Sika Sikawell A
Sika Sikawell A
SikaSwell® A — Hydrophilic Swellable Joint Sealing Profile
SikaSwell® A is a rectangular acrylic polymer sealing profile that swells in contact with water to seal all types of construction joints and penetrations in concrete structures. It provides a permanent, self-activating waterstop barrier that shrinks back when dry and re-expands upon further water contact.
Key Features
- Hydrophilic acrylic polymer — swells up to ~150% volume in 30 days (EN 14498)
- Permanently water resistant through wet and dry cycles
- Resistant to various chemical substances
- Easy and fast to apply on different substrates
- Fills small cracks and voids with unique swelling properties
- BBA system approvals with SikaSwell® S-2 (Certificate No. 13/4994)
- Conforms with LEED v4 MR credit — Building product disclosure and optimization
Applications
- Construction joint sealing in concrete structures
- Pipe and steel work penetrations through walls and floor slabs
- All types of penetrations and connection joints
- Construction joints in cable ducts
- Underground structures, water tanks, and pools
Technical Specifications
| Property | Value | Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Base | Acrylic polymer | — |
| Density (at +23 °C) | 1.50 kg/l | EN ISO 2811-1 |
| Dimensions (W × H × L) | 20 × 10 mm, 10 m/roll | — |
| Shore A Hardness | 10 ± 5 | DIN 53505 |
| Volume Change — 1 day | ~50% | EN 14498 |
| Volume Change — 7 days | ~130% | |
| Volume Change — 30 days | ~150% | |
| Swelling Pressure (ideal concrete) | > 10 bar | — |
| Service Temperature | -20 °C to +50 °C | — |
| Application Temperature (air & substrate) | +5 °C to +35 °C | — |
| Shelf Life | 36 months from production | — |
| Storage | Original unopened packaging, dry, +5 to +35 °C | — |
| System Adhesive | SikaSwell® S-2 | — |
Limitations
- Not suitable for movement joints — construction joints only
- Recommended for water pressures up to 2 bar; for higher pressures, consult Sika Technical Services
- Swelling is reduced and delayed in saline water — use SikaSwell® A Maritim version
- Minimum concrete cover: 8 cm (reinforced) / 15 cm (unreinforced) on both sides
- Do not apply in joints with existing standing water
FAQ
What joints is SikaSwell A suitable for?
SikaSwell A is designed for construction joints in concrete, including pipe penetrations, steel work penetrations, and cable duct joints. It is not suitable for movement joints or expansion joints.
How fast and how much does it swell?
In demineralised water, it expands ~50% in 1 day, ~130% in 7 days, and ~150% in 30 days (EN 14498). Swelling is not instantaneous and takes several hours to begin. When dry, it shrinks back to original dimensions and re-expands on further water contact.
What adhesive is required for installation?
SikaSwell® S-2 adhesive is required. Apply a triangular bead (~12 mm tall × ~12 mm wide) and press the profile into the fresh adhesive within 30 minutes (+23 °C / 50% r.h.). Allow S-2 to harden for at least 12 hours (24 hours for pours > 50 cm) before placing concrete.
