Choosing the right adhesive can save you a lot of headaches down the line. Our guide to choosing the best construction adhesive explains the key factors in selecting the right product to ensure your jobs are completed on time and within budget.
The adhesives you use on a job play an important role in the eventual success or failure of the project. Choosing a construction adhesive can be challenging, given the long list of options available. The right adhesive should provide the necessary strength, cure within the available period of time, and fit within the project’s budget. Failure to use the right adhesive can lead to weak bonds, project delays, and callbacks.
This guide lists the main factors to consider when choosing the best construction adhesive for different projects.
Adhesives play an essential role in modern construction projects. Keep the following considerations in mind when choosing the right adhesive for your projects.
1. Strength: While every application will not require the strongest adhesive, strength is one of the important factors to consider when selecting the right product. When assessing an adhesive’s strength, you need to think about internal strength (cohesion) and surface grip (adhesion). Adhesion refers to the product’s ability to stick to the surface of materials. Cohesion refers to a product’s ability to bond internally.
Choose a product that not only sticks to the surfaces you want to join, but also forms a strong bond internally.
2. Type: There are different types of adhesives, each suited to specific applications. Some of the main types include:
- Water-based/acrylic/latex: These products are an excellent option for indoor use thanks to their lower volatile organic compounds (VOC) and odor levels. Since they are water-based and cure through evaporation, one of the materials being bonded must be porous. If you are joining two non-porous materials like PVC or glass, curing is very slow. Water-based adhesives normally shrink during curing. Avoid using this product in freezing temperatures.
- Solvent-based: Mostly recommended for outdoor use, solvent-based adhesives have strong odors and require a longer curing period. These products also have significant levels of VOCs (though lower in new formulations). One of the main advantages of these adhesives is that they can be used in freezing and wet conditions. However, like water-based alternatives, solvent-based products shrink during curing.
- Polyurethane-based: Suitable for use in both hot and freezing conditions, these products can be used to join non-porous and porous materials. Since they have a chemical curing process, they retain their mass after drying. They can be used both indoors and outdoors, and normally set quickly. However, these products may not be suitable for use around people who are sensitive to chemicals. It is also worth noting that these adhesives tend to expand as they cure.
- Hybrid polymer: Designed to be used in all weather conditions, whether extremely hot or cold, these products cure chemically like their polyurethane counterparts. However, they do not expand during the curing process. They are an excellent option for joining two non-porous materials.
3. Materials: Construction adhesives can be used to bond different materials. When choosing the right product, consider the material you are working with. For example, if you are dealing with a cemented surface, choose a product that bonds well with this porous substance. The joint should remain strong even with changes in the moisture content and temperature of the cement.
Since they are adhesive resistant, metals can be challenging to join using adhesives. For strong and durable bonds, choose a product specifically designed for this application.
4. VOC compliance: Some construction adhesives contain VOCs. These compounds are harmful to human beings and the environment. Always consider VOC regulations when choosing the best construction adhesive. This is especially important because these regulations vary from one country to another. If you are looking for eco-friendly options, ensure that you only buy low and/or non-VOC products.
5. Availability: Delaying your projects simply because you can’t get your hands on your preferred adhesive can be frustrating. Before choosing a specific product, find out if it is widely available. Otherwise, you might have to delay a job or incur higher costs to order more adhesive mid-project.
6. Special project needs: If you are working on a special project, like restoring a very old building, take the time to carefully evaluate its unique requirements. Use the information you uncover to choose an adhesive that perfectly matches the application. For instance, you might need to get something that not only joins different materials but also fills gaps.
You must get the right product to achieve strong and long-lasting bonds on every project. An excellent option for DIYers, Loctite Power Grab Ultimate features state-of-the-art construction adhesive technology. This multipurpose adhesive can be used on indoor and outdoor projects. It can be applied on wet surfaces and in temperatures ranging from 40°F to 105°F.
As Loctite’s strongest and most durable construction adhesive, Loctite PL Premium MAX, is the best fit for professionals. For flexible and heavy-duty bonds, this product does not develop air pockets after curing. Designed for both interior and exterior use, this waterproof adhesive can be applied to both wet and frozen surfaces. Suitable applications include the installation of stairs, flooring, framing, decks, and landscaping projects.
These products can form durable bonds between various materials, including non-porous surfaces. The adhesives work well with common construction materials, like concrete, wood, masonry, porcelain, granite, marble, glass, plywood, some plastics, metal, brick, PVC, and ceramic.
Both Loctite PL Premium MAX and Loctite Power Grab Ultimate are low-VOC, environmentally friendly options.