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P. 09 GE - Advanced Materials
SilPruf* SCS2000 silcone sealant & adhesive
Surface Preparation (continued)
Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS)
• The use of an appropriate silicone primer is required on all EIFS
substrates. Consult GE - Silicones Technical Services for sealant-
primer-substrate recommendations.
• Confirm with the EIFS supplier which finish the sealant should be
applied to (i.e., base coat or base coat with EIFS primer).
• All EIFS surfaces must be clean, dry and sound and in an accept-
able condition to receive sealant. Confirm with the EIFS supplier
or project architect or consultant, what joint conditions are
considered acceptable for sealant installation to proceed. If
unacceptable conditions are found, cease installation of sealant
until corrections are made.
• To clean EIFS, lightly abrade the joint surfaces using a synthetic
brush or pad and then remove dust and other remaining loose
particles with a soft bristle brush or using an oil-free air blow.
• Cleaning of surfaces should be done within 1 to 2 hours of when
the sealant is to be applied.
• Since EIFS materials can absorb and retain moisture, it is impor-
tant to confirm that the EIFS materials are dry prior to applica-
tion of the sealant.
Priming
SilPruf SCS2000 sealant & adhesive attains primerless adhesion to
many commonly encountered construction materials. However,
some materials with variable surface characteristics may require
the use of a primer to help obtain durable long-term adhesion. Prior
to use, trial applications should be made to check adhesion to the
specific materials to be used on the project. See the GE - Silicones
primer datasheets for product specific information on use and prim-
ing instructions. PRIMER APPLICATION IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR
SURFACE PREPARATION. Consult GE - Silicones Technical Services for
sealant-primer-substrate recommendations.
CAUTION: Primers may contain solvents. When handling solvents,
refer to manufacturer’s MSDS for information on handling, safety
and personal protective equipment.
Masking
The use of masking tape is recommended where appropriate to
ensure a neat job and to protect adjoining surfaces from over-
application of sealant. Masking tape can prevent contact of seal-
ant with adjoining surfaces that otherwise would be permanently
marred or damaged by such contact or by cleaning methods
required to remove sealant systems. When tooling, use care not to
spread the sealant over the face of the substrates adjacent to the
joint or masking as the silicone can be extremely difficult to remove
on rough or porous substrates. Do not allow masking tape to touch
clean surfaces to which the silicone sealant is to adhere (adhesive
on masking tape can interfere with adhesion of silicone). Masking
tape should be removed immediately after tooling the sealant and
before the sealant begins to skin over (tooling time).
Sealant Application - WEATHERSEAL
• Apply sealant in a continuous operation, horizontally in one
direction and vertically from the bottom to the top of the joint
opening, applying a positive pressure adequate to properly fill
and seal the joint width.
• Tool or strike the sealant with a concave tool applying light
pressure to spread the material against the back-up material
and the joint surfaces to ensure a void-free application.
• In glazing applications, tool the sealant at the sill so that
precipitation and cleaning solutions will not pool.
• Excess sealant should be cleaned from glass, metal and plastic
surfaces while still uncured. On porous surfaces the excess
sealant should be allowed to progress through the initial cure
or set-up. It should then be removed by abrasion or other
mechanical means.
• Due to the smooth consistency of SilPruf SCS2000 sealant &
adhesive, tooling agents such as water, soap, or detergent
solutions are not necessary or recommended. Dry tooling is
recommended.
• Sealant application is not recommended when the temperature
is below 40°F (4°C) or if frost or moisture is present on the
surfaces to be sealed.
• Application of SilPruf SCS2000 sealant & adhesive is not recom-
mended to surfaces above 122°F (50°C).
• The cure rate of this product is dependent upon temperature
and the availability of atmospheric moisture. Under Standard
Conditions (relative humidity of 50 ±5% at an air temperature of
73.4 ±2°F [23 of ±1°C]) this material can attain a cured thickness
of 2-3 mm per 24 hours (assuming ample access to atmospheric
moisture). As temperature decreases, the cure rate slows down
(and vice versa). Low moisture environments will also reduce the
cure rate. Near-confined spaces which limit the overall access to
atmospheric moisture will cure only from that surface which has
access to the atmosphere. Colder temperatures can significantly
increase cure times and can open the possibility of sealant
irregularities if joint movement occurs while sealant is not fully
cured. The following reference provides additional information on
Movement-During-Cure of sealant joints: ASTM C1193 - Standard
Guide for Use of Joint Sealants; section 12.5.