Product Highlight: Multi-Seal 180 Insulation Anchor Pin System Adhesive

With the changing building codes and regulations, we are finding that our traditional solvent based adhesives are no longer permitted on jobsites due to stricter VOC regulations.  VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) are a large group of chemicals that are found in many products we use in the construction trade.  Once these chemicals are used inside the jobsite they are released or "off-gas" into the breathable air jeopardizing the health of the construction trade as well as the building end users (residents, student, patients etc.).

Traditionally, Insulation Hangers (perforated base pins) were installed with a thermoplastic rubber based solvent adhesive which was not only highly flammable and toxic, but it also failed all modern building VOC codes.  

The main problem we ran into was that the old version of insulation anchor adhesive worked really, really, really well!  So replacing this product was not an easy task.  Luckily Boss Products developed the Multi-Seal 180 Adhesive which performed as good as the product it was replacing while passing the VOC compliance.  If you have used the old adhesive in the insulation trade, you may be questioning the credentials of this newer product.  This article is to detail the benefits of the Boss Multi-Seal 180 Adhesive.

Low VOC?  What does that mean?

Generally in the sealants or adhesives category for building materials "Low VOC" is anything that has a VOC content of 150 g/l (grams of VOC per liter of product) or less.  So how does Boss 180 measure up?  Well the new adhesive has a brag worthy 42 g/l VOC which is nearly two-thirds less than the Low VOC measurement!

Low VOC Means Doesn't Work, Right?

If you are thinking that Multi-Seal 180 is watered down or weak because it doesn't contain all those flammable and toxic chemicals, think again.  Boss 180 touts a 220 psi tensile strength when cured!  Multi-Seal provides an extreme bond to masonry walls, ducts, metal buildings, painted and galvanized surfaces.

Does it Stick in Hot or Cold Temperatures?

Boss Multi-Seal 180 Adhesive can be applied in -35°F freezing temperatures up to 140°F scorching summer days.  So basically if you are willing to work in the temperature so is Boss 180.

Can it Handle High Operating Temperatures?

One of the most common questions we are asked about Multi-Seal 180 is "can it take the heat?".  The answer is yes in most cases.  Multi-Seal 180 is able to withstand service temperatures of up to 325°F.  If the surface temperature in your application is over 325°F we would usually avoid adhesives and opt for welding the pins to the surface for fastening.

How Many Tubes of Multi-Seal 180 Do I Need?

The manufacturer, Boss Products, recommends 1 tube per every 200 Perforated Base Pins.  This is based on using a small dab of adhesive per pin.  With years of experience using this product, we find that customers will use more than what is required per pin due to familiarity with how the old pin adhesives were applied (dipping base into pail of adhesive).  If you go heavier than recommend with the adhesive the coverage goes down to 100-150 pins per tube.

Where's the Nozzle?

Please note that this product is designed to be used without a nozzle.  Boss Multi-Seal 180 does not come with a screw in nozzle (even though the tube has a threaded top).  Simply use a knife and cut off the top section of the threaded top and get to work.