FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do you have any questions? Take a look at our frequently asked questions. You will find the most frequently asked questions here by topic.

PLASTIC CONNECTIONS

Can I process PVC adhesives at temperatures below 5 °C?

No, PVC becomes brittle at low temperatures, and the tendency to crack (stress-cracking) under the influence of glue residues will increase.

If you have to bond something at low temperatures, we recommend that you heat the parts to be bonded and the adhesive to above + 5 °C, preferably to approx. 20 to 25 °C, before bonding. This can for example be done using hot air. Use suitable equipment to do this (explosion proof).

What is the highest temperature a hard PVC adhesive can handle?

If the bonding is done correctly, the adhesive bond is resistant to virtually the same temperatures as the PVC pipes and fittings.

For pressure systems, depending on the pressure, the temperature resistance is up to + 60 °C.

Drainage systems can temporarily handle up to + 95 °C.

Is there an adhesive for PP too?

No, these plastic types do not allow bonding. They are mostly melted together industrially, using high heat.

PP = Polypropylene
PE = Polyethylene
PA = Polyamide=Nylon
PTFE= Polytetrafluoroethylene

Are bonds created with Griffon PVC adhesives chemically resistant?

Basically, the rule is: If the tube can handle it, the adhesive bond can handle it too.

An exception to this rule is the chemical resistance of adhesive bonds to a limited number of very aggressive chemicals, such as concentrated inorganic acids, strong alkalis and very strong oxidising agents. In these cases, use the Griffon HCR-36 PVC adhesive.

What do I use to glue (heavy-duty) flexible PVC hoses in hard PVC fittings?

Not all PVC adhesives are suitable for plasticizer containing flexible PVC hoses. Griffon has a special adhesive for this in the range, the Griffon WDF-05.

I've spilled PVC adhesive, how do I remove it from my clothing?

Use PVC cleaner. It contains solvents that dissolve PVC adhesive, provided it's not fully cured.

Uni-100 dries too fast for my application (gluing PVC pressure pipes). Is there another solution?

UNI-100 GT is most appropriate for a slower drying PVC glue. This has a much longer open time and as a result, it is even suitable for pipes up to 800 mm in diameter.

I have a leak in a PVC pressure pipe. Am I doing something wrong?

For 100% waterproof and pull tight connections, it is important for bonds to be created according to the instructions. Clean, push over the Pipe end, clean Adhesive surfaces, it is essential to apply sufficient glue evenly on both surfaces.

Should I always use a cleaner?

To ensure every connection is perfect, you have to use Griffon Cleaner. This not only scours the adhesive surfaces, but the solvents of the Cleaner will penetrate better in the material, ensuring a better bond with the glue.

Should I sand the glue surfaces?

No, the combination of Griffon PVC glue and Cleaner, as long as it is used according to the glue instructions, guarantees proper connections. Only if the PVC parts are discoloured, for instance with outdoor storage, does it make sense to sand the adhesive surfaces.

Should I cut the pipe ends at an angle?

When pushing the pipe and fitting together, the still wet glue layers must be able to merge. If you don't cut a sloped edge, the glue is pushed (partly) inside instead of in the bond. This results in a risk of leaks and weaker connections.

After I've made the connection, I want to adjust it, is it possible?

In establishing the connection, one can twist the pipe or fitting to some extent to bring it in the correct position. Then you must leave the bond to cure, and no longer push, move or pull on it. This may damage the adhesive bond.

One only has more time to adjust the connection with the relatively slow drying GR-95 glue for drainage systems.

How long must glue connections be left to dry?

Check the tables on labels and documentation sheets, where the drying times are indicated depending on temperature, pipe diameter and pressure loads.

A drying time of 1 hour (at temperatures above 10 °C) is sufficient for drainage systems. 

I need to repair a PVC pressure pipe. What is the fastest PVC glue?

Pressure can very quickly be placed on the PVC piping system with connections made with WDF-05. i.e. 10 bar after 30 minutes up to 50 mm diameter. Check the label for drying times depending on temperature, pipe diameter and pressure.

What glue is best suited for gluing PVC pressure pipes in a damp environment?

We advise you to always glue on clean and dry surfaces, according to the glue instructions. If this isn't possible due to circumstances, WDF-05 will be your best choice. This will generally also provide good connections under non-ideal, humid conditions.

METALLIC COMPOUNDS

Can I use any solder flux for potable water?

No, only flux with the KIWA certification mark must be used for potable water pipes. The non-approved flux can damage the copper pipes.

Why is a connection made with Flon-100 adjustable?

The Flon-100 is adjustable due to a combination of PTFE sealing tape and lubricant. The lubricant is attached in the lubricant dispenser, at the bottom of the packaging. This can be taken out separately from the top. The dispenser contains a lubricant that allows a 45 ° adjustment (1/8 turn) after making the connection.

Why doesn't the PTFE sealing tape for threaded connections carry any KIWA certification?

There are no inspection requirements for potable water applications for PTFE sealing tape. PTFE is inert and reacts to virtually nothing.

Can s-39 no longer be used for copper potable water piping because it is toxic?

