What is construction adhesive used for?

Construction adhesives are used for structural and non-structural bonding. Able to be applied to a wide range of surfaces, including wood, metal, tiles and concrete, construction adhesives are considered to be general-purpose agents. Whether you want to install a tile backsplash or fill a gap around a window frame, construction adhesive can be used to create a strong bond between materials.

What to consider when choosing construction adhesive

Surface – What surface you plan to use your construction adhesive on can alter which product you need. As each material has different molecular and chemical properties, it’s best to choose a construction adhesive that has been formulated to meet your surfaces’ needs. However, there are multi-purpose adhesives available for when you need to bond two different materials together, such as wood and concrete. For this, we’d recommend using Sika Sikaflex EBT which is an extremely versatile construction adhesive.

Properties – When choosing a construction adhesive, it’s useful to consider what you will be using it for and what properties you need it to have. For example, if you want to perform internal and external perimeter pointing on a boat, you will likely need an adhesive with waterproofing properties. For this application, we’d recommend Everbuild Stixall Extreme Power, which can even be applied underwater if required.

Conditions – The conditions and environments your construction adhesive will be subjected to need to be considered. For instance, if using construction adhesive for an exterior project, you will need to choose a product that’s UV and weather resistant, such as the Sika Multi Stick. This is an incredibly durable adhesive and will ensure the longevity of your exterior construction.

How long does it take for construction adhesive to cure?

How long your construction adhesive takes to cure will depend on the surface, application and conditions. For the majority of construction adhesives, it is advised that you apply pressure to set the components into place. This can be done with your hands or with a clamp to ensure optimal bonding. Most construction adhesives will require at least 24hours to cure for a thickness between 2 to 3mm. However, others can take up to 7 days. We’d recommend always reading the application instructions to find out the exact curing times of a product.

How can construction adhesive be applied?

There are two different ways construction adhesive can be applied, each with its own uses and benefits.

Beads are when lines of adhesive are applied using a calking gun. This is the most popular method of application and can be used for bonding, filling and sealing a wide variety of materials. Whether you want to install wood panelling or point around windows, beading is an effective method to use.

Full coverage is when adhesive is applied with a notched trowel. This method is often used to lay floor materials, like ceramic tiles.

If you are unsure which type of construction adhesive you need, get in touch with our team at Solseal. We’re here to provide you with expert advice to ensure you achieve the best possible finish.