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On 24 August 2023, a mandatory training requirement was established for all industrial and professional users of polyurethane foams, adhesives and sealants with a total monomeric diisocyanate concentration of more than 0.1%. For those who have not yet completed this training, Tegra state is providing free access to POINT, FOME FLEX, GUDFOR, Pplus product customers to do so without waiting so they can continue their work safely.

This training platform was developed by FEICA in collaboration with ISOPA, ALIPA, the diisocyanate industry associations, and is available in different EU languages. You can find it here.

Access code for the training: FEICA_21_C7

If you need more detailed training, please contact us at +370 615 42161

All professionals who complete the training and pass the test will receive a certificate valid for five years, allowing them to maintain their safety and achieve the best results with PU foam.

To ensure the safe use of isocyanates, this training programme covers a wide range of topics, including the health effects of isocyanates, the use of appropriate protective equipment, and many other relevant issues. The training programme is also in line with the REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) Regulation.

Even after completing this mandatory training and working with polyurethane products, it is important to:

• Work only in well-ventilated areas to minimise exposure to isocyanates
• Wear gloves, goggles and other protective equipment- Store the products in a cool, dry place protected from direct sunlight and heat
• Comply with the manufacturer’s technical and safety requirements

Water can do a lot of damage to various types of buildings: it may cause an infestation of mould, bad smell or destructive cracks, as well as damaging the finish. However, all these challenges can be resolved through waterproofing. Waterproofing protects buildings against water damage and helps you avoid time-consuming, labour-intensive and costly repairs in the future. Our Product Manager Robertas Matusevičius explains the importance of quality waterproofing and the stages of this process, also listing the main errors and the solutions for rapid, reliable and effective results.

Serious challenges to be expected down the line

Waterproofing buildings, in essence, is preventing later challenges that can be caused by water damage. Therefore, waterproofing must be done properly, conscientiously and at the right time. Otherwise, water may cause irreversible damage to the building. Fixing this damage, R. Matusevičius points out, will be both complicated and costly.

“In areas where water seeps through or moisture accumulates, one should always expect to see certain damage such as mould, bad smell or damage to the finish. Add to this the effect of cold and we end up with cracks that are destructive to the building. Therefore, proper waterproofing is crucial when building a house, as failing to do so will result in defects that will not only present a financial challenge, but also require a lot of time and effort. Suppose water seeps through the basement wall. You would then need to dig out around the outside of the wall and mess up the tidy surroundings. Or if water starts accumulating on, say, a flat roof, it will be very difficult to locate the exact spot of leakage, as roof insulation will have become saturated with moisture. Now, drying that is a tough challenge indeed,” says R. Matusevičius.

Resolving issues like that is a difficult task. However, according to Matusevičius, proper waterproofing prevents these problems from occurring in the first place.

Five-step process

When asked how to ensure proper waterproofing, R. Matusevičius explains that there are multiple ways of doing so. However, with respect to liquid bituminous coating in particular, the process is divided into 5 steps.

“First, you need to prepare the surface. The base surface needs to be dry or lightly damp. You should then clean the surface to make sure it is free of dust or mechanical particles. If it is noticeably uneven or there are cracks, these should be taken care of, too. The second step is priming. For this, you will need a primer that permeates the surface and binds it, ensuring better adhesion and durability of the waterproofing coating. Next, you apply the filler. If there are any small imperfections or cracks, these should be taken care of. Corners, vents and joints must be coated with a bituminous filler, which is viscous and highly elastic. In these areas, the use of a filler reduces the likelihood of cracks appearing as the building moves over time,” says Matusevičius.

The fourth step, according to him, is applying a waterproofing mastic. Usually, two, three or four layers of this coating are applied on the base surface. We recommend applying every new layer crosswise to the earlier one, and if one is working with a flat roof, a polyester fleece should be embedded in the first layer.

