FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about our products? Many of the "most asked" questions are answered here. Take a look below and find the answers to your questions. If you can't find your answer, feel free to visit our Technical Support tab at the top of the page and email or call us.
NuFlex Sealants
1. What’s the difference between Latex and Silicone?
Latex is a water based product and Silicone is a silicone based product.
2. Can I paint one component Silicone caulking?
No, silicones cannot be painted. If you have a project that requires silicone technology and need it in a specific colour, feel free to contact your sales representative or our customer service department and we can custom match the colour you require. Some conditions may apply.
3. What does RTV stand for?
Room Temperature Vulcanization. In simple terms, this means the caulking will cure at room temperature.
4. Does Nuco have a direct replacement for “Mill-Pac Black”?
Nuflex 800 High Temperature Latex Caulking is the ideal replacement against the Mill-Pac black. If you require addtional cross references, please contact our Technical Support department via email or phone.
5. What does NSF stand for?
National Sanitation Foundation.
6. What are VOC’s?
Volatile Organic Compounds.Used in the determination of LEED compliance. Many of our quality products meet the VOC requirements for LEED compliance.
7. Where can I get technical datasheets for NUCO products?
You can find all of our products datasheets by going to a specific product and the product datasheet will be listed to the right of the item in PDF format.
8. Where can I get MSDS information for NUCO products?
You can find all of our products MSDS sheets by going to a specific product and the product MSDS sheet will be listed to the right of the item in PDF format or contact our technical team for a copy.
9. Can I use silicone if it was in cold temperatures for a long time?
Yes, silicone are effective to -46C (-50F) and are freeze-thaw stable. As a precaution, always test on a small area before use.
10. Do all caulks have the same cure time?
No, not all caulking utilizes the same times to cure. Many factors can alter this like ambient temperature, moisture etc. Check the products technical data sheet for estimated cure times.
11. How long do I have to wait to paint Acrylic caulking?
Acrylic caulking is paintable from 30 to 60 minutes after application depending on the amount or thickness of the bead. In some instances, our NuFlex 130 Painter's Caulk can be painted within minutes of being applied to nail holes.
12. What’s the difference between an acetoxy silicone and a neutral cure silicone?
Acetoxy silicone is primarily used with non-porous materials and releases a vinegar odour during curing. Neutral cure silicones provide superior adhesion and can be used to adhere both porous and non-porous substrates.
13. What does “Modulus” stand for?
Simply, modulus refers to the cured tensile strength. It’s measure by a specific percent of elongation and typically refers to the flexibility of a bond.
14. Are NUCO sealants offered in different colours?
Some products come in predetermined colour palettes. We can custom color and tint most of our silicones, subject to special pricing and MOQ's.
NuFlex Adhesives
1. What happened to the NuFlex 554 & 558 Green Select Adhesives?
Both the 554 & 558 have been discontinued. Both products have been replaced with our NuFlex 454 General Purpose Adhesive and the NuFlex 458 Subfloor Adhesive.
2. What's new with the NuFlex 454?
NuFlex 454 is back by popular demand!
It offers the same great characteristics with the NEW added benefit of being low VOC! The 454 is ideal for Panel & Foam Board applications as well as other typical applications.
3. Is the NuFlex 460 Landscape Adhesive coming back?
YES! It's will be available in inventory by the spring landscape season of 2011. It offers great adhesion to landscape caps, blocks and other masonry landscape substrates.
4. Does NUCO have a hassle-free alternative to the leading Premium Polyurethane Adhesive?
Yes, our NuFlex 480 Premium Polyurethane Adhesive offers the same great characteristics and adhesion benefits. It is readily available and
will not be found in the Big Box stores.
UltraSeal PU Foams
1. What is a closed cell foam?
Closed cell foams have a higher tensile strength then open cell foams and are a great alternative to insulation. They do not absorb water and will reduce energy consumption.
2. Do foam products help energy cost?
Yes, spray foams create a barrier and offer insulation value to many parts of a home, industrial or commercial building. Foam can add to the insulation value, close any gaps and crevices and add to the overall energy conservation of your building.
