Tricks for bricks: Adhesives that stick

Make sure your bricks stay in place and look great with the right brick adhesive. After all, bricks are crucial to decorative walls, while also playing an important role in landscaping. Read on to learn more about adhesive glue for bricks.

Brick adhesive: An easy solution for important projects

If you plan to upgrade your garden by adding a decorative wall or other landscaping elements involving bricks, you’ll want it to be top of the line. Bricks play a vital role in the aesthetics of homes as well as property walls and landscaping. The right adhesive glue for bricks can keep everything from non-load bearing walls to concrete paving stones stable, sturdy, and attractive for years.

How to use adhesive glue for bricks

Follow these simple instructions to make your next brick construction project a piece of cake. Important: please note, adhesive glue for bricks is not suitable for load bearing and large walls!

Preparation. Make sure all surfaces you want to bond are clean and structurally sound, and pre-fit all materials before applying your product.

Protect your hands. Like many adhesives, brick glue (and the bricks themselves) can be hard on your hands, so wear gloves and wash your hands after working on your project.

Temperature. Read the manufacturer’s instructions to find out whether you can successfully carry out your project in the current weather conditions and how to store your adhesive prior to using it during cold temperatures.

Application. Cut the nozzle to the proper size and apply the glue in a continuous bead to one surface you want to bond. The shape and size of the bead will vary, depending on your project. Apply the brick adhesive fast enough so the material can be (re-)positioned and bonded within the time specified in the manufacturer’s instructions. You can use an accelerator to speed up cure time for some products and projects.

Support and strain. You may need to brace your project or secure it in place until the adhesive has cured. Avoid strain, such as foot traffic, after you have completed your installation, as stated in the manufacturer’s instructions.

Clean-up. Clean tools and uncured adhesive residue immediately with warm water and soap or using mineral spirits, as stated in the instructions. You can carefully cut away cured adhesive with a sharp-edged tool.

Choosing the right brick adhesive

Probably the most important factor you need to consider when selecting your brick adhesive is whether your bricks will be exposed to the elements and whether they form part of your landscaping.

If you are working with bricks which are positioned outdoors, you will need to make sure your exterior brick adhesive can withstand the temperatures and weather in your region. Products like Loctite PL 500 Landscape Block Adhesive, which can be applied in all kinds of weather and bonds wet or dry, are specially formulated for use as a landscape brick glue.

Other products, such as Loctite PL 375 Heavy Duty Construction Adhesive, can bond to a variety of surfaces and are suited for both indoor and outdoor use, but are not appropriate for landscaping walls and similar applications. Stronger formulas, including Loctite PL Premium Fast Grab, can help you save time because your project will require less bracing.

Don’t stop at bricks;

find out about other construction adhesives and tricks to make material stick here.