When installing Defender® Bird Spikes, the correct silicone should be used to ensure your bird proofing will last years. The silicone adhesive should be specially formulated to create a strong permanent bond between the surface and the polycarbonate bases of the bird spikes. The ideal silicone adhesive, such as Defender® Fixing Adhesive should be a low modulus, neutral cure silicone.
But what does this mean? Take a look at the alphabetically ordered silicone adhesive technical terms below.
Curing
Curing refers to the hardening and drying of a silicone adhesive, which cures on contact with air humidity. A skin will form within minutes, holding bird spikes immediately in place.
Durability
Low-modulus silicones give long-lasting performance and are known for their durability which is ideal for holding bird spikes in place for many years. Low-modulus silicones tend not to degrade or require frequent maintenance so are a reliable choice.
Flexibility
Low-modulus silicones have high elasticity and flexibility meaning the silicone will hold bird spikes strongly in place on any surface without cracking, flaking, lifting or braking. This flexibility allows for the natural movement of the building structure when there are different thermal expansion of surfaces and polycarbonate bird spike bases.
High Tack
This is the measure of force required to pull off a bird spike immediately after application to a surface using minimal effort. High Tack will create an immediate strong bond which will strengthen and cure into a strong permanent bond.
Hybrid Polymer Sealant
These combine practical elements of silicone sealants with polyurethane adhesives. They are known for exceptional flexibility, durability and bonding. They are particularly resistant to moisture, high temperatures and chemicals.
Initial Grab
This is the high initial adhesive strength when first applying silicone to the bird spike and surface.
Low Modulus
Modulus refers to a silicone's resistance to deformation from outside forces. A low-modulus silicone can withstand the movement and shift caused by the expansion and contraction of different surfaces while also maintaining a strong grip. This also applies to the force applied by a determined bird to push against or pull bird spikes off once installed.
Neutral Cure
Neutral cure means there are no added acidic elements making this a non-corrosive choice, ideal for sensitive surfaces such as natural stone. Neutral cure also doesn’t cause discolouration to surfaces which some acetic silicones do and due to its alcohol content, it is virtually odour-free during application.
Silicone Sealant / Adhesives
Silicone is known for its resistance to extreme temperatures, moisture and UV sunlight, ideal for use outdoors. They are made from inorganic silicon and oxygen molecules which make them more stable than hybrid polymer sealants. They have high elasticity which means they don’t lose their shape under movement and temperature range without losing bonding properties.
UV Stability
The energy from UV rays can degrade materials. UV stabilised refers to silicone that is resistant to change under the energy of light and the absorption of UV radiation. UV rays break down chemical bonds causing disintegration and wear known as photodegradation, which will manifest as a yellowing of the silicone.
Weather Resistant
Low-modulus silicone transfers heat at a very low rate which gives it outstanding heat resistance making it perfect for holding its structure over a large temperature range. This also makes it frost-resistant, ideal for outside installations in the UK.