Sika Floors the Square Shopping Centre

The Square, a shopping centre in Ladysmith, has just opened and represents the largest tile adhesive project for Sika SA to date, covering a total of 11 880m² of floor and wall tile area of the mall. Sika recently launched a brand new tile adhesive range, including a porcelain adhesive product which was ideal for this particular project.

SikaCeram-200 Porcelain was the tile adhesive used for all floor tiles throughout the mall, as well as the walls in the passages leading to the bathroom areas. SikaCeram-200 Porcelain is a single component, pre-packed tile adhesive mortar, combining cement with selected grades of sand and synthetic polymers. SikaCeram-200 Porcelain tile adhesive is easily mixed with water to produce a smooth, thixotropic, tile adhesive for thin or thick-bed application. In addition to the interior finishes, the project also required waterproofing of the outside walkways and entrance. Cemflex (250lt), an acrylic based emulsion was the simple solution, chosen for its ease of application and efficacy. It improves the water resistance and adhesion of Portland cement based composites. It is watertight and has good abrasion resistance, ideal for the general wear and tear caused by foot traffic.

For minor patch repairs incorporated into the screed mix, Sika Latex® was the product chosen and is a synthetic rubber emulsion. The product is suitable for use in tropical and hot climatic conditions. It is known to have extremely good adhesion, reduced shrinkage, greater flexibility and excellent water resistance.

Sikaflex®PRO 3i is a one part, moisture curing, elastic joint sealant that was used for the expansion joints of the floor in the interior section of the mall. This multipurpose floor joint sealant is suitable for movement and connection joints in floors, joints in contact with potable water and indoor and outdoor applications for pedestrian and traffic areas.