Armaflex Adhesive
Armaflex Adhesive
A professional Armaflex installation depends on properly sealed joints. Unsealed seams and butt joints allow water vapour to bypass the insulation and reach the cold pipe surface, causing condensation, corrosion and premature insulation failure. Armacell's Armaflex 520 contact adhesive is specifically formulated to bond and seal all grades of Armaflex pipe and sheet insulation, ensuring a continuous vapour barrier across every joint.
Armaflex 520 Contact Adhesive
Armaflex 520 is the standard contact adhesive for all Armaflex insulation installations. It creates a strong, flexible bond that maintains the vapour barrier integrity of the insulation system across longitudinal seams, butt joints and sheet-to-surface bonds.
- Compatible with all Armaflex grades — Class O, EVO, HT Solar, Ultima and sheet insulation
- Flexible bond — moves with the insulation through thermal expansion and contraction
- Fast tack — solvent-based formula for quick, reliable adhesion
- Vapour-tight seal — maintains the closed-cell vapour barrier at every joint
- Available in multiple sizes — from small tins for domestic jobs to larger quantities for commercial projects
How to Apply Armaflex 520 Adhesive
- Ensure surfaces are clean, dry and free from dust or grease
- Apply a thin, even coat of adhesive to both surfaces to be joined
- Allow to become touch-dry (typically 2–5 minutes depending on temperature and humidity)
- Press the surfaces firmly together with hand pressure
- Do not apply in temperatures below 5°C or to wet surfaces
When to Use Armaflex Adhesive
| Application | Notes |
|---|---|
| Sealing longitudinal seams on slit tube insulation | Apply to both faces of the seam |
| Bonding butt joints between lengths | Stagger joints where possible |
| Adhering sheet insulation to flat or curved surfaces | Allow adequate open time before joining |
| Sealing around valves and fittings | Use with Armaflex sheet for complex shapes |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any contact adhesive with Armaflex?
No. You should use Armacell's own Armaflex 520 adhesive. Generic contact adhesives may not be compatible with the elastomeric rubber and could cause the insulation to degrade or the bond to fail over time.
Do I need adhesive with Armaflex Self Seal pipe insulation?
Armaflex Self Seal has a factory-applied adhesive strip on the longitudinal seam, so no additional adhesive is needed for the seam. However, butt joints between lengths should still be sealed with Armaflex 520 adhesive or Armaflex tape.
How long does Armaflex 520 adhesive take to dry?
The adhesive becomes touch-dry in approximately 2–5 minutes at room temperature. Full bond strength is achieved once the two coated surfaces are pressed together. Drying time increases in cold or humid conditions.
How much adhesive do I need?
Coverage depends on the surface area of joints being sealed. For a typical domestic plumbing job, a small tin is usually sufficient. For commercial projects with large quantities of pipework, larger tins are more economical.
