Adhesives

Adhesives play a critical part in construction or restoration of existing buildings. They come in many different types, with the correct choice sometimes being difficult to make. The variables include substrate composition, strength, cure time, temperature during and after application, compatibility, price and many other considerations. Our technical team can help you with your project to find the most suitable adhesive after taking all of the variables into consideration. If you’re not sure which one is best for your project, you’re at the right place to find out.

Concrete Bonding

Pouring new concrete or any cementitious material onto an existing cured concrete surface creates a cold joint. It may appear to be bonded but the new concrete is essentially just sitting on the old surface and with movement or any other stresses it can often delaminate if a proper bonding agent is not utilised prior to the new pour. Concrete bonding can be accomplished with a few different types of adhesives including latex, epoxy and other types. The correct choice is dependent on many factors that include speed, type of overlay, open time, anticipated loads among other considerations.

Epoxy

Epoxies are multi-component resinous materials that cure once mixed with a catalyst or hardener in the appropriate ratio. Epoxies are considered structural adhesives and are used in many construction applications including concrete bonding, carbon fibre reinforcement, chemical anchoring and other non-bonding applications like high abrasion coatings or chemical resistant coatings. Epoxies are also excellent electrical insulators and are utilised in ESD (electrostatic discharge) floors which transfer the electrostatic charge from a person to the flooring. See our coatings section for more information on this and other specialised coatings.

Other

General purpose construction adhesives have various chemistries that include polyurethane, acrylic resin, hexane, styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) among others. These adhesives can be used for adhering many common building elements including wood, drywall, moldings, styrofoam, metal, tile etc.