3. What is the difference between a 1 and a 2 component foam?
There are many differences between the two systems, including density, R-value and typical usage are some of the main differences. The main difference is the curing process. The 2-component cures by a chemical reaction that occurs when components A & B mix. The single component foams cure with the moisture in the air.
4. Should I get foam in cans or tanks?
Although there are many advantages to both container types, the main deciding factor of which to use must be made after taking the type of appliation you will be filling. The gun applied foams are ideal for applications where a can and gun can be easily carried and used. The large 16lb tanks can be cumbersome in some applications. On the other hand, where you are applying a large volume of foam without the the tank system may work for you.
5. Are all foams dispensed by a foam gun?
There are many different types of foam. Our UltraSeal PF-50 can be easily dispensed by a straw included in the packaging.
6. Can Foam be exposed to the elements?
Foam can be used for both interior and exterior applications. For those applications where foam will be exposed to to the elements, the foams should be covered or painted.
7. Why use a “low pressure” foam for windows and doors?
The UltraSeal PF-120 is a low pressure foam ideal for Window & Door applications. Its low pressure characteristic will not bow windows or doors when applied properly.
8. How often should I clean my foam tools?
Use the recommended procedure as outlined in the product manual.
9. How much coverage can I achieve out of a PF-200 kit?
Approximately 200 board feet. Like any other foam, the temperature of the foam, substrate and application process may lower the yield of the 2-component foaming sytems.
10. What type of respirator is required when using your PF-200 or PF-600 kits?
When and if the operating conditions call for use of a respirator, you will want to use a NIOSH approved against organic vapours.
11. Can I use your Foam cleaner to clean cured foam?
No, NUCO PF-10 foam cleaner cannot be used to clean cured product. Once the foam is cured, it is very hard to remove it. Proper clothing must be worn when applying any foaming product and the area being foamed must be properly prepared.
12. What can I do if my G1-A or G1 guns is defective?
The G1-A & the G1 Professional Dispensing Foam Guns are 100% rebuildable through NUCO's Rebuild Program. Simply send us back the gun with a minimul fee and we'll send you a completely rebuilt gun. Call our customer service department for additional information.
Self-Seal Firestopping Products
1. Why Firestop?
The purpose is to contain a fire to the smallest area possible and inhibit smoke from traveling to other areas of the building. Ultimately, by containing or slowing down the spread of smoke and fire, you will increase the time for evacuation and allow for the firefighters to react. The goal of firestopping is to SAVE lives and minimize building damage.
2. Where can I find system listings?
Visit our Self-Seal Firestop website and see all our latest listings under the "Listings Library" tab.
3. Are NUCO products certified UL, ULC and cUL?
Nuco Firestop solutions products are UL, ULC and cUL certified as well as FM and Wornock Hersey.
4. Should I use GG-200 or SL-100 on a floor service penetration?
In general SL-100 would be preferable since it’s a self leveling material and will reduce labour cost since there’s little to no tooling required. See our listings to ensure the proper product is used for every application.
5. Can I use Self-Seal products outside?
Yes, because our firestop products are made of silicone, it carries all the benefits of silicone, including resistance to cracking, ultraviolet radiation and ozone.
6. What is the difference between Firestopping caulk and regular silicone caulks?
Firestop caulks are part of rated systems and are composed of specific components unlike regular silicones that can contain certain chemical differences.
7. Can I use intumescent caulk around metal piping and cable?
Yes, but consult our product listings to ensure the proper listing is being used with your application.
8. Why use fender washers with Firestop collars?
The fender washers will help the collar stay in place by absorbing some of the force created by the ring should it expand in a fire situation.
9. Do you have a line of Firestop pillows?
NUCO does not have a line of Firestop pillows or temporary Firestop listings. For applications where pillows are recommended by other firestop companies, please call our technical department and let us give you an alternative.
10. What is an annular space?
The distance between the outside diameter of the pipe or cable and the hole it’s penetrating.
11. Does NUCO product contain asbestos?
No, NUCO’s product do not contain any Asbestos