Curious about SBR Bond? In this hands-on video, Dan the Cherrypicker Man dives deep into what SBR Bond is, when you should (and shouldn't) use it, and exactly how to mix it for the best results. Whether you're sealing chimney tops, rendering in damp conditions, or prepping for high-traffic wear, this video unpacks the do’s, don’ts, and insider tips that make SBR Bond a must-have in any builder’s kit.
At DJI High Access Services, we don’t just use materials we understand them. In this blog post, we’re taking a deep dive into SBR Bond, explaining exactly what it is, how and when to use it, and when to leave it out of your mix. Whether you’re working on a chimney top in Mansfield or rendering a wall in Nottingham, understanding this versatile product can take your mixes to the next level.
If you’re a roofer, renderer, general builder, or serious DIYer, you’ve probably come across SBR Bond. But are you using it to its full potential?
In this comprehensive guide, I’m breaking down exactly what SBR Bond is, how it works, when to use it, when not to, and how to mix it properly for different applications like rendering, screeding, chimney flaunching, tanking and concrete work.
This isn’t just textbook theory, I use SBR Bond day-in, day-out on chimneys and roofing jobs across Nottinghamshire. And I’ll share all the tips and lessons I’ve learned along the way.
What Is SBR Bond?
SBR stands for Styrene Butadiene Rubber though I probably butchered that pronunciation in the video! It’s a latex-based liquid polymer that looks a bit like watered-down PVA glue, and it's designed to improve cement-based mixes.
When you mix SBR into a mortar, render, screed or concrete, it:
- Increases adhesion (so it grabs surfaces better)
- Adds flexibility (which reduces cracking)
- Boosts water resistance (ideal for external work)
- Improves durability and strength (especially in harsh conditions)
In short, it’s like giving your mix superpowers. But, like any superpower, it comes with responsibility, use it right, and it works wonders. Use it wrong, and you could be left with a spongy, weak, flaking mess.
What Is SBR Bond Used For?
SBR Bond is one of the most versatile additives a builder can have. Some common uses include:
- Bonding new concrete to old concrete
- Screeding over existing slabs
- Rendering damp or smooth walls
- Tanking basements and below-ground structures
- Improving waterproofing in mortar mixes
- Sealing porous masonry before applying chimney flaunching
- Creating slurry mixes for maximum adhesion
- Making concrete or render stronger and more crack-resistant
Personally, I rely on SBR when I’m doing chimney repairs, especially on older porous brickwork. I also use it in slurry form before applying render or a new flaunch, it grabs like nothing else.
When Should You Use SBR Bond?
Use SBR Bond whenever you’re working on surfaces that need extra help with bonding or water resistance. It’s especially useful when:
- Working in damp, cold, or variable weather (like a typical day in Nottinghamshire!)
- Rendering or screeding onto old concrete
- Sealing porous or dusty surfaces
- Prepping surfaces that might move or flex (like chimney tops or old roofs)
- Creating high-performance slurry mixes for critical adhesion (e.g., chimney rendering)
It’s also great for interior waterproofing (e.g. tanking basements), but check the spec of the product you’re using, as not all SBRs are rated for below-ground use.
When Not to Use SBR Bond
This is crucial, SBR Bond doesn’t play well with every surface or situation. Here’s when to steer clear:
- Greasy, oily, or sealed surfaces – SBR needs to soak into the surface to bond. If it can’t penetrate, it won’t adhere.
- Painted or previously sealed masonry – Again, no absorption = no grip.
- Mixes that already contain polymers – Some modern products include their own latex/polymer additives. Adding SBR on top can make them too flexible, rubbery, or slow to cure.
- Poor surface prep – Dust, grime or flaky material underneath will ruin adhesion. Always clean thoroughly!
If you apply SBR to the wrong surface, your render or screed might:
- Delaminate (peel off)
- Crack
- Crumble or go soft
- Fail completely over time
It’s brilliant stuff, but it’s not magic. Surface prep and application technique matter.
How Much SBR Bond Should You Use?
This is where many people go wrong. Too little and it won’t work, too much and you’ll ruin the mix.
