Foam tapes seal growth for some in 2012
14th February 2012

Peter Thompson, general manager UK of ISO-Chemie, does foresee opportunity for foam sealants in a sector which is highly unlikely to see any real signs of growth as tough trading conditions and pressure on costs prevail. “Although sealants will definitely continue to feel the chill winds of economic recession, we will probably see more take up for foam tape sealants, and airtight window foils, as pressure by building and construction companies to save time and costs reduces the amount of onsite wet trades. “Wet sealants not only require time to cure, often accumulating dirt and dust as they do, but cannot be applied onsite if it’s raining. In the construction and building sector where time is money, this means that more than ever, there’s pressure to use more cost effective and time saving solutions. “The door’s now open for foam sealants because they can be applied in the wet, immediately providing an effective, longer lasting sealing solution which saves time – and money – in the process.” Peter Thompson also says that there’s an increasing awareness for better airtight and thermal sealing of buildings which, driven by changes to the UK Building Regulations England and Wales (mainly Part L), is having an impact. “When you look at various thermal images of buildings it’s obvious that there’s significant heat loss around the perimeter of the windows and doors, particularly between the gaps left for differential movement. “So, as part of the process to reduce CO² emissions, the various regulations have increased the thermal efficiency of roofs, walls and windows so they lose less heat than previously with the 2006 standards. Regulators have also started to look at the details regarding non repeating thermal bridging and how this can also assist in reducing heat loss. This, says Peter Thompson, will continue to push specifiers and window installers to look at new methods of installation - and ‘fit and forget’ foam sealants will feature strongly as they can show improvements to achieve compliance with the regulations and save money. “These ‘fit and forget’ systems will continue to evolve and undoubtedly have an impact. Not only do they exceed the requirements of the UK Building Regulations but more importantly save a lot of time and money for the contractor in speed of installation, less preparation and access issues, plus no “down time” on site due to bad weather. “Those installers who have already tried these products tell us they do not want to go back to the old ways. “Furthermore, it is not just the Building Regulations that are changing. Consumer demand and the market place companies like ISO-Chemie supply into are also changing – and window installers must move with the times. “Those that do not may end up with a similar future to that of the telegraph wire the floppy disc or the high energy light bulb. The writing is on the wall but the solutions are already here.”