No, S-39 isn't toxic, but the remains are too corrosive to be used in copper pipes. If the pipes aren't flushed after soldering, the flux residue will begin to react to the copper. This could result in pitting corrosion.

A KIWA approved flux should therefore be used. These remains, if left behind in the system, will not affect the copper. These remains are 100% water soluble and are flushed out during filling and use of the installation.

I have leaks while I use KIWA approved flux and lead-free solder. Am I doing something wrong?

The products used are correct. However, it is important not to heat the connection too much. Lead-free solder has a melting point of 220 °C. The flux will lose its effect above 300 °C. It is therefore important to remain below 300 °C. This can be checked by occasionally holding the solder against the hot pipe/fitting. As soon as it melts and flows in the capillary, the pipe shouldn't be heated (too much) any more.

A handy tool can be the use of S-39 copper (Cu) KIWA as flux. It has a convenient colour indicator. If the red colour disappears, the solder can be added.

SEALANT

Which silicone sealant can I use on natural stone and vulnerable materials?

It is important to use acid-free sealant with these materials.

S-200 is an acid free silicone sealant, which doesn't affect vulnerable materials.

Which Griffon silicone sealant can I use on acrylic baths?

A neutral, acid-free silicone sealant should be used on plastic substrates such as acrylic baths and acrylic shower trays. This is the Griffon S-200.

I want to insulate my cavity with polyurethane foam, can I?

No, unfortunately this isn't possible. Griffon polyurethane foam is a moisture curing product and when used in an enclosed space, only the outside of the foam will cure. This cured exterior prevents the foam from curing on the inside.

As a result, the proper foaming cannot be achieved.

The polyurethane foam canister mentions the B2 standard, what does this mean?

Polyurethane foam cannisters include a notation about the fire class that the polyurethane foam complies with.  This ranges from B1 to B3. B1 foam is fire-resistant. B2 foam is fire retardant and B3 foam is combustible.

The B2 standard includes the following:
According to the DIN 4102-1 standard, standard test pieces of polyurethane were prepared of 90 mm wide, 190 mm long and approx. 60 mm high.

The test pieces are bombarded with a flame for 15 seconds, after which they will start burning. These flames must be extinguished within 20 seconds, and the flames may not exceed 150 mm.

B1 standard polyurethane foams must also meet these requirements, as well as an additional requirement where the polyurethane foam is exposed to hot air of up to 200 °C in a special construction. The polyurethane foam mustn't burn, smoulder or melt.

When using B1 foams, the foam must always be covered with a mineral material during use. B3 foams don't comply with either B1 or B2.

At first use, nothing emerges from the polyurethane foam cannister?

It is possible that the cannister was lying on it's side. When lying, the valve at the outlet can become sticky and thus nothing can come out of the cannister.

I have PU foam on my hands, what can I do?

Wet, not yet cured foam, is best removed with Griffon Cleaner or PU Foam Cleaner. Cured foam residue on the skin can be removed with Griffon hand cleaner scrub. Cured foam on other surfaces can only be removed mechanically.

I want to seal my metal flue extractor. Can I use the Hydra for this?

No, you can't use the Hydra for this. Once cured, the hydra “stone” will be hard and the working will cause the materials to tear lose.

With outdoor use, the applied hydra will wash away after a day. How can this be?

The Hydra must first dry before use. After drying, the sealant must be slowly stoked for at least 24 hours. The heat will allow the sealant to harden and reach its ultimate heat resistance.

CV WATER TREATMENT

Does the possibility of contamination exists after addition of CFS CV water treatment products?

The CV Water treatment products are harmless to all system components (copper, aluminium exchangers, radiators, pipes, various components, 3-way valves, O rings). The products are acid-free and pH neutral.

Does the CV Leak sealer have an effect on the liquid in my central heating system?

No, CV Leak sealer will only seal holes with a maximum diameter of 1 millimetre. It doesn't have any influence on the content of the installation.

Will over and under dosing the CV Protector and CV Silencer affect the quality?

The CV water treatment products are super concentrated. 1 tube on a 100 l system content gives an ideal concentration and product operation. Doses below that may lead to inadequate efficiency. Overdose doesn't have any improved performance or adverse effect on the installation components.

Does a high boiler-water temperature lead to a quality reduction of the products?

No, the products work at both low and at high temperatures. It is important for the products to circulate throughout the system.

What are the consequences of an incomplete cleaning of the system?

The system will function optimally if all sludge and corrosion products are removed, and then protected with Protector. Any remaining residue can still cause problems (thermostat taps etc).

Are any changes in pH (acidity) to be expected in the boiler water in the short and long term?

The products are buffered and pH neutral. The water will be brought to the ideal pH 7.2 – 7.6, and kept there.

Are there any consequences to be expected if it turns out a different unknown product was added before?

There are no known adverse effects and none to be expected.

What are the consequences on a heat exchanger and other components when using CV Leaksealer?

The CV Leaksealer has no effect on the heat exchanger. Other components are also not affected by the CV Leaksealer.

Is there a lasting quality guarantee on the product?

