POOR weatherproofing is often an important cause of discomfort and a reason behind high heating and cooling bills in buildings.

While some air leakage can be prevented during construction by getting a tight fit between framing members, for example, the remaining gaps should be weather-stripped and sealed. This is where Anchor Allied Factory’s extensive range of sealants and foams come in.
Manufacturer of the Asmaco brand of sealants, Anchor Allied has now its vision set on expanding its line into specialised products for structural glazing, particularly in the construction segment.
The company, a subsidiary of M’sharie, is currently developing a structural glazing sealant, which is described as a single-component, low-odour neutral alcoxy-cure sealant with high bonding and durable adhesion to most porous and non-porous construction materials including glass, metals and most plastics.
“Thanks to these characteristics and good movement capabilities, the product is suited for structural glazing and cladding applications,” says Ahmed Ali Nalwala, managing director of the company.
“We would, however, recommend users to examine its suitability for their applications through checking our technical handouts or with the help of our technical team,” he adds.
The company is also working on other products for specialised applications like intumescent sealants and fire-rated sealants, which are expected to be launched later this year.
Anchor Allied offers a wide range of weatherproofing solutions including caulks of silicones and acrylic and polyurethane (PU) foams. To complete the range of products required for weatherproofing applications, the Asmaco range also includes masking tapes and paints, according to Nalwala.
“With technical collaborations from US and EU-based manufacturers and supported by our well-equipped in-house, research and development (R&D) centre, we offer our customers the best products and services and that is why Asmaco is the most preferred brand in the Middle East,” he says.
Elaborating on the product range, he says: “Asmaco silicone caulks are long- life products based on both acetic and neutral-cure chemistries. With their ability to withstand larger joint movements and service temperature conditions, Asmaco silicone sealants are recommended for cladding, sanitary applications, swimming pools, kitchens, waterproofing, various interior decoration applications using glass, aluminum and large-plate glass, skylights, glass assembling, bathroom glass sealing, sealing and cementation of alloy doors and windows, storefronts, show windows, concrete to concrete and many other construction-related applications.
“We also produce acrylic sealants, as standard or with fire-retardant properties. Our Asmacryl 47 is suited for joints between construction components that are subject to moderate stress, and seals inner or external joints such as concrete, plaster, asbestos and brickwork while our fire-resistant Asmacryl 55, is formulated for applications that require fire-rated sealants.”
With the introduction of waterborne sealants in the 1960s, acrylic emulsion formulations have matured commercially as intermediate-performance architectural sealants, Nalwala says.
“Some of the earlier problems that had been associated with the earlier waterborne sealants such as aging, cracking, and freeze-thaw stability have been resolved with acrylic products,” he continues. “Also, newer acrylic sealant formulations have been developed for demanding applications where significant joint movement is expected.”
Meanwhile, Asmaco PU foam for sealing, which comes in aerosol cans, expands on curing and is suitable for larger cracks. Featuring good insulation properties, the product is recommended for use in non-friction areas, as rubber becomes dry and powdery over time. It is offered both as standard or B2 grade (fire retardant) foam.
“Asmaco PU foam expands quickly to fit larger, irregular-shaped gaps and can be applied at variable temperatures, he adds.
Incorporated in 1995 to cater to the adhesive tape industry as well as specialty adhesives, Anchor Allied became a strategic partner of M’Sharie, a subsidiary of Dubai investments, last September.
“Over the years, the company has experienced tremendous growth and now offers various tape products as well as adhesives, sealants and aerosols producing spray paint, insecticides and car-care products. It is currently selling its products in all the GCC countries, the Indian sub-continent, East Europe and Russia,” he says.
Some of the projects in the UAE that the company has been involved with are Burj Dubai, Dubai Pearl Hotel, 560 villas at Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai Sports City, Dubai Mall, Saadiyat Islands, Reem Island and the Grand Mosque Abu Dhabi.
The company has a strong presence in Saudi Arabia with a well-devised strategy to target that market’s burgeoning housing as well as other social requirements such as new hospitals, clinics, educational institutions, offices, shopping malls and tourism projects.
Anchor Allied Factory is focused on catering to the kingdom’s needs and, given its good market presence, is all set to carve a niche in Saudi Arabia with its expanding product range, especially for the aluminum and glass industry, he concludes.