“A polyester fleece is used as reinforcement, much like a reinforcement mesh for concrete. I would then recommend applying mineral dry shake hardener on the last layer of the waterproofing coating, which will increase its UV resistance and improve the durability of the roof. Once these steps are completed, you proceed to the last one, which is thermal insulation. For example, if you need to thermally insulate a basement wall after waterproofing, you will need to use PS and XPS insulation boards. These are fixed to the wall using a bituminous glue-mastic. Finally, once the wall is thermally insulated, you apply a special membrane and cover it with soil,” says R. Matusevičius.

Mistakes to avoid

One should not only follow these steps to ensure proper waterproofing, but also take care to avoid the most common mistakes, the expert says. Asked what those mistakes are, R. Matusevičius points out that, first and foremost, people tend to forget to clean the base surface, which then compromises adhesion.

“Another common mistake when waterproofing is the failure to take care of all kinds of cracks and to use a primer. Many are unaware that it should be used, and others try to save money. To give you a parallel: people sometimes fail to use a primer before painting walls, which causes the paint to peel off some three years later. The same goes for waterproofing,” he says.

When waterproofing the foundation walls, one should carefully assess how many layers of the coating are needed, Matusevičius emphasizes. Two layers provide light protection. They protect against moisture and temporary soil saturation when soil permeability is high. The thickness of this waterproofing coating is between 1 and 1.5mm.

“Medium waterproofing, on the other hand, consists of 3 layers. This is the preferred option when soil permeability is not very good, which leads to the accumulation of rainwater in the soil for an extended period of time. Its thickness is between 2 and 3mm. Finally, heavy, 4-layer waterproofing is used when soil permeability is poor, with constant accumulation of rainwater and pore water pressure. The thickness of this waterproofing coating is between 4 and 6mm. There is also another common mistake. Thermal insulation boards should never be attached to the foundation using mushroom-head fasteners. If you drill a hole in the wall to insert a mushroom-head fastener, you compromise the waterproofing coating. When applying a seamless waterproofing coating on the roof, it is important to embed a polyester fleece in it,” says R. Matusevičius.

Offering an innovative solution

We are launching a new waterproofing system in Lithuania’s market, which ensures rapid, high-quality and eco-friendly waterproofing.

This our innovative Fome Flex product line, which lets you complete the work in as quickly as one day. These are water-based emulsion products, which means that they dry quickly, odourless and can be used both indoors and outdoors. The innovative bituminous waterproofing system consists of four products, R. Matusevičius explains.

FOME FLEX Rapid Hydro Defence Primer bituminous primer. It effectively permeates the base surface, binding the dust and other impurities that remain after cleaning. The primer is less viscous than a mastic, which ensures better surface penetration. If a mastic is applied without a primer, its adhesion will always be compromised, and the mastic may even detach from the surface over time. This will likely lead to the accumulation of moisture and cold, which will cause further damage to the waterproofing coating.

FOME FLEX Rapid Hydro Defence Filler bituminous filler. This filler is purposely made to be viscous and highly elastic, which allows it to fill any gaps and even out the imperfections. Using the mastic alone will not be enough to seal any cracks that are wider than 1 or 2mm. The mastic will never be able to completely fill such gaps. This may lead to the accumulation of moisture and cold, which would in turn cause damage to the waterproofing coating. The filler is also essential for sealing various corners and joints (such as chimneys or vents on the roof). In these spots, the likelihood of cracks appearing as the building moves over time is greater. A thicker layer of the filler acts as a buffer here, preventing the cracks in the waterproofing coating.

FOME FLEX Rapid Hydro Defence Mastic bituminous mastic. This is the product that creates the waterproofing coating itself. It is neither too liquid (the primer itself does not provide sufficient protection), nor too viscous (while the filler can, in theory, be used for waterproofing, doing so would slow down the work and increase the costs). The mastic can be applied to large surfaces in a very short time, dries quickly and ensures reliable waterproofing.

