Construction World May 2018

PRODUCTS & SERVICES

Changing landscaping habits As dam levels in the Western Cape are very low, the water crisis in the Eastern Cape deepens and KwaZulu- Natal continues with its own water restrictions, home owners and businesses need to completely rethink their lifestyles and water usage habits for the long term, according to Herve (Trigger) Truniger, the national accounts manager for Easigrass South Africa.

An example of a recently installed Easigrass garden.

As day zero looms, residents have been urged to reduce their water usage from the already low 50 litres (13 gallons) of water per person, per day in an effort to secure what little reserves are left. “We believe that drought friendly landscaping is critical egarding to saving water. Many municipalities are still imposing stringent water restrictions with massive penalties for those overstepping their water usage allowances. In Cape Town, we have already been told to prepare for similar water constraints next summer, especially if there is not adequate winter rainfall. Droughts are cyclical and, in a country where water is in short supply and the population is growing, dry periods are likely to return more and more often,” he warns. Easigrass, the world’s leading artificial grass brand, is based in the United Kingdom

and has been researching, developing and designing artificial grass for over 30 years. Recognised by horticultural and design associations across the world, it’s the geo- friendly alternative for gardens, playgrounds, sports facilities, balconies, rooftops, pools or interiors. On home soil, Easigrass is backed by Van Dyck Floors which applies the same high international standards when it comes to quality, design excellence, product back up and guarantees. Because European and South African grasses are completely different, Easigrass South Africa has researched, designed and launched nine artificial grasses that resemble popular local varieties. This means that Easigrass blends with indigenous and drought tolerant plants to produce attractive contemporary outdoor areas.

Although switching to Easigrass means an upfront investment, this will quickly be offset by reduced water bills and savings on garden services, mowing, fertilisers and weed killers. It will also ultimately provide safe and healthy areas for pets and children to play whilst improving drainage and layout of your garden. Easigrass is fully perforated and, if installed with the correct base work, the water will drain through and penetrate the soil through the crusher dust base which is made from organic material and compacted. Easigrass is also fully recyclable. “Your Easigrass investment, if installed correctly, will last you 15 to20 years. Two years ago, breakeven was within four to five years. The current water tariffs have upped this period to just one to two years,” explains Truniger. 

Sika as always has proved its capacity to bring innovations into the market. Now, we are excited to inform our customer that besides the powerful initial tack, Sikaflex ® High Tack is a CE marked sealant for use in interior and exterior façade joints (EN 15651-1 F-EXT-INT 20HM). Sikaflex ® High Tack is unique in the market, being a high tack adhesive and an elastic sealant for façade elements. Various applications Due to its powerful grab and fast curing properties, Sikaflex ® High Tack is recommended for bonding objects on vertical surfaces or for overhead applications. Sikaflex ® High Tack can be used for bonding wood boards, mouldings, panel bonding, ceramic tiles, roof tiles, metal boxes, interior and exterior wall decorations and various accessories, in bathroom, kitchen, workshops etc. Powerful construction adhesive Sika is proud to announce the launch of Sikaflex ® High Tack, a powerful construction adhesive with high initial tack, suitable for bonding most construction materials over different surfaces for both professional customers and private end users. Sikaflex ® High Tack complements the industry-renowned range of Sikaflex ® technology, including Sikaflex ® -11FC+ and Sikaflex ® Crystal Clear.

Sikaflex ® High Tack bonds building materials such bricks, stones, ceramics, different metals, concrete, hard, PVC, timber and much more. Unique characteristics Sikaflex ® High Tack has a high initial tack, especially devel- oped for vertical or overhead applications. Sikaflex ® High Tack is very easy to apply, sol- vent free and has very low emis- sions. It is water and weather- proof and the elastic bonding allows for the vibrations and shock to be absorb. Another ideal characteristic is that it is paintable and suitable for damp surfaces. 

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CONSTRUCTION WORLD MAY 2018