Everbuild Black Jack Bitumen Roofing Felt Adhesive
Everbuild Black Jack Bitumen Roofing Felt Adhesive 5L, also known as Black Jack 904, is a cold-applied, oxidised bitumen adhesive formulated for bonding roofing felt to a range of common building surfaces. It can be used to bond compatible roofing felt to timber, concrete, metal and existing felt, as well as sealing felt laps and fixing mineral chippings as part of a cold-gritting application.
The adhesive develops a strong, waterproof bond without requiring heat or specialist hot-working equipment. Once cured, it forms a tough but flexible film that responds to changing temperatures by hardening and softening while maintaining the bond between the felt and the prepared substrate.
Supplied in a practical 5-litre tin, Everbuild Black Jack 904 is suitable for roofing installations, repairs and property maintenance. It can be applied using a stiff brush, mop or squeegee, making it suitable for both professional contractors and experienced DIY users.
Cold-Applied Roofing Felt Adhesive
Traditional hot bitumen applications require heating equipment and careful temperature control. Black Jack 904 is applied cold directly from the container, providing a simpler and more convenient method of installing compatible bituminous roofing felt.
The product should be stirred thoroughly before and during use to maintain an even consistency. Apply the adhesive to the prepared surface and leave it open for approximately 15–30 minutes. This waiting period allows the product to develop the tack needed to receive the felt. The precise open time will depend on temperature, airflow and general drying conditions.
Carefully place or unroll the roofing felt into the wet adhesive film. Press, rub or roll each section firmly to maximise contact and remove trapped air. Whenever possible, use a light roller weighing approximately 25kg to roll the felt securely into position. Weight the material down where necessary until full adhesion has developed.
Suitable Surfaces
Everbuild Black Jack Bitumen Roofing Felt Adhesive can be used to bond compatible roofing felt to:
- Timber roof decks
- Concrete and cement-based surfaces
- Metal roof surfaces
- Existing bituminous roofing felt
- Asphalt and similar compatible substrates
All surfaces must be stable, dry and thoroughly cleaned before application. Remove dust, dirt, grease, loose coatings and any other substances that could interfere with adhesion. Wet or waterlogged surfaces are not suitable when using the product as a roofing felt adhesive.
Metal surfaces should be wire-brushed to remove loose rust. Where long-term corrosion protection is required, apply an appropriate rust-inhibiting treatment before using the adhesive. New galvanised metal should be roughened with a wire brush or prepared using a suitable etch primer.
Concrete, cement screeds and other highly porous surfaces should first be primed with Black Jack 902 Bitumen & Flashing Primer. Allow the primer to dry completely before applying the felt adhesive.
Bonding Felt on Timber Roofs
When working on timber roof structures, the first layer of roofing felt must be mechanically fixed with suitable roofing nails. Black Jack 904 can then be used to bond the second and third layers, subject to the roofing felt manufacturer’s installation instructions and the specification of the complete roof system.
Apply the adhesive evenly without leaving thin, missed or excessively heavy areas. Carefully roll the felt into position and ensure that it lies flat without wrinkles, creases or trapped pockets of air.
Black Jack 904 is intended for horizontal applications, including flat and gently sloping roofs. It is not recommended for vertical bonding, where the weight of the felt may cause movement before the adhesive cures.
Sealing Roofing Felt Laps
The adhesive is suitable for sealing the laps between adjoining sheets or layers of compatible roofing felt. Side laps should be at least 75mm wide, while laps at the end of each roll should be at least 150mm.
Apply a generous, even layer of adhesive to the underside of each lap and compact the felt firmly. Check that the complete width of the joint is bonded and that no air or debris has been trapped between the layers.
The final edges of the felt should also be treated with the adhesive and pressed securely into place. Correctly formed and sealed laps are essential to the weather resistance and longevity of the roof covering.
Drying and Aftercare
The typical drying time is approximately 24 hours, although actual curing will depend on the temperature, humidity, airflow, substrate and amount of adhesive applied. Cold, damp or poorly ventilated conditions will slow the process.
Around 24 hours after laying the felt, inspect the complete installation to confirm that full adhesion has been achieved. Pay particular attention to laps, edges and corners. Any areas that have not bonded correctly should be pressed or rolled firmly back into position.
Avoid trafficking or disturbing the roof covering while the adhesive is curing. The felt may also need to be temporarily weighted to maintain complete contact with the substrate.
Coverage
When used as a roofing felt adhesive, Black Jack 904 provides approximate coverage of 1.3–1.6m² per litre. One 5-litre tin will therefore cover approximately 6.5–8m² under suitable application conditions.
Actual coverage will vary depending on the substrate’s porosity and texture, the application method and the amount required to achieve complete contact. Rough or porous backgrounds are likely to use more adhesive than smooth, correctly primed surfaces.
Cold Gritting Applications
Everbuild Black Jack 904 can also be used as a cold-gritting solution on roofs with a slope of up to 10°. Mineral chippings are applied to the wet adhesive to create a protective surface finish.
Spread the adhesive evenly over a clean surface, working in manageable sections of approximately 20m². Apply the selected chippings immediately while the film remains wet, ensuring the material covers the adhesive shoulder-to-shoulder without excessive build-up.
Leave the finished surface undisturbed for at least 72 hours before lightly brushing away loose chippings. Do not leave areas of the black adhesive film exposed.
Approximate coverage as a gritting adhesive is:
- 3mm mineral chippings: Approximately 1.4m² per litre
- 10mm mineral chippings: Approximately 1.1m² per litre
Key Benefits
- Cold-applied with no heating required
- High-strength bonding performance
- Bonds compatible roofing felt to timber, concrete and metal
- Suitable for bonding felt to existing roofing felt
- Can be used to seal felt laps and final edges
- Forms a tough, flexible and waterproof bond
- Suitable as a cold-gritting adhesive
- Apply using a stiff brush, mop or squeegee
- Ideal for roofing installation, repair and maintenance
- Supplied in a convenient 5-litre tin
Product Information
- Brand: Everbuild Black Jack
- Product number: 904
- Product type: Bitumen roofing felt adhesive
- Container size: 1 litre, 2.5 litres
- Colour: Black
- Chemical base: Oxidised bitumen in hydrocarbon
- Application method: Stiff brush, mop or squeegee
- Application temperature: +10°C to +25°C
- Open time: Approximately 15–30 minutes
- Typical drying time: Approximately 24 hours
- Coverage as felt adhesive: Approximately 1.3–1.6m² per litre
- Estimated 5L coverage: Approximately 6.5–8m²
- Shelf life: Up to 24 months in unopened, undamaged containers
Storage and Safety
Store the tin securely between +5°C and +25°C. The product contains a flammable solvent, so keep it away from flames, sparks, hot surfaces and other ignition sources. Do not smoke while applying or handling the adhesive.
Use only in well-ventilated areas and wear appropriate protective gloves, clothing and eye protection. Avoid breathing vapours and prevent the product from entering drains or waterways.
Clean tools immediately after application using Sika Wonder Wipes or white spirit. Remove spillages before the bitumen sets. Always read the product label, safety data sheet and current technical data sheet before use.