FOME FLEX Hydro Defence Glue-Mastic bituminous glue-mastic. In Lithuania, the foundations are usually waterproofed using bituminous-based mastics. Then, PS and XPS thermal insulation boards are often fixed to the wall using polyurethane foam adhesives; however, not every adhesive of this kind ensures good adhesion with the waterproofing layer. This is why the safest option for thermal insulation of the foundations is the bituminous glue-mastic. This product ensures excellent adhesion with both the waterproofing layer and the PS and XPS thermal insulation boards.

“All of these products are safe for the environment, solvent-free, non-flammable and odourless. They can be applied on damp surfaces. These products are also very simple to use: compared with thinner-based solutions, the Fome Flex products are much more liquid, which makes them much easier to apply and distribute evenly. One may use putty knifes, rollers, brushes or air compressors to accomplish this. Also, when all work is done, there is no need to clean the tools with a solvent. If the substance has not yet hardened, you can simply wash it off with water and a sponge; if it has hardened, you can scrape it off with a putty knife. It is important to bear in mind that these products provide a 1.5 to 2.5 greater output by weight and offer UV protection, yet their greatest advantage is the speed of work. The Fome Flex range allows you to complete the waterproofing process – that is, apply the primer, the filler and 2 to 3 layers of the waterproofing coating – within a single day or 6 to 10 hours,” explains R. Matusevičius.

Many a professional has faced the challenge of securing construction elements that are able to withstand very heavy loads. They often need to decide whether a mechanical anchor will do, or should the fixture be secured with a chemical anchor instead. Increasingly, to be extra safe, they opt for the latter.

Mechanical anchors can fasten elements to concrete walls of almost any type: the sturdier the concrete, the easier it is to secure a fixture to it. Every construction professional is familiar with the process: you drill a hole of a preferred diameter and insert an anchor, which then expands against the walls of the hole as you fasten it, creating a tight fit and locking securely in place. Although their price, wide selection, and easy installation makes mechanical anchors a fairly popular choice, they also have certain limitations that compel many construction professionals to seek alternatives. Those limitations include the need to use fastenings of a specific diameter, which in turn places a limit on possible loads, and the fact that mechanical anchors may not be used near edges, as the subsequent expansion may break it and thus destroy the construction. This is why construction professionals increasingly prefer using chemical anchors, which reduce the risk of corrosion and, thanks to bonding by adhesion, prevent splits and cracks in the base material; they may also be installed in reinforced concrete structures after casting the base. Chemical anchors also have excellent fire and seismic resistance, and can be used even in high-rise buildings, bridges, road barriers, gate systems, car servicing station equipment, and railway installations.

In individual construction projects, chemical anchors are used for securing railings, fences, poles, air conditioners, water heaters, boilers, etc. While most chemical anchors can be used in wet concrete, Tegra’s new and increasingly popular two-component Point 430 Vinyl Fix styrene-free vinylester chemical anchor, additionally, can be used for both cracked (certified for M10–M20 threaded rods) and non-cracked (M8–M30) concrete, reinforced concrete, solid (M8–M16) and hollow (M8–M12) brick masonry, and wood (M8–M16). Mechanical anchors, by comparison, may only be used for threaded rods with a diameter of up to M24. Point 430 Vinyl Fix may also be used in marine climate environments and in contact with potable water. Thanks to its strong adhesion, easy penetration into holes and hollow materials, and lack of expansion and mechanical stress, this chemical anchor may also be used to secure fixtures to corners and edges of a base material. This chemical anchor is so strong that during pull-out tests, the base concrete or the rods are almost always the first to fail.

A few rules to keep in mind before use

Point 430 Vinyl Fix and other chemical anchors sold in Lithuania are CE certified (which is mandatory in the European Union) and ETA approved (certification for working with threaded rods). Before using a chemical anchor, one must take into account the existing environmental conditions – though in fact Point 430 Vinyl Fix may be used almost all year round, as it is compatible with base material temperatures between −10°C and 40°C. The temperature of the product itself, however, must be at least 5°C and not exceed 30°C.