One cannot guarantee the quality will never change. Changes can be made if the regulatory environment (KIWA-ATA) changes. If a quality change actually takes place, this will at least be announced in advance.

What affect does the addition have on scale deposits in the changer?

The products are all acid-free and pH neutral. So scale will not be dissolved by the products. Scale deposits can however be prevented by using the CV Protector.

MOUNTING ADHESIVES

It's freezing and now we have to mount insulation boards outside with Poly Max® High Tack Express. What now?

Follow the text on the packaging and do not work below 5 degrees at all.

Poly Max® hardens under the influence of moisture. This is a chemical reaction. At low temperatures, the absolute air humidity is very low and reactions take place very slowly.

Which adhesive do I use for gluing Polystyrene foam sheeting to metal/concrete outside?

You can use Poly Max® High Tack Express for this application. This glue doesn't affect any surface and it is water resistant.

However, make sure the glue is applied in vertical stripes. Poly Max® needs moisture to cure. This moisture must come from the ambient air. Ventilation is always achieved when using vertical stripes.

CE LEGISLATION

What does the European Construction Products Regulation (CPR) No 305/2011 entails?

This Regulation (CPR) is effective since 1 July 2013 and lays down minimum requirements for construction products in the field of security, fire resistance and mechanical strength. If there is a harmonised European standard available for a product group, it is compulsory to show that the specific CE requirements are complied with, and to provide the product with the CE logo. In addition, a declaration of performance (DoP) should be available, describing how products were tested and what performances where achieved with the product. PVC adhesives, chemical anchors and since 2014, sealants, are covered by this European Construction products directive. The associated performance statements (DoP's) are available with the respective product.

Which product groups are covered by the European Construction Products Directive (CPR) No 305/2011?

PVC adhesives and chemical anchors are covered by this European Construction Products Directive. From 1 July 2014, sealants are also included under this CPR.

Since when is the European Construction Products Regulation (CPR) No 305/2011 in force?

The CPR on PVC adhesives and chemical anchors, has been in place since 1 July 2013. Sealants fall under this CPR since 1 July 2014.

What is a DoP?

A DoP is a Declaration of Performance. This describes how a product was tested and which performances were achieved with the product.

Where can I find a DoP for my product?

A DoP can be found at the product information on the products covered by CRP. If you have any questions, please contact us via the contact form.

Who can I contact with additional questions?

You can ask your questions using the contact form. You will receive a reply within 2 working days. You can also contact us by telephone during office hours.

Reach

What is Reach?

Reach is a new European regulation that is related to the production, import and use of chemical substances on their own or in preparations. The abbreviation stands for Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals. The core of REACH entails that a company in principle needs to know the risks of all substances that it supplies, and must take measures to manage the risks. With the introduction of REACH, the responsibility for adequate risk management of chemical substances shifts from the Government to businesses.

What is the purpose of REACH?

REACH intends to ensure a high level of safety for people and the environment in the production and use of chemicals. REACH will ensure more information will become available about substances being used. The communication about these substances will thus be improved in the chain from producer to end-user and visa versa.

Which obligations are involved?

Manufacturers, distributors and importers have the obligation to register substances with a comprehensive set of data on the safety for man and the environment. There are different terms and different requirements for the depth of the data. This depends on, among other things, the volume and the harmful properties of the substance. Information about and the manageability of risks must be shared between companies in the chain. In preparation for the Registration, users of substances (also like those included in adhesives, sealants, coatings, solder flux, lubricants etc.) must pass on information on the use to their suppliers. A ban is introduced for the most worrisome chemicals, where the EU can grant Authorization for production and use under strict conditions.

What is the schedule?

The REACH legislation came into force as of 1 July 2007. All substances had to be reported to the REACH registration agency in Finland prior to 1 December 2008. As of 1 December 2010, the risks of the most dangerous substances are known. By 1 June 2018, REACH should be implemented for all substances.

What does REACH mean for you as a customer?

In the future, you will get products for which all the health and environmental risks are clearer documented, also for your application. Because many applications are the same, our industry will draw up a number of so-called “generic exposure scenarios” and pass it on to the raw material suppliers. Once drawn up, we will ask if such a scenario also applies to you. Griffon will ask its raw material suppliers to register the substances used, and if necessary, to test them based on the way in which our products are used by you. The end result of the overall process will be a better protection of the environment and a healthier work and living environment.

Are there any disadvantages?

Yes! Because of the high research costs and/or the high risks, there is a chance that substances will be taken off the market. This could affect the availability of our products.

What does Griffon do to ensure the availability of products?

Griffon has started drawing up a risk analysis. In this, based on the knowledge we now have, we look at:

  • The hazard class of the substance.
  • The uniqueness of the material for our products.
  • The probability that this is going to be taken out of the market, or maybe not registered.

We will use this analysis to be able to offer you an alternative in time.

Where can you obtain more information about REACH?

We hope to have informed you sufficiently for the time being. 

To answer all your questions adequately and to be able to advise you, Griffon has set up a REACH project group. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact Griffon! We will do our utmost to provide you with the correct information.