Professional Adhesives & Basecoats for Render and EWI Systems

At Licata Building Systems, we supply a complete range of professional adhesives and basecoats designed for façade rendering systems and external wall insulation (EWI) installations. Engineered for strength, flexibility, and long-term durability, our products ensure the secure bonding of insulation boards and create a perfectly reinforced substrate ready for the final render finish.

Whether you are working on a residential property, commercial building or large-scale façade project, our adhesives and basecoats are formulated to deliver outstanding adhesion, impact resistance and weather protection.

Adhesives for External Wall Insulation Systems

Our EWI adhesives are specifically developed to bond insulation boards to a variety of substrates including:

- Brickwork and blockwork

- Concrete surfaces

- Masonry and existing render systems

Key benefits:

- High-strength bonding to prevent detachment

- Vapour-permeable formulations for breathable façades

- Easy application for fast and efficient installation

- Suitable for EPS, mineral wool and phenolic insulation boards

By using Licata adhesives, you create a solid foundation for the rest of your system, ensuring long-term stability and compliance with building regulations.

Reinforcing Basecoats for Render Systems

Our basecoats are designed to provide a reinforced, crack-resistant layer between the insulation and the decorative render finish. When combined with Licata reinforcing mesh, they create a strong, flexible and impact-resistant surface that protects the façade from structural movement and external damage.

Key features:

- Fibre-reinforced for superior strength

- Excellent adhesion to insulation boards and masonry substrates.

- Compatible with silicone, mineral and monocouche renders

- Smooth, workable consistency for easy application

A high-quality basecoat is essential for achieving a durable and weatherproof render system. Licata basecoats are formulated to integrate perfectly with our primers and decorative finishes for a complete façade solution.

Complete Systems for EWI & Façade Protection

Our adhesives and basecoats are fully compatible with Licata’s external wall insulation systems, which include:

- Insulation boards: EPS, Mineral Wool, Phenolic

- Reinforcing mesh: For impact resistance and crack prevention

- Silicone and mineral renders: For a high-performance, decorative finish

By combining these components, you get a fully certified system designed to enhance thermal performance, weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.

Why Choose Licata Adhesives & Basecoats?

- Professional-grade formulations: Developed to meet strict European quality standards.

- UK Stock & Fast Delivery: Available nationwide from our London, Birmingham, Manchester and Dartford branches.

- Complete render system compatibility: Seamlessly integrates with Licata primers, mesh and decorative renders.

- Technical expertise: Our team provides on-site guidance, specifications and application training.

- Proven durability: Designed for long-term performance on both new builds and refurbishment projects.

Applications

Licata adhesives and basecoats are suitable for:

- External wall insulation systems (EWI)

- Direct-to-substrate rendering projects

- Residential and commercial façades

- Refurbishment of solid-wall properties

They provide the critical bond and reinforcement layer needed for any professional render or EWI installation.

Technical Support & Specification Service

Selecting the right adhesive or basecoat for your project is essential for system performance. Our technical department offers:

- Detailed project-specific specifications

- On-site and remote support during installation

- Guidance on substrate preparation and application techniques

- Training for installers and contractors

This ensures your render system is installed correctly and performs for decades.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How long should a basecoat cure before applying the topcoat?

The curing time of a basecoat depends on the type of render system, substrate and weather conditions. Typically, Licata basecoats within external wall insulation systems need around 24 to 48 hours to dry before the finishing render is applied. This allows the reinforced layer and adhesive mortar to achieve full bonding strength and weather resistance.

In colder or more humid conditions, curing may take slightly longer. Contractors are advised to ensure the base coat is completely dry, firm and free from moisture before proceeding. Correct curing helps maintain long term performance, durability and a smooth, high performance finish across both residential and commercial installations.

2. Can I use a single product as both adhesive and basecoat?

Yes, several Licata products are formulated as dual-purpose adhesives and basecoats, suitable for EWI systems. For example, Raso W160 is a lightweight basecoat and adhesive mortar used for secure bonding of insulation boards such as EPS and mineral wool. It creates a flexible reinforcement layer ready for the topcoat render.

These combined formulations ensure excellent system compatibility, reducing product changes on site and supporting faster installation. Using approved Licata products also guarantees full system certification, ensuring that your render system performs as designed across a wide range of substrates and external wall insulation systems.

3. What thickness should I apply a base coat or adhesive per pass?

Each Licata basecoat is designed for controlled thickness to ensure consistent bonding and impact resistance. As a general guide, a single coat is applied between 4 mm and 6 mm depending on substrate texture and insulation board type. This forms the ideal reinforced layer when combined with Licata reinforcing mesh.

Applying too thick a layer can affect curing and adhesion, while an overly thin layer may reduce flexibility. Always refer to Licata specifications for exact guidance, as each adhesive and basecoat in the system is formulated for specific insulation boards, ensuring even coverage and durable, weather resistant performance.

4. What substrate types require priming before render adhesives and basecoats?

Some common substrates, such as smooth concrete or previously painted masonry, may require primers to improve bonding and prevent absorption. Licata primers are compatible with all their adhesives and basecoats, creating a stable base for EPS boards, mineral wool or phenolic insulation boards.

Priming helps regulate suction, enhance adhesion and extend system longevity. On porous or dusty surfaces, primer application ensures secure bonding and consistent drying of adhesive mortars, allowing contractors to achieve professional results within all render systems and wall insulation applications.

5. How do temperature and weather conditions affect basecoat application and curing?

Temperature plays a critical role in adhesive and basecoat performance. Ideal application conditions are between 5°C and 25°C with dry weather. High humidity or rain can slow curing and weaken bonding strength, while extreme heat may cause surface cracks or rapid drying.

During colder months, Licata winter adhesives are suitable for low-temperature installations, ensuring consistent curing within external wall insulation systems. Protecting fresh base coats and renders from frost, direct sunlight and strong winds is essential to maintain durability, weather resistance and system integrity.

6. What are common causes of delamination and how can they be prevented?

Delamination usually occurs when adhesive coverage is insufficient or the substrate was not properly prepared. Using Licata’s certified EWI adhesives ensures strong bonding between insulation boards and masonry, preventing separation under movement or thermal stress.

To avoid failure, always apply adhesive mortar according to Licata’s specifications, maintaining full contact with EPS boards or mineral wool. Incorporating reinforcing mesh within the basecoat render also distributes stresses evenly, forming a durable, flexible reinforced layer that supports long term performance of the external wall insulation system.