Special attention should also be paid to the installation procedure. Before applying a chemical anchor, a hole is drilled perpendicular to the surface of the base material, which is then blown through using compressed air or an appropriate pump for a minimum of four times, then the hole is brushed four times, the surface-facing sides of the hole are cleaned using a steel brush, before blowing the hole through using compressed air or an appropriate pump for four more times. This level of precaution is required for a reason: without properly cleaning out the dust, the adhesive performance may be reduced by as much as 70 per cent.

Once the chemical anchor is prepared, i.e. the first 10–12 cm expelled to ensure the two components are properly mixed, two-thirds of the hole should be filled with the product. Then, a dry and clean rod should be installed into the hole by turning it forward and backward. Once the mixture hardens (the timing will depend on the surface temperature of the base material), the anchored rod is ready to receive a load. Usually, the hardening time (when the threaded rod should no longer be moved) and the time to apply a load are specified on the package. 

Although chemical anchors do require some extra care during installation, construction professionals appreciate the reliable, long-lasting and high-adhesive-force bond between a construction element and the base material they create. This bond remains secure over time, as most chemical anchors are resistant to corrosion and other harsh environmental conditions.

As the world moves faster and steadier towards more sustainable products and services, the construction sector is not falling behind, with the highest energy performance class A++ for new buildings, and the use of environmentally friendly or fully ecological products in construction. Tegra State is also making a significant contribution to sustainability, with an increasing number of environmentally friendly products in its product portfolio, and other company solutions.

It all starts with the packaging

Every construction professional is faced with a situation where stacks of building material packaging build up during construction or renovation. This is why manufacturers pay special attention to the sustainability of the latter, as required by the European Union (EU), which mandates the recycling of all packaging for building materials: metal, paper, plastic and other various types of wraps.

Understanding the importance of sustainability, Tegra State has been focusing on recycling packaging for a number of years. The products distributed by the company are therefore produced in EU factories that meet international standards, are subject to a strict selection of raw materials and quality control of production, and are certified by the manufacturers as recyclable packaging.

More breakthroughs expected

Another important area for sustainability and ecology is the products themselves. Most of the products sold by Tegra State such as installation foams and sealants Fome Flex, tapes ZOOM, adhesives POINT, aerosol paints INRAL– are already EC1PLUS, ISEGA, M1 and other certified. It shows that the products are environmentally friendly and not harmful to human health. In other words, the company’s products are not inferior to those sold in the West. The next generation of polyurethane foams, 30–40% of which should be recyclable, should be a major shift towards sustainability.

The company’s product range is also reducing adhesives based on thinner and rubber and switching to products based on hybrid and acrylic formulations. Particularly noteworthy is the Point series of hybrid adhesives, which are not only environmentally friendly, but also have excellent adhesion to many materials. For example, Point 104 Turbo Fast & Strong Fix hybrid adhesive has a bonding strength of up to 38 kg/cm2 and adheres perfectly to concrete, masonry, plaster, ceramics, glass, rigid PVC, metals, stone, OSB, wood and other materials.

Appreciated by an increasing number of clients

As the new, improved formulas are not only environmentally friendly, but also do not harm people’s health as they do not release VOCs after setting, they are becoming more popular among construction professionals and amateurs carrying out small repairs.

It is noted that clients also value the fact that sustainability is reflected in the company’s operations, not just its products. This is why the Tegra Group, which includes not only Tegra State, but also Tegra Holding, Tegra Latvia, Tegra Nordics and InTegra House, TEGROS Ukraina,is working on a wide range of sustainability-related projects.

In the long term, the Group intends to develop more renewable energy projects and install zero CO2 emission energy systems. Tegra offices already have air-to-air heat pumps, which heat and cool rooms and require much less electricity.

The inTegra House workshop, established in 2015, is built and equipped according to the most innovative requirements, using geothermal heating and achieving zero CO2 emissions in its operations. In addition to team meetings to express and share ideas, it also hosts product presentations for clients and showcases the work being done on sustainability.

