CT1 versus Stixall versus Sumogrip Original – which is the best all-purpose construction sealant and adhesive?
In a previous blog: ‘What Are The Best Types of Construction Grab Adhesives‘, we have ascertained that the latest hybrid polymer adhesives are safer for the user, better for the environment, and offer numerous application benefits, compared to traditional grab adhesives… but which is the best all-purpose construction adhesive?
This article ‘CT1 versus Stixall versus Sumogrip Original’ is going to look at three of the most popular all-in-one sealants and adhesives available in the UK, and determine which one is the best. It will cover:
- What is the best all-in-one sealant and adhesive for adhesive applications?
- What is the best all-in-one sealant and adhesive for sealing applications?
- What is the safest all-in-one sealant and adhesive?
- Verdict: Which is the best all-purpose construction sealant and adhesive?
The information is based on real and tangible data provided by the manufacturers. For those who have tried CT1, Stixall, and Sumogrip Original, you’ll no doubt have experienced slightly different results, depending on the application. This is because all three products vary when it comes to their chemical makeup, resulting in varied levels of performance. Some manufacturers call their products hybrid polymers. Others are called fusion polymers. The latest jargon is tribrid polymers… let’s not beat around the bush here. They’re all different blends of a paste that predominantly contain an MS polymer – all with similar characteristics when it comes to application. This article will identify which product is best for specific jobs, and ultimately discover which is the best all-purpose construction sealant and adhesive.
What is the best all-in-one sealant and adhesive for adhesive applications?
Initial grab strength is a critical factor when comparing any construction adhesive. The adhesives ability to hold an object in place before it dries or cures, negates the requirement for clamping or propping up. The higher the grab strength, the better. So, when comparing initial grab strength, what weight can CT1, Stixall and Sumogrip Original hold per metre squared?
CT1 and Sumogrip Original have the same initial grab strength, both 50% greater than Stixall.
How about the curing speed of the various construction grab adhesives? Once applied, how long do they take to fully cure? In most applications, a faster set time is preferred. Taken from their technical data sheets, which construction adhesive has the fastest curing speed?
CT1 and Sumogrip Original have the same curing speed, both three times faster than Stixall.
The final critical factor when comparing adhesives is their final bond strength or tensile strength when cured – the maximum stress that the adhesive can withstand whilst being stretched or pulled, before breaking or failing. Once again, taken from their technical data sheets, which construction adhesive has the best final bond strength?
CT1 has nearly twice the tensile strength, compared to Stixall, and Sumogrip Original has the greatest strength of the three hybrid polymer construction adhesives in question.
Conclusion: CT1 and Sumogrip Original have very similar performance levels when it comes to adhesive applications, both significantly outperforming Stixall. Sumogrip Original just pips CT1 into first place thanks to it’s slightly better tensile strength – over 10% stronger.
What is the best all-in-one sealant and adhesive for sealing applications?
All three all-in-one sealants and adhesives have similar consistency, viscosity and gunabilty. Skinning time is an important factor when applying sealants, as you need time to tool the sealant down, but it also needs to skin fast enough to avoid unsightly dirt pick-up. All three products can be over-painted, so when being used as fillers or caulks, a faster skin-over time is desirable. At an ambient temperature of 23°C, what are the various skinning times?
I’d say the optimum skinning time is 5 to 10 minutes, so Stixall and Sumogrip Original are within these parameters. At 25 minutes, dirt pick-up may be an issue when using CT1 in sealing applications.
Once cured, the hardness or resilience of the sealant is an important factor. All sealants and all-in-one sealants and adhesives have a Shore A hardness reading, that is measured on a scale of 0° to 100° – the higher the number the more resilient the sealant is to abrasion, penetration, degradation or tearing. This is particularly important when a sealant is used in a heavy traffic area, such as expansion joints on floors, or areas that a regularly cleaned with cloths, mops, floor scrubbers, and cleaning agents. Taken from their technical data sheets, which all-in-one sealant and adhesive is the hardest when cured?
CT1 and Stixall have the same Shore A hardness, but Sumogrip Original is nearly 20% harder, offering greater resilience and excellent anti-pick properties.
All sealants can be used internally, but what about external applications? CT1, Stixall and Sumogrip Original have all been tested to the EN 15651-1 standard, but only two of them conform to the internal and external requirements of façade sealant applications.
CT1 and Sumogrip Original meet the EN 15651-1 Type F EXT-INT-CC standard for internal and external applications, including cold climates. Stixall only meets the EN 15651-1 Type F INT standard for internal use only.
The final consideration for sealants is anti-fungal properties. Particularly when used in sanitary areas, it’s essential that the sealant used has a resistance to mould growth. Sanitary sealants are tested under the EN 15651-3 standard and based on the mould growth intensity, conform to XS1 for the very best mould resistance, XS2 for good mould resistance, and XS3 for basic mould resistance. So, how do the three all-in-one sealants and adhesives compare when it comes to anti-fungal properties?
Sumogrip has the best anti-fungal properties and meets the EN 15651-3 Type S Class XS2 standard. CT1 is second best, conforming to the next level down – EN 15651-3 Type S Class XS3. Stixall contains no anti-fungal properties whatsoever.
Conclusion: Sumogrip Original is a clear winner in this category, with CT1 coming a credible second place. Although Stixall can realistically be used for sealant applications, the inability to use outside and no mould resistance whatsoever, means it’s not suitable for a large number of sealant requirements.
What is the safest all-in-one sealant and adhesive?
CT1, Stixall and Sumogrip Original are all odourless and contain no harmful solvents or isocyanates, making them much safer to use when compared to traditional solvent-based alternatives. All three products are also CE and UKCA marked, to meet the latest European and UK health and safety requirements. But, what about their volatile organic compound content, or VOC-content? Products with low-VOC help reduce the concentration of contaminants in the ozone layer, as well as in groundwater and landfill sites. Many larger organisations and construction sites now stipulate that low-VOC products are used, making accredited sealants and adhesives the ideal solution. So, how do the three all-in-one sealants and adhesives compare when it comes to low emission accreditation?
Sumogrip Original conforms to the requirements of both LEED and the highest and strictest Emicode class, EC1 Plus. CT1 also meets the EC1 Plus standard, but there is no reference to LEED in the CT1 safety data sheet. Stixall doesn’t conform to any of the low emission standards.
Conclusion: Sumogrip Original once again pips CT1 to first place, with two low emission accreditations, but it’s fair to say that the reputable EC1 Plus approval that CT1 also meets, would be acceptable to most organisations and construction sites. Stixall comes last again, with no low-emission certification.
Verdict: Which is the best all-purpose construction sealant and adhesive?
Based on the winner of each category, it’s no surprise that the overall winner is Sumogrip Original . As it says on the tube, Sumogrip Original is a true all-rounder and ideal for any sealant, adhesive or caulking applications. Sumogrip Original is white in colour, but also available in black with identical technical specifications and safety accreditations.
CT1 certainly gives Sumogrip a run for its money, and is also an excellent all-in-one sealant and adhesive. Both Sumogrip and CT1 are streets ahead of Stixall, in every single category… it’s like comparing Manchester City, Arsenal and Accrington Stanley… no offence to any Stanley fans out there!
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Joint Managing Director, Protrade
Craig has over 30 years of experience at Protrade, working in various departments including sales, procurement, and marketing, and ultimately becoming Managing Director in 2008. Following the merger of Protrade and Joinery Fit-Out Supplies in 2018, Craig is now the joint MD of the company.