💡 Rule of Thumb: Use 10% of the weight of cement in your mix.
Example:
- 1 full bag of cement = 25 kg
- 10% of that = 2.5 kg (or 2.5 litres) of SBR Bond
SBR is roughly the same density as water, so you can measure it in litres. Always reduce the amount of water in your mix by the amount of SBR you add. If you add 2 litres of SBR, remove 2 litres of water to keep your mix balanced.
Too much SBR can make mixes:
- Sticky and difficult to spread
- Spongy or overly flexible
- Slow to cure
- Weak in final strength
What’s a Slurry Mix and Why Use It?
A slurry mix is my go-to trick when rendering chimneys or applying mortar to difficult surfaces.
It’s a thin, paint-like bonding coat that acts like a super primer. Here’s how to make it:
🧪 Slurry Mix Recipe:
- 1 part SBR
- 1 part clean water
- Enough cement to form a thick paint-like paste
🖌️ How to Use It:
- Dampen (but don’t soak) the surface.
- Apply the slurry with a brush or roller.
- Wait until it goes tacky (not wet, not dry).
- Apply your mortar, render, or flaunch onto the tacky slurry.
This method guarantees top-notch adhesion and prevents render failures, especially in cold, wet, or low-absorption situations.
🛑 Pro Tip: If the slurry dries before you apply your top coat — just re-apply. Don’t apply onto dry slurry or it may act like a barrier instead of a primer.
Surface Preparation Tips
Before using SBR as a sealer or in a slurry:
- Remove dust, debris, oils, and loose bits
- Use a stiff brush or a blower (I always carry one)
- Don’t skip this — the best mixes fail without good surface prep
SBR needs to soak into clean, absorbent surfaces. That’s where the bond comes from.
Want to See It All in Action?
If you're more of a visual learner, I’ve created a full video guide showing exactly how I use SBR Bond on the job, complete with tips, mistakes I’ve made in the past, and real-world examples from the rooftops.
📺 Watch it here: 👉 SBR Bond Explained – How, When & Why to Use It (Full Guide)
Final Thoughts: Is SBR Bond Worth It?
Absolutely — when used correctly.
SBR Bond is one of the most valuable products in my roofing toolkit. It improves the strength, longevity, and flexibility of your work, especially when weather and surface conditions aren’t ideal.
If you're working on chimney flaunchings, tanking, rendering or screeding, especially on old, porous or damp surfaces using SBR Bond could be the difference between a five-year job and a twenty-year one.
Just remember:
- Prep the surface well
- Stick to the correct ratios
- Don’t slap it in willy-nilly
About DJI High Access Services Ltd
At DJI High Access Services, we specialise in high-level chimney work, roof repairs, and property maintenance using our own cherry picker eliminating the need for scaffolding in many cases. Based in Nottinghamshire, we serve homeowners, landlords, and commercial clients across the East Midlands, including Mansfield, Nottingham, Newark, and beyond.
Whether you need:
- A chimney flaunching or liner installation
- A leaky roof inspecting and repairing
- Moss removed and tiles treated
- Or just expert advice from a roofer who works at height every day
—we’ve got you covered.
Follow Dan the Cherrypicker Man
If you enjoyed this deep dive into SBR Bond and found it useful, there’s loads more hands-on content where that came from! I'm Dan the Cherrypicker Man – tackling tricky rooftops, high-access chimney repairs, and all the oddball jobs ladders can’t reach.🛠️ Whether it's roof surveys, chimney maintenance, or tool reviews, I bring you along for the ride in every video complete with real-world tips, honest mistakes, and the occasional dad joke.
👉 Follow along and subscribe:
- 🎥 YouTube: Dan the Cherrypicker Man
- 🎵 TikTok: @dan_cherrypicker_man
- 📸 Instagram: @dan_cherrypicker_man
- 📘 Facebook: Dan the Cherrypicker Man
And if you're in the Nottinghamshire or East Midlands area and need safe, reliable high-access work on your roof or chimney, check out my company, DJI High Access Services Ltd, at www.dji-uk.co.uk– the trusted local specialists in roofs, flues, and all things high-up.