Construction adhesive is an irreplaceable help in performing various internal and external construction and repair works: no need to drill holes — with adhesive you can attach even heavy objects, and connect various materials in the most difficult-to-reach places. Moreover, the choice of products is rather wide as well: polyurethane, acrylic and rubber-based adhesives are available, and some of the most popular and best-rated are hybrid adhesives characterised by high adhesion strength.

Depends on the complexity of work

As Tegra State experts note, different construction adhesives can be applied to nearly every work performed. For various simple finishing works, it is recommended to use acrylic adhesive, the production of which does not include solvents. Point 97 adhesive is suitable for gluing tiles, the nail replacement Point 95 – for gluing wooden and OSB panels, for gluing wood – Point 204 Wood Fix Adhesive D3 with increased adhesion force, for gluing polystyrene foam – Point 92, for fixing finishing elements – Point construction glue called Acryl Tack Interior, and for gluing and sealing various films – Point 203 Folie & Membrane Fix adhesive.

PU 301 Metal & Wood Fix polyurethane-based and extremely strong installation adhesive characterised by continuous elasticity is suitable for gluing and sealing stair treads and metal structures. Meanwhile, the rubber-based Point adhesive has a high initial bonding and is also perfectly suitable for gluing various finishing elements. This product is an ideal replacement for nails, and can also be used for gluing tiles. However, for more sensitive surfaces, it is advisable to use acrylic glue, since no solvents are used in its production.

Suitable even for boat repairs

The products that are the most resistant to environmental effects, highly durable and characterised by good adhesion are hybrid glues, which are valued for their universal application, as they can be used for both gluing building materials and hanging a simple mirror. It is recommended to use advanced technology Gudfor 911 hybrid glue for fixing skirting boards and edges, while Point 100 Ideas can be applied on any surface, even a wet one. This crystal clear adhesive is suitable for all construction, repair and utility works and has a high S1 mould resistance class. Point 105 HYBRI FIX MARINE, an adhesive specially designed for repairing boats, roofs and swimming pools is also available on the market.

Point High Tack hybrid technology adhesive with strong initial bonding is highly preferred by construction professionals. Due to its resistance to environmental influences, it is suitable for use with many building materials even on wet surfaces, forming a strong and always elastic bond which is able to withstand tensile force of up to 335 per cent. The bonding force of 20 t/m2 allows even very heavy building elements to be glued without support.

Extreme adhesive strength

However, probably the best choice, especially when working with heavy structures, is Point 104 Turbo Power Fix hybrid adhesive. This adhesive has a bonding force of up to 380 t/m2, ensuring excellent adhesion even with concrete, bricks, plaster, ceramics, glass, hard PVC, metals, stone, OSB, wood and other materials. In other words, this adhesive is characterised by its universal application and allows to glue a number of construction and finishing elements. The adhesive does not contain aggressive solvents, therefore, it does not damage even easily damaged surfaces.

Due to the high bonding force, this adhesive is suitable for use with high-weight structures, but a small application surface area. This is useful for fixing LED lighting panels and similar structures, for attaching heavier flat panels to uneven and non-standard surfaces.

Helps save time

Point 104 Turbo Power Fix also features an extremely short setting time — a bonding force of 20 t/m2 is achieved in just 15 minutes, which helps to get the job done quickly and to save a lot of valuable time. For example, when using 2-3 mm wide seams, 80% of the final bonding force is ensured after only three hours, whereas other construction adhesives require at least a day to fully set. Thus, when fixing aluminium suspended ceiling frames and plasterboard panels, installations can commence in just a few hours, while using other adhesives you might have to wait much longer.

This product is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use and allows the structures to be fixed on wet surfaces, which is also very important in rainy spring weather. Thus, it is much easier to plan your tasks, work faster and more efficiently, which ultimately results in lower costs.

In addition, Point 104 Turbo Power Fix has a high temperature resistance from -40°C to +90°C. The elasticity of the product after setting allows for reliable attachment of mailboxes, address numbers and other objects, without having to drill holes in the facade, which allows to ensure the thermal insulation properties of the building and achieve a high energy efficiency class.

