Chemical sealing is a fixing process that deserves to be known! Widely used by professionals, it is now accessible to all. Easy to use and relatively inexpensive, this revolutionary resin-based product can fix heavy objects to all kinds of supports. Applying a chemical seal is not complicated, especially if you have the instructions… We explain what it is and how to use it.
Chemical sealing, what is it exactly?
If the word “chemistry” reminds you of your studious youth, rest assured; there is no question of a complicated formula! We are talking about a two-component resin, that is to say a mixture that is obtained with a resin and a hardener. The second catalyzes the first; the result is a super strong glue! Chemical sealing is a great innovation that allows the heaviest objects to be fixed to almost any surface.
Pversatile, it adapts to all supports
You can use it on a solid or hollow wall. How is this miracle possible? Because it does not exert any constraint on the support, unlike a traditional fixing method such as the mechanical anchor. It can therefore be used on a brick wall as well as on porous concrete, natural stone, rock, etc.
Performant, it is powerful and resistant
More resistant and reliable than a classic mechanical fixing, it allows you to fix bulky or very heavy objects, up to 700 kg, to a wall or ceiling. In factories, it is used to fix certain machines to the building wall. At home or in the office, chemical sealing maintains both a huge chandelier and a balustrade… And for a long time.
Simpler than conventional bindings
If you find it easy to fix an object with dowels and screws, chemical sealing will seem like child’s play. Even if you need some equipment, often supplied in the form of a kit, you will see later that the process is quite easy to implement.
Cheap
Yes, this revolutionary product does not cost the eyes of the head! Count 15 to 20 euros for a 300 ml cartridge.
What are the different sealing resins?
There are three main families of chemical sealants, depending on the type of resin used.
- Polyester resin is the least expensive and also the most used by individuals. Very resistant, it can see its performance diminished by water and heat. This is why it is reserved for interior fixings.
- vinyl ester resin is very efficient and versatile, both indoors and outdoors. It is a high-end resin that easily handles heavy loads, including in critical situations (extreme temperatures, seismic zones, etc.)
- epoxy resin is the best of all, but also the most expensive. Its performance is such, even in extreme conditions, that it is used in nuclear sites or other sensitive areas. The only limit: it only comes in the liquid aspect, which prevents its use in hollow materials.
How to perform a chemical seal?
The chemical sealing technique is accessible to everyone, provided they have a cartridge gun and a sieve, and proceed in stages.
Drill the holes
Whatever the medium, start with a cleaning careful of the area to be punctured. Then pierce drill mounting holes. Their depth must be proportionate to the length of the threaded rod. Once the drilling is done, clean the surface again to remove residue. The cleaner your hole, the better the resin will adhere. Use a brush or pump for thorough cleaning. It is better to drill all the necessary holes, to be able to fill them quickly when introducing the resin.
Prepare the resin
The chemical seal comes in two components: the resin and the hardener. The mixture is done in a nozzle, respecting the dosages indicated on the instructions. Note that this type of packaging is intended for heavy use. If you need a small amount of chemical sealer, try to find a unit dose packaging, it will save you a lot of waste…
Introduce chemical sealing
In the perfectly clean hole, introduce the mixture. It must be perfectly homogeneous. If necessary, throw the product on the surface if it is not homogeneous enough, it would not be resistant enough. In a solid support, the seal is introduced directly into the hole. In a hollow support, use a sieve to inject the product. This is to avoid dispersion of the sealant in the support.
Place the fastener
When the resin is in place, quickly insert the screw (or rod, nut, etc.) into the hole, turning it little by little in the wet resin. In this way, the entire surface will be covered with resin. This step requires great precision. Indeed, as soon as the resin begins to harden, you will no longer be able to move the rod or modify its axis.
Let it dry
The drying time must be respected. To do this, refer to the product manual. This time required for the curing of the resin can vary according to the resins and according to the material of the support and the ambient humidity.
Dispose of the cartridge in the recycling center
Do not dispose of chemical sealant containers in your household trash. You should take it to a landfill. It is a dangerous product to put out of reach of small hands.
NB : Chemical sealing is a product that is constantly improving, particularly in terms of packaging. Manufacturers try to simplify your life and limit waste. This is how he can present in pre-dosed capsules. In this case, no mixing to do! The capsule is inserted into the hole. When you drive in the screw, the capsule bursts. The mixing of the components is done by itself.