesion. Ideally substrate preparation should be accomplished by mechanical means (e.g. sandblasting, abrasive grinding, etc.). A roughened surface will enhance bond. Mask off and protect any adjacent surfaces (e.g. edges of joint) that should not receive contact with Sikaflex®-444 Rapid.

Priming:

Priming is typically not necessary. Most substrates only require priming if testing indicates a need. Sikaflex®-444 Rapid should not be subjected to immersion after cure. Testing should be done on any unknown or questionable substrates to determine if priming is needed. Consult Sika Technical Services or the Sikaflex Sealant / Adhesive Primer Product Data Sheet for additional information on priming. Appropriate backing materials are installed after the Sikaflex Primer is dry to the touch. On site adhesion testing is recommended with final system/assembly prior to the start of a job.

Sikaflex®-444 Rapid uses the Sikaflex®-444 Rapid Booster to achieve a rapid curing process. Sikaflex®-444 Rapid base sealant is mixed with Sikaflex®-444 Rapid Booster by adding at the proper mixing ratio stated in the above Mixing Ratio section of this product data sheet.

Fill exactly one standard measuring cup (1 CUP) with Sikaflex®-444 Rapid Booster and scrape off excess from the top of the measuring cup so that only 1 CUP is added - no more!  Add the necessary amount of Sikaflex®-444 Rapid Booster into the sealant and mix with a low speed rotary drill (400 - 600 rpm) and Sikaflex mixing paddle. Mix for 3 minutes to achieve the proper homogeneous mixture. Scrape down sides and bottom of pail periodically during the mixing procedure. Avoid entrapment of air during mixing by keeping the mixing paddle blade below the top level of the sealant's surface. When mixing in cold weather [i.e. less than 50 °F (10 °C)], do not force the mixing paddle to the bottom of the pail right away. Work it down slowly while rotating as the material warms up from the friction of the spinning mixing paddle.