In general, when choosing construction adhesives, it is not only the bonding strength, but also moisture resistance and application temperature, that should be considered. Tegra State specialists can offer advice on which product should be chosen for any specific work.

When setting up a new home or starting an interior renovation project, it is important to know which products to use. Various professional products, such as silicone sealants, make the job easier. However, there are a few basic rules to follow when using them.

Choosing a colour

Silicone sealants are mainly used for interior applications such as sealing bathtubs, shower enclosures, sinks and various interior plumbing units. The most popular silicone sealant used by professionals, according to Tegra State experts, is 102 Sanitary Silicone from the Fome Flex line. It has one of the highest mould resistance ratings of S1. Experts praise its elastic recovery — up to 90% of the seam is recovered after compression, while the tensile strain to rupture is as high as 400%, and such a durable and elastic seam is formed in just 7 to 10 minutes. The hardened sealed surface can withstand temperatures of up to 150 degrees.

This silicone sealant is also distinguished by its wide range of colours — clear, grey, black, brown, white and beige. All these features make this Fome Flex silicone sealant suitable for a wide range of glazing and sanitary applications — baths, sinks, washbasins, shower enclosures, swimming pools, plumbing, drainage and sealing PVC pipe joints. The verdict of the professionals is that it is the golden mean of price and quality.

A special product for glazing work

However, in some cases, 102 Sanitary Silicone is not suitable for more sensitive surfaces such as acrylic baths. Fome Flex silicone sealant Neutral, which does not corrode non-ferrous metals and does not change the natural colour of the stone, is then recommended. It also has an S1 mould resistance rating and is specially formulated for durable and resilient sealing of joints, ideal for use in kitchens, bathrooms and showers.

For highly elastic sealing and bonding and an even higher XS1 mould resistance class, Fome Flex SILICONE 100% is recommended. It is an economy class product for sealing sanitary installations and window frames, joining ceramic tiles, small repairs when working with impregnated wood, glass, enamel and other building materials.

However, for glazing work, such as the installation of all-glass shower enclosures or the sealing of mirrors, it is advisable to use Glazing & Window Production — Fome Flex silicone sealant, which is specially formulated for window manufacturers and comes with numerous certificates. It’s worth noting that not only is it UV, moisture and mould-resistant, but it also has an elastic recovery of up to 99%.

What mistakes to avoid?

Professionals looking for the highest quality choose Fome Flex white or clear silicone sealant SILICONE 100%. It has XS1 maximum mould protection, one of the highest Shore A hardness and a 20% seam deflection, resulting in a durable seam that is highly resistant to mechanical stress. The film forms in just five minutes and the ultra-fast polymerisation time allows you to use your shower, bathroom or kitchen sink in just 25 minutes. Thanks to its reliability, thermal resistance of up to 180 degrees and other features, the product comes with a warranty of up to 10 years.

CE marking should be taken into account when choosing a silicone sealant. Silicone sealants for professional use generally have four certificates: F, indicating that the product is suitable for indoor and outdoor use; G, indicating that the product is suitable for glazing; S, indicating that the product is suitable for use in areas where there is a high concentration of water and is mould resistant; and a certificate indicating that the product is suitable for sealing gaps.

It is also worth paying attention to the instructions and basic rules for using silicone sealants. First of all, the surfaces to be sealed must be clean and dry — they must be dust-free, without grease or oil. Silicone sealants can only be used at temperatures between 5 and 40 degrees Celsius. One of the biggest mistakes, which dates back decades, is to rub the seam with your finger. This results in a less than an ideal seam, the seam is adversely affected by the removal of masking tapes and soapy water destroys the anti-foaming properties. Therefore, the use of special spatulas is suggested for sealing work, depending on the location to be sealed. In most cases, the seam is fully hardened within a day, and for more precise information you should read the leaflet or contact Tegra State experts.